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Berkshire Walkers (Group)

A 20s and 30s Ramblers group.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking

Overview

This is part of a series of linear walks that the Berkshire Walkers are doing in 2024 to complete the South Downs Way, This section covers Day 4 from Cocking to Amberley.

This walk requires advance booking via Meetup (see Website link). Please do not turn up without booking.

Pace: medium.

Sunday, 1 September 2024
Start time:
10:30 am
Estimated finish time:
5:30 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
19.3km / 12.0mi
Ascent:
330m / 1083ft
Type:
linear

Walk details

This leg of the South Downs Way National Trail runs from Cocking to Amberley. This stretch of the Way takes you north of Goodwood and Chichester and along to Bignor Hill. Bignor Hill is yet another spot along the South Downs Way National Trail that offers great views, this time of the Arun Valley. As we continue on the Way, we will see Amberley – the final destination of the day. This walk sets the pattern of several to follow, beginning with a climb up onto the South Downs ridge from the starting point, a dip in the middle to a dry valley and a further ascent, finishing with a downhill walk to the finish.

We will pass through the Slindon estate, which is a woodland estate cared for by the National Trust. We will then walk along the River Arun and into Amberley, which has a tea room, pub and train station.

Travel details

By public transport

Outbound journey: You may be joining this walk from Day 3 on Saturday 31st August the day before, so you may have organsied accommodation locally. This is what the Walk Leader will be doing. There are a number of B&Bs and campsites nearby.

If you are joining for the day, public transport is limited to get to the start of the walk. Cocking does not have a bus running Sundays and has no train station. You may like to get a train to Petersfield and get/share a taxi to Cocking.

Return jounrey: The walk finishes at Amberley Train Station which has an hourly train back to Reading via Gatwick. Take the 17:58 train and change at Gatwick airport (18.42), then take the 18:52 train to Reading (arriv. 20:22) There are also trains at 16:58 and 18:58.

By car

Park in Cocking Car Park at the start of the walk (and take a taxi back to your car at the end) or part at Amberley Station and get a taxi to the start point.

Notes

  • Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
  • It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
  • Please feel free to contact the leader with queries about the walk, or if you are delayed on the day.

Booking details

  • This walk is limited to 26 walkers including the walk leader
  • Do not turn up for the walk without booking, else we will have to turn you away.
  • Book a place on this walk via Meetup (see Website link).
  • Please see our group website for more information: https://www.berkshirewalkers.co.uk/

Features

  • Refreshments available (Pub/cafe)
  • Accessible by public transport

Starting point

Grid reference:
SU 87809 17627
Nearest postcode:
GU29 0HU
what3words:
deal.replays.buildings
Start time:
10:30 am

The Blue Bell, Cocking

Finishing point

Grid reference:
TQ 02645 11814
Nearest postcode:
BN18 9LR
what3words:
upholds.shadowed.windy
Estimated finish time:
5:30 pm

Amberley Train Station

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking