Getting There
This short getaway vacation starts and ends at our hotel in the South Downs. Getting to the hotel is the responsibility of the trip participant. A couple of suggestions: If arriving at Gatwick airport, take the train from Gatwick onto Pulborough station, about a 40-minute journey, and then it’s a short seven-mile taxi ride to the hotel. If arriving at London Heathrow, there is regular coach service every two hours between Heathrow and Gatwick. If transferring from the end of the “Hiking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path” trip, additional information will be provided
Getting There
This short getaway vacation starts and ends at our hotel in the South Downs. Getting to the hotel is the responsibility of the trip participant. A couple of suggestions: If arriving at Gatwick airport, take the train from Gatwick onto Pulborough station, about a 40-minute journey, and then it’s a short seven-mile taxi ride to the hotel. If arriving at London Heathrow, there is regular coach service every two hours between Heathrow and Gatwick. If transferring from the end of the “Hiking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path” trip, additional information will be provided.
Accommodations and Food
Our country hotel is tailored to walkers and outdoors enthusiasts and has excellent boot and drying rooms and laundry facilities. Free internet access is offered on a dedicated computer and Wi-Fi is available in some pubic rooms. There is also a range of board games and books. All rooms have a shower, bathroom, and hair-dryer, and include tea/coffee-making facilities. Same-gender roommates will be assigned to those traveling solo. If you prefer a double room for single occupancy and are prepared to pay the additional fee, please contact the leader before signing up to check availability. The trip price includes all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Breakfast includes both a cold buffet and hot dishes, including a full English breakfast. Our midday meal will be a self-select sack lunch to eat along the trail. Dinners will be provided at our hotel, serving seasonal top quality locally sourced produce. Vegetarian food preferences are readily accommodated; for others, ask the leader. Dinner on day one will be our first meal and breakfast on day four will be our last meal provided on the trip.
Trip Difficulty
This short getaway is primarily designed to offer rest and relaxation in a peaceful, tranquil setting. The day hikes offered will be well within your capabilities whether coming at the end of hiking the Pembrokeshire coast path or before setting off for Jersey’s coast path.
Equipment and Clothing
A pair of broken-in hiking boots is essential. The gear you need would be the same as for the Pembrokeshire and Jersey trips.
References
There is a wealth of history in this area. A couple of attractions:
Conservation
The South Downs are a tribute to the past and present farm and landowners who have shaped this historical area. From the chalk grasslands to the mixed woodlands and ancient forests, bogs, ponds, heath, and rivers, the diversity of fauna and flora here is one of the richest in England. This is a vibrant, living landscape providing substantial subject matter for discussion about man’s impact on his environment and the critically important need to take care of, preserve, and protect nature.
Evacuation and Travel Insurance
The Sierra Club provides evacuation insurance to all participants on international trips. Since this coverage does not include any trip cancellation or interruption insurance, we suggest you purchase another policy separately to provide coverage for your trip and other travel costs. This policy also does not cover pre-trip and post-trip travel. Please note the evacuation insurance provided does not cover claims resulting from any pre-existing condition that occurs within 60 days of the trip departure. If you have specific questions about this exclusion, please review the insurance brochure. For information on purchasing a separate policy, please see our travel insurance page.
