Sat 26 June: Midsummer Night's Walk; 15 miles

A fairly strenuous walk from Hassocks to Brighton, mostly along the South Downs Way, and going right through, not Midsummer Night precisely, but the nearest Saturday with a full moon. There are a couple of big climbs, one up to the top of the Downs after the first mile or so, and the second up Newmarket Hill after dropping down to cross the A27, but the rest of the way is mostly gentle descent. There will not, of course, be the usual stop for a pub meal on this walk: anything you want to eat on it you will have to bring yourself; though we will end up, probably shortly after sunrise at 0444, at the all-night Market Diner in Brighton . You can download a map, aerial photograph, and elevation profile here.

Meet either at Hassocks station at 2036, or on the 1942 Brighton train from London Bridge, which should leave from platform 9*. If travelling by train, buy an off-peak return ticket to Brighton, which is the farther station from London. I will be carrying a PFA bulletin for identification.

IMPORTANT: Night walks are more dependent on the weather than ordinary ones, so if you are intending to come, phone me around midday on the 26th to confirm that the walk is going ahead, on 07904 286774, or email me at secretary@pfalondon.org

Andrew Dodsworth

Photograph of the South Downs looking towards Ditchling © Copyright Pip Rolls and licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence