HIKE 26km to the Sea - Lancing College, the Monarch Way & the South Downs

📏 Key Info:
• Distance: 16 miles (26km)
• Grading: Intermediate/Challenging
• Ascent: 460m
• Hiking time: 6.5 to 7.5 hours
• Cost: £31 plus Eventbrite fee they charge including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Get Tickets” to join.
• Payments are refundable upto 7 days in advance, after that they are non refundable and non transferrable.
• Toilet Breaks: On the train, nature (woods/bushes) during hike, and at the end pub
📍 Meeting Point
• Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP & photo
• Time: Meet 8am, leave 8:20am for the 8:35am train
• Return: 6:58pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)
🌟 Highlights
• Hike a spectacular trail along the South Downs ridge
• Follow part of the historic Monarch’s Way, the 1651 escape route of King Charles II
• Admire Lancing College, one of Europe’s most dramatic Gothic schools with the world’s largest school chapel
• Hike part of the ancient South Downs Way, an 8,000-year-old route and National Trail
• Pass a quirky collection of houseboats transformed into eccentric homes
• See Shoreham Airport, the world’s oldest licensed commercial airport with a 1930s art deco terminal
• Enjoy coastal views as we descend towards the sea
• Finish in the historic town of Shoreham by Sea, with its fishing heritage and riverside pubs
🥾 Hike Description
Our journey begins in the historic village of Amberley, a picturesque spot famed for its thatched cottages and traditional Sussex charm. From here, we climb onto the chalk escarpment of the South Downs, following the ancient ridgeway paths with sweeping views across the Weald.
Along the way, we cross the Monarch’s Way, the escape route of King Charles II after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. The trail also brings us within sight of the majestic Lancing College, a Gothic masterpiece whose dramatic chapel dominates the skyline and is often compared to Hogwarts from the Harry Potter films.
As we continue along the South Downs Way, the path reveals broad panoramic views that open wider with each step towards the coast. Soon we pass through Shoreham’s unique quarter of grounded houseboats, transformed into eccentric and artistic homes, before following the river towards Shoreham Airport. This is the world’s oldest licensed commercial airport, with its 1936 art deco terminal featuring in films such as The Da Vinci Code and Poirot.
Our hike finishes in Shoreham by Sea, a historic fishing town where riverside pubs and a lively coastal atmosphere await. It’s the perfect place to rest and celebrate after a day of chalk hills, panoramic Downs, historic trails, and sea air.
🧭 Guide:
• Leader: GRAHAM
• Contact (hike day only): 07796 098487
🍽️ Food:
• Bring a packed lunch
• Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional)
🎒What to Bring
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Water (2 litres minimum)
• Packed lunch
• Waterproofs (jacket and trousers)
• Hat and gloves if cold
• Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point
⚠️ Safety
Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider
❓ Want to Know More?
• New to Our Trips? (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”)
• About Us (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history)
• FAQs (covers common queries)
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