Initially we follow the Sussex Border Path all the way to the airport through a secluded valley following the course of the River Mole, no aircraft visible but the sound of aircraft landing a constant reminder we are near the airport. Suddenly we escape the tranquillity and find ourselves at the North Terminal; here we catch the monorail to the South Terminal (I know exciting…yes?) for an extended coffee stop ... 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 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. Do check options beforehand and allow plenty of time to get to the start point!
The pub afterwards is the Half Moon... a great pub!
If you can, please RSVP to this walk via our Meetup site. This will give our volunteer walk leaders an idea of how many are attending.
https://www.meetup.com/west-kent-walking-and-outdoor-group