7-Night South Downs Guided Walking for Solos Holiday
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7-Night South Downs Guided Walking for Solos Holiday Tour Style: Guided Walking Holidays for Solos Destinations: South Downs & England Trip code: AWBOS-7 1, 2 & 3 HOLIDAY OVERVIEW Country walking is a great way to meet new friends. We welcome individual travellers on all of our holidays, but on Guided Walking for Solos the entire holiday is especially for single guests. Enjoy like-minded company and a great selection of walks on the South Downs. Discover rolling green hills, timeless towns and villages, and follow the chalk cliffs. 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 ITINERARY Day 1: Arrival Day You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival. Day 2: Pulborough To Abingworth Hall Option 1 - West Chiltington In Summary: Explore the gently undulating countryside of Sussex on this walk back to Abingworth Hall, via the picturesque village of West Chiltington. Highlights: 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 Soutth Downs. Distance: 6 miles (9½km) Total ascent: 600 feet (180m) Option 2 - Wiggonholt Church In Summary: Walk from the village of Fittleworth beside the rivers Rother and Arun. We return to Abingworth Hall passing the tiny church at Wiggonholt and across the RSPB reserve at Pulborough Brooks. Highlight: Discover the 17th Century timber-framed cottage that was oncee the home of Sir Edward Elgar, and soak up the view that inspired his Cello Concerto. Distance: 8 miles (13km) Total ascent: 700 feet (200m) Option 3 - Rother & Arun Valleys www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 2 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 In Summary: Our route from Stopham takes us through woodland and over gently rolling countryside to the tidal limit of the River Arun. We pass Wigginholt church and the RSPB reserve as we head back to Abingworth Hall. Highlight: Stop to enjoy the RSPB reserve at Pulbough Brooks where sightings may include Sandpipers, Lapwing and Shoveler Ducks. Distance: 11 miles (18km) Total ascent: 1,000 feet (300m) Day 3: The Iconic Seven Sisters Option 1 - Seven Sisters 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. Distance: 6 miles (9½km) Total ascent: 500 feet (160m) Option 2 - Beachy Head 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. Distance: 9 miles (14½km Total ascent: 1,150 feet (360m) Option 3 - Along The Cliffs In Summary: Walk from the inland village of East Dean over the chalk downs and along the South Downs Way to Beachy Head, then along the classic coastal path to Cuckmere Haven. Highlight: Enjoy magnficent sea views as we walk atop the iconic chalk cliffs or Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters - a memorable day of breathtaking scenery. Distance: 11 miles (18km) Total ascent: 1,550 feet (480m) Day 4: Free Day Discover more about Abingworth Hall and the local area for ideas on how to fill your free day. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 3 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Day 5: The Glorious Goodwood Estate Option 1 - West Dean Gardens In Summary: Walk through the Sussex countryside to the village of Singleton, then ascend onto the Downs to the top of the Trundle, overlooking Goodwood Racecourse. Highlight: The walk ends at the highly recommended West Dean Gardens (admission payable). Discover the water garden, rich herbaceous borders, and the Edwardian walled kitchen garden. Distance: 6½ miles (10½km) Total ascent: 800 feet (240km) Option 2 - The Trundle In Summary: Ascend through the woodland of the Drovers Estate to Levin Down Nature Reserve and the villages of Charlton and Singleton. After ascending the Trundle, we follow the West Sussex Literary Trail to West Dean Gardens. Highlight: The Trundle is a fantastic viewpoint from where you can gaze down on Gooodwood racecourse and the cathedral city of Chichester. Distance: 8 miles (13km) Total ascent: 1,000 feet (300m) Option 3 - West Sussex Circuit In Summary: Our circuit through West Sussex takes in the Trundle, before heading west over rolling hills to the Kingley Vale nature reserve and the curiously named Devil's Humps. We return along the Monarch's Way to West Dean. Highlight: Look out for the Devil's Humps, considered to be some of Britain's finest Bronze Age burial chambers, dating to around 500BC. Distance: 12½ miles (20km) Total ascent: 1,950 feet (580m) Day 6: River Valleys & Petworth Option 1 - Burton Park & Petworth House In Summary: Explore the gently rolling countryside of the Rother Valley on our walk through Burton Park to Petworth. Here you can visit Petworth House or take an optional walk around the surrounding parkland. Highlight: We pass by the National Trust's Petworth House - this grand property was built in the Duke of Somerset in the late 17th Century in the style of Versailles. Distance: 6 miles (10km) Total ascent: 500 feet (160m) www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 4 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Option 2 - Duncton Down To Petworth In Summary: Starting on Duncton Downs, the walk descends into the Rother Valley, passing through Burton Park and the village of Fittleworth on the way to Petworth. Highlight: Our walk passes Burton Park, another grand stately home dating from 1826. The small Norman church nearby is full of character. Distance: 9 miles (14½km) Total ascent: 850 feet (260m) Option 3 - Woolavington Down To Petworth In Summary: Walk over Woolavington Down then descend to the Rother Valley, passing Burton Park and Fittleworth on the way to Petworth House. Highlight: Burton Mill Pond is a great spot for coots, moorhen and great crested grebe. The walk finishes at Petworth, a charming small market town with fine buildings from the 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries. Distance: 11½ miles (18km) Total ascent: 1,300 feet (400m) Day 7: Scenic South Downs Option 1 - Chanctonbury Ring In Summary: Ascend to Chanctonbury Ring on the crest of the Downs, then take the South Downs Way along the hill-top 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 moonless night, the Devil will appear and offer you a bowl of milk, soup or porridge (reports vary!). Distance: 7½ miles (12km) Total ascent: 950 feet (280m) Option 2 - Cissbury Ring 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. Distance: 10 miles (16km) Total ascent: 1,350 feet (420m) Option 3 - On Top Of The Downs In Summary: This longer route takes fabulous scenery, either on top of the Downs, or the rolling lower slopes. We'll take in both Cissbury and Chanctonbury Rings on the way to historic Steyning. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 5 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Highlight: Throughout the day there are panoramic views south to the English Channel, and north over the rolling countryside of the Sussex Weald. Distance: 12½ miles (20½km) Total ascent: 1,500 feet (460m) 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. 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.