Wye to Sandling/Folkestone

WHAT TO EXPECT - HIKING INFO Distance: 23km (approx 14 miles) Ascent: c. 484m Estimated Duration (approx): 6 hours walking (4km/hr) Difficulty: Moderate to energetic Group size: 20 hikers DESCRIPTION This walk is on paths less travelled over South Downs rolling hills with fantastic views along the way. There is an optional quick train journey to Folkestone for a pint & fish and chips on the beach. 2 OPTIONS 1. Wye to Sandling - 23km - and return back to London 2. Take a train from Sandling to West Folkestone and walk down to the seafront – a 6km loop – for the well earned fish & chips and a pint of beer! Return back to London from Folkestone Central. HIGHLIGHT One of the finest sections of the South Downs Way 17km of fine views over chalk hills down to Sandling Stunning panoramic views over the Wye Crown Memorial A chalk hill natural formation called the Devils Kneading Trough A nature reserve which boast 20 different orchid species Lovely quaint pub for a stop at lunchtime Walking over 3 long distance paths – North Downs Way, Saxon Shore Way and Pilgrims Way. DESCRIPTION The path is part of the North Down Long Distance Paths but it feels like the lofty South Downs. The route is steeped in history – trodden by many pilgrims on their way to Canterbury. We will start our walk in the picturesque village of Wye before we head up to the chalky downs for our first panoramic view and the Wye Crown Memorial. We then continue to see a natural formation from the last ice age called the Devils Kneading Trough situated in a nature reserve which boast 20 different orchid species. There are many Channel views – from Farthing Common it is possible to see as far as Fairlight in East Sussex on a clear day. Perhaps we might see over the France too! After 23 km, I thought we could make our life easier and take a train for one stop to enjoy what the seafront of Folkestone has to offer, and a well deserved pint & food at the end of a long day. ps. My walks make time to enjoy the views, take in local history, and look at interesting buildings along the way. PROGRAMME You can choose to meet at London St Pancreas International or the Hike Starting Point. The applicable time and meeting points are detailed below. MEETING POINT: We will assemble in front of Starbuck (next to Pret) in the same terminal as the Eurostar opposite the train announcement board. LONDON STATION MEETING DETAILS Assembly Time: 08.15 - for those looking to come in on the Group Save 08.40 - for people who have their own tickets as we move to the train 9.07 - train departs 10.03 - train arrives in Wye (change at Ashford) HIKE START POINT Leave at: 10.15 Meetup Point: Wye Train Station - outside the front RETURN Return trains from Folkestone are 17.56, 18.58, 19.58 (58mins travel time) HIKE COST The cost for the hike is £12 per person. TRAIN INFORMATION For those buying their own tickets, please get a return to FOLKESTONE CENTRAL and a single from Ashford International to Wye. GROUP SAVE Group save train fare is £28.70 for return to Folkestone Central & £3.50 for the single from Ashford International to Wye - if you want to join, please message me. Alternatively, you can buy a Network Railcards for £35/ year for similar off peak savings. www.network-railcard.co.uk. REVIEWS Trip Advisor | Facebook | MeetUp PRICE INCLUDES · Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid. PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE · Travel costs · Lunch, drinks or any refreshments · PayPal fees RECOMMENDED KIT LIST (complete list) · Suitable hiking shoes or boots · Packed lunch and snacks · Water - 2 litres recommended · Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) · Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece · Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino CANCELLING/REFUNDS If you can no longer join the hike, please message the Host listed on here, and update your RSVP status to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the hike is full, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email info@aaalondongroup.com after the event, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund. QUESTIONS If you have any other questions, please check visit our FAQ page. If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page. We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA London Group Terms and Conditions. © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted