7-Night South Downs Tread Lightly Guided Walking Holiday
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7-Night South Downs Tread Lightly Guided Walking Holiday Tour Style: Tread Lightly Destinations: South Downs & England Trip code: AWSUS-7 1 & 2 HOLIDAY OVERVIEW We are all well-versed in ‘leaving no trace’ but now we invite you to join us in taking it to the next level with our new Tread Lightly walks. We have pulled together a series of spectacular walks which do not use transport, reducing our carbon footprint while still exploring the best landscapes that The South Downs have to offer. You will still enjoy the choice of three top-quality walks of different grades as well as the warm welcome of a HF country house, all with the added peace of mind that you are doing your part in protecting our incredible British countryside. Stride out along the rolling hills and magnificent chalk cliffs of the South Downs. This wildlife- rich chalk downland is a colourful tapestry of historic villages, thatched cottages, pastoral landscapes of sweeping cornfields and market towns, all of which can be explored on our Guided Walking holidays. WHAT'S INCLUDED • High quality en-suite accommodation in our country house • Full board from dinner upon arrival to breakfast on departure day • 5 days guided walking; 1 free day www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 1 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 • Use of our comprehensive Discovery Point • Choice of up to three guided walks each walking day • The services of HF Holidays Walking Leaders HOLIDAYS HIGHLIGHTS • Enjoy breath-taking walks from the doors of our country house • Take in wonderful countryside views and picturesque villages • Seek out the wonderful wildlife at Pulborough Brooks nature reserve • Enjoy the fantastic views from the South Downs Way ridge ITINERARY Day 1: Arrival Day You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival. Day 2: Pulborough And Nutbourne Option 1 - Hurston Place & Nutbourne Common Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km) Ascent: 450 feet (140m) In summary: We walk along the ridge to the west of the house to Hurston Place and then across West Sussex golf course to Nutbourne Common. We continue, eastwards, via West Chiltington to return to the house. Highlight: Walking along the West Sussex Literary Trail. Option 2 - Pulborough Brooks, Nutbourne & West Chiltington Distance: 8½ miles (14km) Ascent: 600 feet (180m) In summary: We walk along the ridge to the west of the House and continue west to the RSPB reserve at Pulborough. We then head north, across Pulborough Brooks meadows, to Pulborough village. We continue east to the villages of Nutbourne and West Chiltington, to return to the house. Highlight: The nature reserve at Pulborough Brooks is not to be missed. Option 3 - Pulborough And Nutbourne Distance: 11.5 miles (18km) Ascent: 850 feet (260m) In summary: We walk along the ridge to the west of the house and continue west to the RSPB reserve at Pulborough – and the opportunity for refreshments. We then head north, across Pulborough Brooks meadows, to Pulborough village. We continue north eventually to reach West Chiltington and return to the house. Highlight: Take in wonderful countryside views and picturesque villages. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 2 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Day 3: The South Downs Option 1 - Cootham & Storrington Distance: 6.5 miles (11km) Ascent: 400 feet (120m) In summary: We walk along the ridge to the west of the House and then south to Storrington. There will be time to explore Storrington and possibly visit a teashop before we return through fields to the House. Highlight: Wander around picturesque Storrington, the gateway to the South Downs. Option 2 - Washington, Sullington & Storrington Distance: 10 miles (16km) Ascent: 650 feet (200m) In summary: Walking south from the house, we cross Heath Common and Washington Common to reach the village of Washington. We return along a section of the South Downs Way and then descend into Storrington – with the opportunity for refreshment. We return through fields to the house. Highlight: The wonderful story behind the history of the Sanctuary. Option 3 - Washington & Chanctonbury Ring Distance: 11 miles (18km) Ascent: 1,250 feet (380m) In summary: Walking south from the house, we cross Heath Common and Washington Common to reach the village of Washington. We continue east to ascend onto the South Downs Way ridge and Chanctonbury Ring. We return to Washington and retrace our outward route back to the house. Highlight: Chanctonbury Ring, a prehistoric hill fort atop Chanctonbury Hill. Day 4: Free Day Discover more about Abingworth Hall and the local area for ideas on how to fill your free day. Day 5: Thakeham & The Knepp Estate Option 1 - Thakeham, Warminghurst & Ashington Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km) Total Ascent: 400 feet (120m) In Summary: We walk to the nearby village of Thakeham and then, via Warminghurst church, across fields to Ashington. We return via woodland to the House. Highlight: The gentle stroll through the woodland at the end of the walk. Option 2 - The Knepp Estate Distance: 10½ miles (16.5km) www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 3 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Ascent: 500 feet (140m) In summary: Leaving the house, we make our way to the outskirts of Thakeham. We continue across open farmland and through woodland to reach the south western edge of the Knepp Estate. We have time to explore some of its features before turning for home via Warminghurst. Highlight: Exploring the Knepp Estate. Option 3 - Shipley & The Knepp Estate Distance: 13½ miles (22km) Ascent: 600 feet (180m) In summary: We leave the house and make our way to the outskirts of Thakeham. Continuing across open farmland and through woodland, we reach the south western edge of the Knepp Estate. We continue to the village of Shipley before exploring the eastern part of the Knepp Estate. We return to the house via Warminghurst. Highlight: Shipley - this historic village that was first mentioned in the Domesday Book. Day 6: Parham Park Option 1 - Thakeham & Warminghurst Distance: 5 miles (8km) Total Ascent: 350 feet (120m) In Summary: From the house we ascend to the ridge and then make our way to Thakeham. We continue through open fields join a woodland track which takes us to Warminghurst. We return to the house via the outskirts of Thakeham – which might provide an opportunity to undertake a visit to the White Lion. Highlight: The peace and quiet of the woodland tracks. Option 2 - Parham Park Distance: 9 miles (14km) Ascent: 500 feet (160m) In summary: We walk along the ridge to the west of the house and continue west to the RSPB reserve at Pulborough. We continue south to the western entrance to Parham Park where we stroll through the park to Cootham before continuing into Storrington and return through fields to the house. Highlight: Stop to enjoy the RSPB reserve at Pulborough Brooks where sightings may include Sandpipers, Lapwing and Shoveler Ducks. Option 3 - Parham Park & Amberley Distance: 13.5 miles (22km) Ascent: 1,150 feet (340m) In summary: We walk along the ridge to the west of the house and then south to Cootham. We continue south to ascend onto the South Downs Way ridge and then west to Amberley, before returning through lovely www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 4 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Parham Park to the House. Highlight: Parham House is a fine Elizabethan residence, surrounded by an extensive deer park. Day 7: West Chiltington & Storrington Option 1 - West Chiltington & Thakeham Distance: 6 miles (9.5km) Total ascent:459 feet (140m) In Summary: Starting out west along the ridge, we soon turn north to West Chiltington. We return, via Thakeham – and possibly via the White Lion public house, to the Abingworth Hall. Highlight: West Chiltington church was built between 1100 & 1150 and has a fine collection of frescoes. As we head back to Abingworth Hall there are beautiful views towards the South Downs. Option 2 - Pulborough Brooks And West Chiltington Distance: 8.5 miles (14km) Ascent: 600 feet (180m) In summary: A repeat from earlier in the week for 7 night guests, on this fantastic walk we head along the ridge to the west of the house and continue west to the RSPB reserve at Pulborough – and the opportunity for refreshments. We then head north, across Pulborough Brooks meadows, to Pulborough village. We continue east to the villages of Nutbourne and West Chiltington, to return to the house. Highlight: The nature reserve at Pulborough Brooks is not to be missed. Option 3 - Storrington & South Downs Way Distance: 11 miles (17.5km) Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m) In summary: We walk along the ridge to the west of the house and then south to Storrington. We continue south to ascend onto the South Downs Way ridge and continue east to descend from Barnsfarm Hill to Rowdell. We return to the house across Washington Common & Heath Common. Highlight: Views from the South Downs Way ridge. Day 8: Departure Day Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. ACCOMMODATION Abingworth Hall Tucked away in the village of Thakeham at the foot of the South Downs, Abingworth Hall has stood in one form another since the 13th century. Gutted by fire, it was rebuilt in 1910 in its current distinctive style. As well as 27 en-suite rooms the house has all the ingredients you need for the perfect country house stay: three comfortable lounges with squishy sofas to kick back in, the largest of which opens onto an attractive conservatory and bar in which to dally, great food and super-comfy rooms to retire to.