This walk has been cancelled

The viaduct is under repair and our access route is closed. The walk will be rescheduled once the repairs are completed.

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West London Group

We are the West London Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our quarterly Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking

Overview

The walk goes  south through lovely countryside  from Balcombe Station following the Sussex Ouse Valley Way, stopping to visit and admire the much-photographed Ouse Valley Viaduct.  The viaduct, built in 1838, spans  spans 500 metres, with 37 arches. "probably the most elegant viaduct in Britain".

The route follows the SOV to the Ardingly reservoir, where we'll pause to admire the view. The walk continues to the village of Ardingly, where there is a cafe and pub. Benches and toilets are available at the nearby recreation field.  Best to bring a packed lunch just in case!

The path drops back down to Ardingly Reservoir and then follows the edge of the reservoir via Balcome Mill and Balcombe village and station

Saturday, 20 April 2024
Start time:
10:30 am
Estimated finish time:
4:00 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
12.5km / 7.8mi
Ascent:
270m / 886ft
Type:
circular

Recommended train 9.35 from London Bridge.

This is an undulating walk with 270m of ascent. Some parts may be muddy and walking poles could be useful.

 

Features

  • Refreshments available (Pub/cafe)
  • Toilets available
  • Accessible by public transport

Starting point

Grid reference:
TQ 30634 30077
Nearest postcode:
RH17 6JQ
what3words:
recount.clutches.season
Start time:
10:30 am

Balcombe Station entrance

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our quarterly Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking