Ouse Valley Viaduct, Ardingly Reservoir, Wakehurst place & botanical garden

Join us on a scenic circular hike through the heart of West Sussex countryside, combining stunning natural beauty with fascinating history. Our hike begins by descending into the Ouse Valley, where we pass beneath the awe-inspiring Ouse Valley Viaduct—a remarkable feat of Victorian engineering built in 1842 to carry the London to Brighton railway line. With its 37 elegant brick arches spanning the valley, it remains one of the most photographed railway structures in England.
From here, we climb gently towards the serene Ardingly Reservoir, a tranquil spot romantically nestled between steep wooded hills. This area offers beautiful panoramic views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Continuing through the countryside, we make our way to Wakehurst, home to the Royal Botanic Gardens’ country estate. Entry is free for Kew Gardens and National Trust members. For others, tickets are £16.50 per person, or £14.75 each if we book a week in advance (for groups of 10+) otherwise £18.50. We'll have time to explore both the grand Wakehurst Place Mansion and the extensive botanical gardens, including the innovative Millennium Seed Bank, the largest wild seed conservation project in the world.
This walk combines architectural wonder, natural beauty, botanical heritage and valley in one unforgettable day out.

***Highlights:

• Ouse Valley Viaduct: Completed in 1842 by engineer John Urpeth Rastrick, this Grade II*-listed viaduct used over 11 million bricks and imported materials from the Netherlands. Its intricate design and symmetry have made it an enduring icon of British railway architecture.
• Ardingly Reservoir: Built in the 1970s to supply water to the South East, this peaceful reservoir is now also a designated nature reserve, supporting diverse birdlife and plant species.

Wakehurst & Millennium Seed Bank: Managed by Kew Gardens, Wakehurst features 500 acres of formal gardens and woodland. The Millennium Seed Bank, housed here, is a global conservation project aiming to store seeds from 75,000 plant species, safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.

We’ll wrap up our hike in Balcombe. Optional: Everyone’s welcome to join for a relaxed tea or a pub stop (BYOD) before we catch the train back to London.

Meeting Point & Time: London Bridge Rail Station near Ticket office at 09:15 am
Train: 09:35 London Bridge, arriving at Balcombe at 10:16 Journey time 41 minutes. Buy a day return ticket to Balcombe. You can buy on the day or in advance. 1/3rd off for railcard and group save(minimum 3 people).
Hike Starts: Balcombe at 10:20 am
Hike Finishes: Balcombe at Approx. 16:00
Length: 16/17 Kms, Hiking time: Approx. 5 hours. Grade: Intermediate, Ascent: 288m
Cost: £10, which covers the organiser fee (train tickets and any other charges not included)
Hike Leader: Raj 07788839784
What to Bring: Comfortable hiking shoes/boots, Weather-appropriate clothing,
Lunch, snacks, and plenty of water at least one litre.
**This event is posted in multiple platforms

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