Vanguard Way

Route Map

A 68 Mile route from Croydon to the sea at Newhaven.  Extended from original end at Seaford - more info HERE. I really enjoyed this and the Wealdway, crossing the North and South Downs and traversing the weald has led to many wonderful memories.  Very highly recommended - apart from Croydon the walk is mostly rural with some quite delightful small towns and villages which don't really detract from the experience.  Well waymarked although the section through Ashdown Forest requires care.  Walked in 4 sections:  Berwick to Seaford, Blackboys to Berwick, Croydon to Edenbridge, Edenbridge to Blackboys.

Berwick Station to Seaford

August 2003 - 10 Miles

Unusual, In that this was walked with not one, but two other peeps.  And a jolly good time was had by all.  I remember it being hot and the Downs taking their toll towards the end.

Near Alfriston

Westdean vista over Cuckmere

Seven Sisters

Looking down on Seaford

Blackboys to Berwick Station

September 2003 - 12 Miles

Had one of the friends from the Seaford Walk along on this too - so made for some nice company.  We both got all gooey about sweet critters (particularly the chooks dirt bath)

Strange field, used for turf growing, between Blackboys and Berwick

Sweet sheeps

 Tree that has been blasted by lightning

Poor little donkey, all on its lonesome

Free range chickens having a dust bath - delightful

Croydon to Edenbridge

July 2004 - 16.5 Miles

Train to East Croydon Station, eventually regaining countryside.  Certainly a good un, with tram action and up and down stuff

Antithesis of the countryside at Croydon

However, a few miles and this happens...

Looks lovely, but is right by the M25

Edenbridge to Blackboys

August 2004 - 23 Miles

It's funny right, I am filling in these blanks in 2009, and I know that the friend who I did this with (and myself in those early walking days) would have baulked at such a long section - but hey, it must have happened - we certainly arrived at Blackboys in the dark and were both fluxed as I recall

Hackstead Mill on the river Eden

A field of goats

Cows cooling off on a hot day

Beautiful scenery at Ashdown Forest.  North Downs in background.

Kings Standing Clump

This time looking to the South Downs