About this Event
👣 What to expect
• Distance: 12 km
• Hiking Time: Approx. 4 hours
• Grade: Easy
• Ascent: 210 m
• Pace: Steady with breaks for lunch and photos
🕒 Meeting Point & Time
Location: London Bridge Rail Station near the Ticket office
Depart: Meet us 09:05 am, we leave 09:20 am for 09:35 am train
Return: 06:05 PM Back in London Bridge (commitment required until then)
🥾 Description
This beautiful hike winds through shaded woodland trails, Cherry Lane, and peaceful country lanes, following farm tracks before descending into the valley to reveal the magnificent Ouse Valley Viaduct, an iconic masterpiece built in 1842 for the London to Brighton railway line. The route then climbs gently towards the serene Ardingly Reservoir, romantically nestled between steep, rolling hills.
Ardingly Reservoir is surrounded by steep wooded hills, the 198-acre reservoir is also designated a Local Nature Reserve, making it a peaceful spot for wildlife and birdlife. We’ll take a lunch stop by the reservoir, giving you time to relax and enjoy the setting before continuing through the countryside towards Haywards Heath.
With its dramatic Victorian viaduct, rolling Sussex hills, woodland trails and tranquil reservoir, this is a wonderfully varied day in the countryside — and a chance to discover a part of Sussex that many people simply pass by on the train.
Highlights
- Walk beneath the spectacular Ouse Valley Viaduct, built in 1842 with 37 arches
- Explore peaceful Sussex Weald countryside and mixed woodland
- Enjoy scenic paths around 198-acre Ardingly Reservoir
- A varied point-to-point adventure from Balcombe to Haywards Heath
🎒 What to Bring
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Water & packed lunch/snacks
- Weather appropriate clothing (layers, windbreaker)
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Optional: camera, walking poles
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Event venue & nearby stays
London Bridge Rail Station, Tooley street, London, United Kingdom
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