The Society has a very extensive programme which caters for all levels of walkers. Walks range over the Downs and beyond in both East and West Sussex and occasionally in adjoining counties. As the area is large, regular walkers often arrange car shares to get to walks.
Both walks and strolls are friendly and informal but, as you would expect, strolls are shorter, generally with a slower pace while walks are usually 10 miles or more with a brisker pace, the style depending on the terrain and the leader. In both, there is time for a break at the pub for lunch, or a picnic if preferred. Most walkers also take part in the wider programme of Society, including talks and meetings, conferences and outings as well as more informal occasional get-togethers.
New members are able to ‘slot in’ at a level at which they feel confident and which is suited to their ability. For those who have not done much walking recently, it is best to start with a stroll or a walk of around 10 miles (weekend walks in particular are generally quite moderate in pace.) It is also worth checking the map to see if the terrain is hilly. For those who regularly do all-day walks, the faster walks of 14 miles or more should be suitable.
You can view recent walks and strolls programmes on our publications page.
Ben Perkins, Chairman of the Access and Rights of Way Committee, (22 September 2008) takes a look at how our local authorities provide information on Rights of Way on their web sites.
Perennially strapped for cash and short of other resources, local authorities have been slow to grasp the potential for providing rights of way information via the Internet.
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The Society takes a very active role in safeguarding and improving the rights of way network across the South Downs.
A team of volunteers known as Area Access Officers regularly walk the paths and bridleways in the parishes they cover. They examine the condition of stiles and gates, looking out for obstructions and checking on the clarity and adequacy of waymarks.
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In 2000 Ben Perkins published ‘On Foot on the East Sussex Downs’ to replace the Society’s publication by Harry Comber ‘On Foot in East Sussex’.
Ben has now produced ‘On Foot on the West Sussex Downs’ in which there are 18 circular walks of varying lengths between 3 and 15 miles and some of the shorter walks can be combined. There are usually three photographs to illustrate each walk including a photo of that World War II abandoned tank near to Springhead Hill. At £6.99 this is a priority for your bookshelf (post free from the office).