POLEGATE RAMBLING CLUB
WALKS PROGRAMME JANUARY TO APRIL 2024
Welcome to our walking programme. Before you go on a walk, you will need to book with the walk leader. Please contact the leader no sooner than 9.00 am. on the preceding Friday. Bookings made before that time will be ignored. This allows the leader to hold a record of all walkers and to limit the amount of walkers if necessary and to make changes accordingly. Booking is not required for the Leisure walks.
All walks start from the Rec. at 9.30 am prompt unless otherwise stated. Car parking charge to be shared between car occupants. SVP – Suggested Voluntary payment – is payable to the driver by each passenger as it is a reasonable contribution to the fuel used. Leisure walkers please check bus timetables and remember to take your bus passes. Books of walks and maps are available to borrow from the Walks’ Secretary.
In order to keep to safe walking practices, we ask you to comply with the following advice:
- Please ensure you book on with the leader of the walk from 09:00 Friday preceding the walk, no bookings will be taken beforehand and any before Friday 09:00 will be discounted.
- Please inform the leader if you are booked on but cannot make the walk thereby freeing up a space for someone else on the waiting list.
- Please ask the leader if you are unsure of the start of the walk.
- If you have booked on to a walk and require transport from the recreation ground to the start of the walk it is advisable to arrange this beforehand as we cannot guarantee to organise lifts on the day, so you may be disappointed if you just turn up.
- Please check the website regularly for updates and for any guidance notes and please familiarise yourselves with them.
- Please assist those not on email and without internet access to print off and tell them about any changes.
Any questions please contact Mick on 07484 104460
It is suggested that if you are thinking of joining us for the first time on one of our walks you contact the leader for details. Feel free to come and walk with us for a few times before deciding if you wish to join.
LEISURELY walks – 2 to 3 miles, generally avoiding hills and poor surfaces, taken at a leisurely pace.
SHORT walks – approx. 5 miles at a moderately brisk pace and finishing around 12:30, includes a 15min stop at a grassy spot for a drink if you’ve brought one.
LONG walks – 8 to 11 miles at a moderately brisk pace, with a midday break for picnic/cafe/pub lunch and finishing mid-afternoon
Pop Up Walks: Sometimes a member will organise a pop up walk in addition to our regular programme and usually on a different day. Recent pop up walks have taken place in Rye, London and along the 1066 Trail between Pevensey, Bath and Rye. These are advertised within our our usual programme and details are emailed to members.
April 2025
April 3rd
YHA to the War Memorial. About 5 miles 0 stiles
Meet at the YHA East Dean Road Eastbourne at 9.45 or Polegate Rec for car sharing at 9.30 am. Leader at the start.
Brenda 07907678148
Alfriston/Jevington Circular 10 miles 10 stiles 4 steepish hills
Circular from Alfriston on established paths, park near school, North Road
John and Esther 07579780999 SVP £1.50
April 10th
Michelham Priory 2 miles
Meet Downland Medical Centre for Cuckmere bus No. 48 @ 10:01 to Michelham Priory. Bus returns @ 13:54. Entrance fee £6 based on 2024 info.
Joy 487269 or 07835986485
Across the Tracks to Selmeston 5 miles 15 stiles
From Ripe Village (get your nibbles at the Store) cross the railway tracks at Langtye Farm to a coffee stop at Selmeston Church, cross the tracks again to join the Vanguard Way to Ripe and Chalvington. Mainly flat walk with good views of the lovely South Downs.
Denise and Royce 07528957735 £1.50
A Spring in Your Step 10.0 miles 2 stiles 3 steepish hills
Downland and forest paths and tracks; ups and downs.
John and Theresa 07719437464 or 726685 SVP £2.10
April 17th
Up On The Downs 5.5 miles No stiles
Hilly walk from Folkington with fantastic views of the sea, the Litlington White Horse and the Long Man, Polegate Rec at 09:30
Margaret 840622 or 07709998678 SVP 60p
Buckle Up 8 miles No stiles no steep hills
Seaford circular in reverse to Tide Mills, Denton, Nortons and Bishopstone.
