5-Night South Downs Guided Walking Holiday
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5-Night South Downs Guided Walking Holiday Tour Style: Guided Walking Destinations: South Downs & England Trip code: AWBOB-5 1 & 2 HOLIDAY OVERVIEW 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 • 4 days guided walking • Use of our comprehensive Discovery Point • Choice of up to three guided walks each walking day • The services of HF Holidays Walk Leaders www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 1 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 HOLIDAYS HIGHLIGHTS • Head out on full day walks to discover the varied beauty of the South Downs on foot • Admire panoramic sea and cliff views • Let a local leader bring classic routes and offbeat areas to life • Enjoy magnificent South Downs coastal scenery • Visit charming English villages • Look out for wildlife, find secret corners and learn about the rich history • A relaxed pace of discovery in a sociable group keen to get some fresh air in one of England’s most beautiful walking areas • Discover what makes the South Downs so special from the white cliffs to the sandy beaches • Evenings in our country house where you share a drink and re-live the day’s adventures TRIP SUITABILITY This trip is graded Activity Level 1, 2 and 3. This easier variation of our best-selling Guided Walking holidays is the perfect way to enjoy a gentle exploration of the Lake District. There will be a choice of up to three guided walks, including a walk of 3 or 4 miles. ITINERARY Day 1: Arrival Day You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival. Day 2: 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. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 2 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 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 3: Devil's Dyke And Ditchling Beacon Option 1 - Clayton Windmills Distance: 6 miles (10km) Total ascent: 800 feet (240m) In Summary: Ascend to Clayton Windmills on the crest of the Downs. We'll follow the South Downs Way over Ditchling Beacon, then descend the escarpment to Ditchling village. Highlight: We'll pass the iconic Clayton Windmills. 'Jill' is a a wooden post mill from 1822, whilst 'Jack' is a brick tower mill from 1864. Option 2 - Devil's Dyke Distance: 9½ miles (15km) Total ascent: 1,000 feet (300m) In Summary: Walk atop the Downs from Devil's Dyke to Ditchling Beacon, following the South Downs Way for much of the walk. Highlight: Devil's Dyke is a natural valley high on the Downs. It's hard to imagine that this peaceful beauty spot was once a Victorian tourist attraction complete with a railway, observatory and cable-car. Option 3 - Devils Dyke To Ditchling Distance: 11½ miles (18.5km) Total ascent: 1,450 feet (440m) In Summary: A longer walk from Devil's Dyke to Ditchling. We'll take in the the summits of Newtimber Hill and Wolstonbury Hill before rejoining the South Downs Way near the Clayton Windmills. Highlight: Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex and enjoys a commanding view south over the English Channel. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 3 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Day 4: Free Day Discover more about Abingworth Hall and the local area for ideas on how to fill your free day. Day 5: The Iconic Seven Sisters Option 1 - Seven Sisters Distance: 6 miles (9.5km) Total ascent: 500 feet (160m) In Summary: Starting at Friston church, we walk south to reach the chalk cliffs near Birling Gap, before walking along the Seven Sisters coastal path to Cuckmere Haven. Highlight: Take time to savour the outstanding coastal scenery then gaze down from the final 'sister' over the River Cuckmere as it meanders gracefully towards the sea. Option 2 - Beachy Head & Seven Sisters Distance: 9 miles (14.5km) Total ascent: 1,150 feet (360m) In Summary: Follow the South Downs Way from above Eastbourne to Beachy Head. We then follow the glorious coastal path past the Belle Tout lighthouse and over the Seven Sisters to Cuckmere Haven. Highlight: Look out for the Belle Tout lighthouse, now a private residence. In 1999 it was carefully jacked 17 metres inland, away from the rapidly eroding cliff edge. Option 3 - Eastbourne & Seven Sisters Distance: 10 miles (16km) Total ascent: 1,550 feet (460m) In Summary: We begin with a promenade from Eastbourne Pier to the start of the South Downs Way. Following the walk up to Beachy Head, we continue along the same route as the medium walk to Cuckmere Haven. Highlight: Enjoy magnificent sea views as we walk atop the iconic chalk cliffs of Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters - a memorable day of breathtaking scenery. Day 6: Departure Day Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 4 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 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. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to walking here; go for a lazy amble around the wildlife rich chalk Downlands to discover a colourful tapestry of historic villages, thatched cottages, pastoral landscapes and vibrant market towns. Highlights of your stay might include the Seven Sisters, the Glorious Goodwood estate, the Devil’s Dyke and Chanctonbury Ring, as well as Arundel and the National Trust property at Petworth. Take your pick. Matchless Country House Accommodation Accommodation Info Need To Know Important Covid-19 Steps We Have Taken For Guest Safety: Please Read Following the relaxation in government guidance on 19 July, we are continuing to take extra steps to keep our guests leaders, and staff safe in our HF country houses. We ask all our guests to respect the measures put in place. The English, Scottish and Welsh governments are not in sync, so measures in our country houses will vary between the nations. With the relaxation of social distancing in England, from 19 July we will be allowing larger groups to dine and relax in the bar together. However, we will still give guests space e.g. we will seat 6 people at a table where pre-pandemic we may have seated 8. We will ensure our public rooms are well ventilated by opening doors and windows wherever possible. If you have any concerns about distancing, please speak to the House Manager. The government recommendation for England is to wear face coverings in crowded areas. You must wear a face covering by law in public areas in hotels in Scotland. This is mandatory in public spaces; however, face coverings will not be required whilst eating and drinking in the restaurant and bar areas or whilst you are outside our houses. In Wales face coverings will remain a legal requirement indoors, with the exception of hospitality premises. As a temporary measure, we will not be servicing rooms during a stay. Extra tea, coffee, milk, and toiletries will be made available on request for all guests. It is recommended that guests bring their own toiletries for the duration of their stay. We will though be increasing the frequency of cleaning in our public areas providing particular attention to frequently touched items including door handles and handrails. Menus for the week will be available in your room on arrival. A self-service breakfast will be served from 7.45am – 9am. Picnic lunches will now be pre-ordered the night before from an order form in the room. Evening meals will be table service. A dinner order form will be available in each room for completion.