GO London Hiking

This walk takes us into the dark and dramatic history of London’s riverside, following the Thames from Tower Hill to Wapping, once alive with sailors, smugglers, pirates, and river rogues. We begin at the Tower Hill, where traitors and nobles met their fate before the watching crowds. From there we pass Tower Bridge and step into St Katharine Docks, once a bustling hub where the riches of empire were unloaded.
We continue along the hidden alleys and ancient stairs of Wapping High Street, tracing the last footsteps of the condemned at Wapping Old Stairs. Along the way we’ll visit the Town of Ramsgate, where the notorious Judge Jeffreys was captured; the Captain Kidd, named after the most legendary pirate ever to hang at Execution Dock; and the Prospect of Whitby, the “Devil’s Tavern,” where sailors and smugglers once plotted by candlelight.
We return via waters of Shadwell Basin, passing the replica ships at Tobacco Dock, and the quiet canals of Wapping before we pass Traitors’ Gate and end the evening back at Tower Hill where you are welcome to join us for refreshments at the Hung, Drawn and Quartered pub a fitting finale to a journey into London’s bloody maritime past.

## 📍 Walk Details

• Start Point: Tower Hill Station (by the Tower Hill sundial).
• End Point: The Hung Drawn and Quartered Pub (near Tower Hill or Monument tube)
• Distance: 7km easy pace, with frequent stops for stories
• Duration: 2.5 hours including breaks.
• Difficulty: Easy flat riverside walking.
• Leader: Gary 07968585224

## ✅ What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Weather-appropriate clothing.
• Water/snacks if you like.

## Stay Connected

This is a challenging hike with several options to shorten if needed.

Hike the Seven Sisters, the Chalk Cliffs of Sussex, one of the most scenic coastal regions in the south downs of England.

GRADE: Intermediate / Challenging 23 km 13 miles 670m of ascent and approx 7 hrs hiking time without breaks.

This is a spectacular coastal hike with breathtaking views of the dramatic chalk sea cliffs on the English Channel coast in south-east England, ending in East Dean, a beautiful South Downs village close to Beachy Head and Birlig Gap beach, where Sherlock Holmes went to retire!
The name "Seven sisters", according to a legend, comes from seven sisters who lived on these limestone formations, each of them had a house between these hills. In fact there are now eight cliffs as an extra one has been created by coastal erosion.
Starting in the pretty town of Seaford on the Sussex coast we follow the coastal path passing the Martello Tower and follow the Vanguard way to Seaford Head.
We undulate along the sea cliffs to drop down to the Cuckmere Estuary and wildlife reserve, stopping for lunch at the cafe and visitor centre.
Later we join the South Downs Way and enter the Seven Sisters Country Park where a steep climb leads us to the trig point at Cliff End. From here we follow the cliff edge path over the Seven Sisters cliff to Birlig Gap. After Birlig Gap there is a steady climb past Belle Tout, a former lighthouse, and onto the spectacular Beachy Head with possibly the finest views in Southern England. We then make our way inland towards East Dean picturesque village where we can finish our hike in a delightful old smugglers pub, before making our way back home!

This beautiful coastal hike takes us from the historic city of Chichester out to the wide open shoreline of West Wittering, combining peaceful canal paths, estuary views, and a stunning stretch of sandy beach.
Starting from Chichester, we follow the scenic Chichester Ship Canal before reaching the estuary at Birdham. The route then traces the coastline along the Chichester Harbour, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known for its wildlife, sailing waters, and expansive views.
Heading south, we reach the striking sand dunes of East Head, with far reaching views across to Hayling Island and the Isle of Wight. A relaxing walk along West Wittering beach brings us inland through quiet lanes and picturesque villages before finishing in West Wittering.
We then take a short bus ride back to Chichester, where there is time for a well earned drink or meal before heading back to London.

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### 🕓 Schedule & Meeting Info

MEETING TIME: 08:30 London Victoria Station next to the information booth near platform 12 07968585224
TRAINS: 09:05 from London Victoria (direct) Arrives Chichester 10:37
TICKETS: Return to Chichester and Bus from West Wittering to Chichester (contactless)
HIKE START: 10:40 Chichester Station
LUNCH: Pack Lunch.
HIKE FINISH: Approx. 17:00 – Chichester
RETURN TRAINS: Regular services from Chichester to London Victoria

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### 📏 Hike Details

DISTANCE: 10.5 miles (17 km)
ASCENT: 270 m
TERRAIN: Flat riverside paths, coastal trails, sandy beach, and country lanes
GRADE: Beginner

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### 🎒 What to Bring

✅ Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
✅ Waterproof jacket & layers for changing weather
✅ Packed lunch, snacks & water
✅ Train ticket / Contactless / Travelcard

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