Jan 07840955458
April 24th
Blooming Bluebells 2.75 miles
Downlands Medical Centre @ 09:45 for bus 51 to Hailsham Roundabout. Robin Post Lane & Bridlepaths skirting Abbotts Wood. Light Bites for refreshments. Maybe muddy
Sue 482441 or 07972579340
Bedes to Toute and Back 5 miles No stiles
From Bedes School across Downland to Belle Toute and return via Cornish Farm
Gary 351553 or 07773382426 SVP £1.50
Trains, Boats and Planes 9.5 miles 2 stiles
Ardingly reservoir, fields, paths and roads
Paul and Barbara 07812822879 SVP £6.00
May 2025
May 1st
Bluebells in Abbots Wood 5.5 miles 3 stiles
Flat walk passing through various areas of Abbots Wood to see Bluebells (hopefully)
Judy 07802877514 SVP N/A
Guestling Mystery Walk 9ish miles ? stiles
A pleasant walk in the Guestling area across fields, paths and through woodland. Tea/coffee and cakes at ‘Chez Patience’ afterwards. DON’T FORGET YOUR BINOCULARS FOR BIRD HIDE
Patience 07764300287 SVP £6.00
May 8th
Marina Stroll 2 miles
Bus No.54 @ 09:46 Polegate Station to Eastbourne then change for a bus to ASDA. Walk around the harbour and lock gates with refreshments at the end
Carol/Sue 482441 or 07972579340
To the Feet and Back Revisited 5 miles 2 stiles
Start from Alfriston free car park with a slow climb, not steep, to the foot of the Long Man and return via one of Britain’s oldest Yew trees. Free parking near Alfriston School, (North Road) or free car park in the centre.
Gary 351553 or 07773382426 SVP £1.50
A Merry May Ramble 8 miles 1 stile
Circular walk from Firle to include Charleston Farm, Alciston and Berwick. Fields, paths and tracks under the South Downs
Jayne 07775631499 SVP £3.00
May 10th (Saturday) Rye Walk with John and Marion (details in separate Email) 07732971557
May 15th
To the Long Man Of Wilmington 5.5 miles No stiles No steep hills
A circular walk from Alfriston, gradual ascent to Lullington Heath and Winchester Pond with views across the Weald. On to the foot of the Long Man and back to Alfriston. Park in North Road near Alfriston school.
Donna, Claire and Philip 07935651018 SVP £1.50
Black Cap And Mount Harry 10.5 miles No stiles 3 steepish hills
Kingston to Black Cap via Falmer and return via Lewes
Gavin & Doris SVP 077552763683. £4.20
May 22nd
Woods to Meander 2.3 miles
First bus after 09:30 at Polegate Station to Eastbourne then a Brighton bus (12) to Friston Pond, East Dean through woods to Cuckmere Visitor Centre
Joyce Neville 486405 or 07873591275
High and Over 5 miles No stiles
Meet High and Over car park down to Rathfinneys then along path to Litlington. Return via the river and up to the White Horse
Penny 07778282811 SVP £1.80
Monks and Abbots 9.75 miles 15 stiles
Circular walk from Arlington Reservoir to and around Abbots Wood, refreshments available at the end in the cafe.
Gill 07963930941 SVP £1.80
May 29th
Longman x 2 5.5 miles 3 stiles
Starting from Wannock Village to Folkington, foot of the Long Man and Wilmington for coffee then back to Wannock. Downland walk with a few slopes but not fierce.
Sonia and Richard 07790184583 SVP N/A
Steam and Stone 9 miles 6 stiles
Tracks, fields. Paths and roads in the Burwash area
Paul and Barbara 07812822879 SVP £5.40
June 2025
June 5th
Quay, Sea and Tea near Pevensey 2.5 miles
Polegate station for 09:46 bus 54 to Eastbourne then change to an ASDA bus. Harbour walk and a short beach walk to caravan park near Pevensey Bay.
Sue 482441 or 07972579340
Fasten your Belts, We are off to Crapham Bottom 6 miles No stiles
Hilly walk visiting no less than four Bottoms but no stiles!
Barbara O 07709998678 or 840622 SVP £1.50
Rushlake Green Circular 9 miles
A few stiles Fields, paths and woodland. Pub at the end
Jenny 07594504828 SVP £3.00
June 12th
No Short Walk Scheduled
A Challenging Hilly Walk 10 miles No stiles 7 steep(ish) hills.
Circular walk from Crowlink NT Car Park including 4 of the Seven Sisters, Exceat and West Dean looping back through Friston Forest to Crowlink.
Sarah 07523211246 SVP £1.50
June 19th
Back to Chalk Farm and the Nursery 1.5 miles
Polegate station for 09:50 Bus No.6 to Glen Close, Wannock. Easy walk followed by refreshments
Maureen 483337
Battle and High Weald 6 miles ? stiles
Typical Weald and farmland tracks undulating and picturesque
Sonia 07790 184583 SVP £4.80
Arlington, Ripe And Chalvington 10 miles ? stiles,
Mostly fields and paths. Parking at Arlington reservoir car park £2.50 or layby
Marion & John 07732971557 SVP £1.50
June 26th
Around Cowbeech 5.5 miles 2 stiles
A pleasant walk through fields and woods with a couple of undulations. No steep hills
Gill 07963930941 SVP £2.25
A Bit of a Pilgrimage 10.5.miles 12ish stiles
Footpaths across fields and through woods, some lane walking. Car park at Wilmington Long Man is very busy so please car share wherever possible
John and Theresa 07719437464 SVP £1.00
JULY 2025
July 3rd
East Dean 2.5 miles. Polegate Station for 09:46 . No.54 to Eastbourne station then Brighton bus (12) to Downs Golf Club.. Walk to East Dean for refreshments
Joy 487269 or 07835986485
Bull River Crossing 5 miles ? stiles
From Chiddingly we take the WealdWay to Gun Hill crossing Bull river (no waders required), through Pickly Wood to Pick Hill before crossing Bull river again and back to Chiddingly. No refreshment stops en-route but a pub at the end.
