LIMITED: The BWs walk the South Downs Way, Part 7: Lewes to Alfriston, 11.5 miles, moderate/challenging

Calendar

When:

October 19, 2024 @ 10:00 am – 3:30 pm

2024-10-19T10:00:00+01:00

2024-10-19T15:30:00+01:00

Where:

Lewes Station
Lewes BN7 2UP
UK

Cost:

Free

Contact:

Robyn

07710240254

Walk

Booking Required Limited Spaces (26) Linear medium pace moderate/challenging public transport South Downs Way Walk

This is Part 7 of a series of walks the BWs are doing to complete the South Downs Way in weekend sections. This 11.5-mile linear walk from Lewes first follows the flat riverside path next to the River Ouse and picks up the SDW with some moderate climbs into the surrounding hills before arriving in the pretty village of Alfriston.

Booking is required for this walk, which is limited to 26 walkers. Please book your place via Meetup.

Pace: medium. Ascent: 286m.

Walk details

We’ll commence our journey at Lewes Station, embarking on a leisurely stroll along the riverside path before rejoining the South Downs Way trail. Ascending the winding steep path at Itford Farm towards Itford Hill, we anticipate being greeted by breathtaking vistas of Lewes. Our route will then lead us onward to Firle Beacon before descending into the charming village of Alfriston. Depending on our pace, there may be an opportunity to explore the village, renowned for St Andrew’s Church, dubbed the “Cathedral of the South Downs”, and the Clergy House – which remains open until 16:30. The Clergy House holds special historical significance as the National Trust’s inaugural property, acquired in 1896, boasting a rare 14th-century Wealden “Hall House”. For those of us seeking refreshment, The George Inn, established in 1397, is an option.

On the following day (Sunday, September 1st), we’ll embark on the final stretch of the South Downs Way. You may wish to organsie your own accomodation locally, or alternatively you may opt to return to Berkshire at the end of the day.

Travel details

By public transport

Outbound journey: Take the train from Reading station to Lewes via Gatwick airport (more info when train times are published). The journey usually takes 2h30 in total. Expect the train to leave Reading by 7am.

Return journey: You may like to stay locally overnight to continue the final leg of the South Downs Way on Sunday 20th October. If you are returning to Berkshire this evening, you will need to organise own transport back to Lewes by taxi, or the cheaper option is a taxi to Seaford railway station then a quick train to Lewes. It appears there is the 125 bus that runs between Alfriston and Lewes a few times a day but it is unclear if you can alight at Alfriston.

By car

You may park at Lewes Station car park (charges may apply). You will need to organise own transport back to Lewes by taxi at the end of the walk, or the cheaper option is a taxi to Seaford railway station then a quick train to Lewes.

Notes

Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
Please feel free to contact the leader with queries about the walk, or if you are delayed on the day.

Booking onto a walk

Most walks do not require advance booking, and you can just turn up on the day. We encourage those comfortable with Meetup to indicate there that you plan to come though, so that others can see there will be plenty of people there – this really helps to encourage new members to come along.
For the few which still have limited numbers, this is handled via Meetup. Follow the link to a walk’s Meetup page (or press 🎟 Register / 🎟 Tickets / 🎟), and mark yourself as attending.
Social and other events may have their own booking system – please see the event description.

Pace Guide

Gentle: led at a gentle pace with regular short breaks for water or rest. Should be suitable for anyone capable of the distance. (Expect 2–2.5 mph.)
Medium: led at an intermediate pace with fewer breaks but still suitable for most walkers. (Expect 2.5–3 mph.)
Fast: led at a quick pace with minimal breaks. May be a challenge for those with less fitness. (Expect 3 mph+.)

Speeds quoted are only a rough guide, including time spent on short water/rest stops and negotiating stiles/gates/roads etc. but not that spent on longer lunch or pub stops.