An unlikely 13.5 mile loop around Gatwick Airport starting at Charlwood village, taking in the sights and sounds (aircraft taking off and landing guaranteed!) of the beauty which surrounds the Airport perimeter!
Initially we follow the Sussex Border Path all the way to the South Terminal building through a secluded valley following the course of the Gatwick Stream, no aircraft visible but the sound of aircraft landing a constant reminder we are near the airport. Depending on timings we will have an extended coffee stop and possibly Lunch in the South Terminal building ... departures or arrivals you decide (actually arrivals trumps it ! - Pret, Spoons, Giraffe, Greggs all options...). Once refuelled (no pun intended) the excitement begins...first a brief interlude under the flight path (Hearing muffs recommended), then a tour of the treatment lagoons for the wastewater discharged from the runway plus the added bonus of the aroma of Crawley Sewage Treatment Works!!!. Unfortunately from here we have an urban traverse before undoubtedly the highlight. (drum roll please...)..underneath the main flight path of planes taking off or landing depending on the wind direction... let the true plane spotters amongst us show their true colours. The walk is surprisingly green and a little pleasant, but interactions with Humans and roads is unfortunately unavoidable.
An essential walk for all plane spotters and outside the box thinkers alike....all in all an interesting and fun day out to be had.
Refreshments and toilets in the airport South terminal. No passport required.
There is one footpath diversion which will require a leg over a standard gate..be warned
Strictly no dogs on this walk please
Please park courteously around the village of Charlwood on side roads off the main drag... please check options beforehand. On Sunday likely to be Cricket at the sports field. Please allow time to get to the start point please folks.
The pub afterwards is the Half Moon... a great pub...possible band afterwards