Denise and Royce 07528957735 £2.40
Who Upset Mark? 10 miles 10 stiles
2 steepish hills A walk in the Weald through fields, woods and some roads. Café at the end.
Aled 078508070497 SVP £6.00
July 10th Picnic Day For All Groups. Abbots Wood Ramble 6 miles no stiles
A gentle walk for all groups from Sarah’s house 5 Sayerland Road Polegate BN26 6NU to and around Abbots Wood, followed by a (bring your own) PicNic with shared cakes back at Sarah’s house. Have some fun learning some circus skills led by Alec Clarke. Please advise Sarah if are attending and are bringing cakes
Sarah 07523211246 SVP N/A
July 17th
Pool To Harbour 2 ish miles
Bus No54 @ 09:46 Polegate railway station Eastbourne then a bus 43 or 99 to Sovereign Pool, walk to harbour for refreshments.
Wendy 520015 or 07914431464
Bedes to Toute and Back 5 miles No stiles From Bedes School across Downland to Belle Toute and return via Cornish Farm
Gary 351553 or 07773382426 SVP £1.50
Look Out for Balls, Boats, Trains and Birds 10.5 miles 10 stiles
Ringmer, Lewes and Sussex Ouse Valley Way. After one long hill in 3 parts near start everything will seem easy peasy
John & Marion 07732971557 SVP £3.60
July 24th
Uckfield to Piltdown (A Lake and a Pond) 5 miles No stiles
A walk through the Nature Reserve and around Lake Wood with stunning scenery and then on to Piltdown for coffee by the pond returning to Uckfield.
Judy 07802877514 SVP £4.80
Village Hop 10 miles 4 stiles. A fairly flat circular walk taking in several Sussex villages with beautiful views.
Lindsey 07974930105 SVP £1.50
July 31st
Polegate to Wilmington 2 miles
Meet Polegate Downland Medical Centre 10.15 for a walk along cycle path to Wishing Well Tea Gardens at Wilmington for refreshments.
Dolly 659879 or 07790750516
Jubilee Trail 5.5 miles ? stiles Downland Walk from YHA East Dean Road. Leader at the start. Also Polegate Rec for for car sharing if required.
Brenda 07907678148 or 726165SVP £1.50
Newhaven Telscombe Circular 11 miles 2 stiles
Downs and cliff top walk from Castle Hill Nature Reserve Car Park at Newhaven Fort
John and Esther 07579780999 SVP £4.50
August
Magham Down Circular 5 miles 4 stiles
Undulating walk with woods and fields with long views. PLEASE CAR SHARE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AS LIMITED PARKING
Barbara 07709998678 or 840622 SVP £1.80
Downland and Forest to Lullington Heath 10 miles 5 stiles 3 steepish hills
From Coopers Hill Willingdon to Jevington Church for coffee, lunch at Lullington Heath Lookout and returning close to Long Man
Colin and Julia 07446458138 SVP 50p
August 14th
Cuckmere Haven 3 miles
Meet Polegate station for 09.46 bus No. 54 to Eastbourne then Brighton bus (12) to Seven Sisters Centre for a walk to the sea and back. Refreshments at the end.
Joy 487269 or 07835986485
Pevensey Levels 5 miles 2 stiles
An easy level walk which takes us through the grounds of Pevensey Castle and then across Pevensey Haven and back.
Donna, Claire and Philip 07935651018 SVP £1.20
A Swim in the Sea at Seaford 8.5 miles 4 stiles 2 steepish hills
A circular walk skirting Seaford on footpaths and field paths with a lunch/paddle/swim stop on the beach weather permitting.
Lindsey 07974930105 SVP £2.70
August 21st
East Hoathly Circular 5 miles
Flat walk through woods, meadows, lanes and footpaths
Judy 07802877514 SVP £3
Windmills and a Beacon 10 miles 3 stiles no steep hills.
From Jack & Jill windmills descend to Ditchling (steep path) on to another windmill and then short climb to finish. Car share essential.
Lesley 07933237300 SVP £6
August 28th
Sue 482441 or 07972579340
Round Ringmer Ramble 2.25 miles.
Meet Polegate crossroads opposite St George’s Church for 09:45 No.28 bus to Ringmer. Walk around village green, pond and church. Refreshments at The Forge.
NO SHORT WALK SCHEDULED
How’s Dean Going to University? 3 stiles 3 steepish hills 11 miles 3 stiles.
A fairly strenuous walk through fields, woods and downland some big views. Some road working
John and Theresa 07719437464 SVP £5.10
