7-Night South Downs Gentle Walking Holiday
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7-Night South Downs Gentle Walking Holiday Tour Style: Gentle Walks Destinations: South Downs & England Trip code: AWBEW-7 1 & 2 HOLIDAY OVERVIEW This easier variation of our best-selling Guided Walking holidays is the perfect way to enjoy a gentle exploration of the South Downs. The choice of three guided walks includes a very short walk of 3 or 4 miles. Enjoy 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. 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 and 1 free day • Use of our comprehensive Discovery Point • Choice of up to three guided walks each walking day • The services of HF Holidays Walking 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 and 2. This easier variation of our best-selling Guided Walking holidays is the perfect way to enjoy a gentle exploration of Sussex and the South Downs. The choice of three guided walks includes a very gentle walk of about 3 or 4 miles. ITINERARY Gentle Walks - Version 1 Day 1: Arrival Day You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival. Day 2: The Knepp Estate & Thakeham Option 1 - Thakeham, Warminghurst & Little Thakeham Distance: 4 miles (6km) Ascent: 300 feet (80m) In summary: We walk to the nearby village of Thakeham and then, via Warminghurst church, along Park Lane. We continue along a footpath to Little Thakeham, before ascending to the ridge and returning to the House. Highlight: The difference between the churches in Thakeham and Warminghurst. Option 2 - 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. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 2 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Option 3 - The Knepp Estate Distance: 10½ miles (16.5km) 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. Day 3: Scenic South Downs Option 1 - Below The Downs Distance: 4 miles (6.5km) Total ascent: 250 feet (80m) In Summary: Starting from Washington, a town with Saxon origins, contour below the magnificent South Downs to Steyning. Highlight: Steyning town trail - Tudor style, half-timbered houses, fine Georgian town houses and Norman carvings in St Andrew's Church. Option 2 - Along The Downs Distance: 7 miles (11.5km) Total ascent: 950 feet (280m) In Summary: Ascend to Chanctonbury Ring on the crest of the Downs, then take the South Downs Way along the hill-tops to the historic town of Steyning. Highlight: Chantonbury Ring has a mysterious atmosphere - local legend says that if you run 7 times around it on a moonless night, the Devil will appear and offer you a bowl of milk, soup or porridge (reports vary!). Option 3 - Chanctonbury & Cissbury Rings Distance: 10 miles (16km) Total ascent: 1,350 feet (420m) In Summary: Discover the two ancient hill forts of Chanctonbury and Cissbury Rings on our walk along the Downs from Washington to Steyning. Highlight: Cissbury Ring is a vast Iron Age hill fort, the second largest in Britain with formidable ditches and ramparts. 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: Storrington Option 1 - Perrett's Copse & Wantley Distance: 4 miles (6.55km) Ascent: 200 feet (60m) In Summary: We walk along the ridge to the west of the House and then turn south for a short distance before turning eastwards to Wantley, just north of Storrington. From here we walk northwards to complete our circuit, re-joining the outward route for our return to the House. Highlight: Views from the ridge are stunning. Option 2 - 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 3 - 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. Day 6: Through Cowdray Park To Petworth Option 1 - Halfway Bridge To Petworth Distance: 4 miles (6.5km) Total ascent: 520 feet (150m) In Summary: From Halfway Bridge we walk through fields and woodland to Petworth, soaking up this beautiful, historic corner of Sussex. Highlight: The National Trust's Petworth House is a true English gem - with grounds landscaped by 'Capability' Brown. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 4 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Option 2 - Cowdray & Petworth Park Distance: 6 miles (10km) Total ascent: 700 feet (220m) In Summary: Walk from the northern edge of the polo grounds of Cowdray Park, through attractive woodland and fields to Petworth. Here you can visit Petworth House or take an optional walk around the surrounding parkland. Highlight: Our walk passes by the National Trust's Petworth House - this grand property was rebuilt by the 'Proud' Duke of Somerset during the late 17th Century in the new Baroque style. Option 3 - Midhurst To Petworth Distance: 9 miles (14.5km) Total ascent: 1,000 feet (320m) In Summary: Follow the valley of the river Rother from the historic town of Midhurst to the ruins of Cowdray Park and the famous polo ground. We continue to Petworth, where there may be time to walk around Petworth Park or to visit the house. Highlight: The extensive grounds of Petworth House were landscaped by 'Capability' Brown and captured on canvas by JMW Turner. The park is currently home to England's largest herd of Fallow Deer. Day 7: Around Abingworth Option 1 - Highbars Copse & Thakeham Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5km) Total Ascent: 200 feet (60m) In Summary: We take a short stroll along the ridge to the west of the house and then turn north to the outskirts of West Chiltington. Walking eastwards, we follow paths towards Thakeham – with the option to visit the church and/or White Lion, before returning to the house through open countryside. Highlight: Views over the local area from the ridge near the house. Option 2 - 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 3 - Pulborough Brooks, Nutbourne & West Chiltington Distance: 8½ miles (14km) www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 5 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 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. Day 8: Departure Day Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. Gentle Walks - Version 2 Day 1: Arrival Day You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival. Day 2: The Knepp Estate And Thakeham Option 1 - Thakeham, Warminghurst & Little Thakeham Distance: 4 miles (6km) Ascent: 300 feet (80m) In summary: We walk to the nearby village of Thakeham and then, via Warminghurst church, along Park Lane. We continue along a footpath to Little Thakeham, before ascending to the ridge and returning to the House.