About this Event
👣 What to expect
• Distance: 15 km
• Hiking Time: Approx. 5 hours
• Grade: Easy
• Ascent: 250 m
• Pace: Steady with breaks for lunch and photos
• Cost: £31 per person (includes guided Hike & return train tickets)
🕒 Meeting Point & Time
Location: London Bridge Rail Station at 10:00 am near the Ticket office
Depart: Meet us 10:00 am, we leave 10:20 am for 10:35 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 offers a variety of activities, including sailing, paddleboard hire, and opportunities to try windsurfing, making it the perfect spot for our lunch break. After a relaxed pause, the walk continues to Wakehurst Place, a National Trust property that serves as Kew’s “country garden” and is home to the world-famous Millennium Seed Bank. The final leg of the journey crosses two scenic valleys before returning to Balcombe, rounding off a walk rich in history, natural beauty, and breath taking views.
## Highlights
- The Ouse Valley Viaduct: This spectacular architecture is a stunning mid-19th-century railway bridge. A breath taking Victorian structure with 37 arches spanning the valley, regarded as “probably the most elegant viaduct in Britain.”
Ardingly Reservoir: A serene spot for wildlife watching and panoramic water views. - Wakehurst Place – Gardens, woodlands, and the Millennium Seedbank at this National Trust gem.
- High Weald Landscape Trail – Immerse yourself in classic English countryside with rolling hills and ancient woodland.
Hike Leader: Raj 07788 839784
🎒 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
GBP 34.29
