Programme of walks Summer & Autumn 2008

Here is the latest list of walks for the Summer and Autumn. Most are between 4 and 6 miles long and take 2 to 3 hours. They are carefully researched to include a variety of scenery, to be generally away from the noise of traffic and always include less frequented walking tracks. The routes are all checked out beforehand to make sure paths are accessible and stiles in working order. Meeting points and routes may change in response to weather conditions or other factors. Barring such extreme conditions as thick snow or gail force winds the walks go ahead even when the sun isn't shining.

There will be also be some extra walks added throughout the season so keep checking the website or contact me if you wish to be added to the Soles & Souls mailing list. Walks cost £5 unless otherwise stated, and they always include a refreshment break. Unfortunately dogs are not allowed. Please let me know if you’d like to book on any of these walks - they are very popular and I want to keep the size of the groups comfortable! I look forward to walking with you soon.

Saturday 30 August, 10am - 3pm: Family Day on the Downs
A family day on the Downs with Soles & Souls and Intrepid Theatre, perfect for families with children and their friends aged 4 - 11 years. £7.50 per person.
see workshops page for more information

Sunday 7 September, 2pm: Long Man’s Walk Part 2
Similar stunning scenery as before, this time passing through Lullington Heath nature reserve

Friday 12 September, 10am: Swanborough Hill
Climbing steeply out of Kingston for spectacular views then back through Swanborough

Saturday 27 September, 10.30am: Chailey Trails
A walk through Chailey’s enchanted woodlands

Sunday 28 September, 10.30 - 5pm: Yoga and Walking Retreat
see workshops page for more information

Saturday 18 October, 1pm: Falmer to Lewes off-road
Falmer to Lewes normally means the A27. We will take the bus from Lewes to Falmer and return by exploring the expansive and tranquil countryside north of the highway.

Sunday 26 October, 2pm: Friston in the Fall
Enjoy the array of autumn colours in Friston Forest and the delightful historic settlement of West Dean.

Saturday 8 November, 11am: Along the Old Coach Road
Starting at Charleston, we will walk along the Old Coach Road to Berwick village for lunch and return past the medieval tithe barn at Alciston.

Sunday 14 December,1.30pm: Tea with the Dean
The perfect antidote to Christmas shopping, a walk from Alfriston ending with tea and mince pies at the Dean's Place (extra charge for teas).

Cancellations: Please let me know if you've booked on a walk and are unable to come as I often have a waiting list. If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice for reasons other than bad weather I would request that you pay for the walk.

Tailor-made walks

I can arrange tailor-made walks for work or social occasions. Please call me on 01273 813722 to find out more.

How to book

Contact Louise Gorst:
by email info@solesandsouls.co.uk
by phone on 01273 813722
Please contact me if you would like me to send you a brochure.

Keep updated!

If you would like to receive details of walks directly to your mailbox, email me at info@solesandsouls.co.uk and I will keep you updated.

Previous walks

Sunday 30 September - Isfield
"I really enjoyed my first Soles and Souls walk. I have to admit I was a little anxious about it as it was my first walk since I had a hip operation last year ago. But I soon realised I need have had no worries. There were so many good things about it: the countryside - woodlands, meadows, along the river bank - was beautiful of course, the people really interesting, and I loved the time we spent in silence. I'm sure it made us all so much more aware of the trees, flowers, sounds and smells around us, than we would have been if we'd continued chatting. It was relaxing that we were able to go at our own pace (no route march atmosphere about it) . Arriving home, I felt I'd had a holiday and not just been away for a few hours. Thank you so much.
Angela Wigglesworth, Lewes

Sunday 22 July - Firle Beacon
"The nice thing about the walk was that I didn't feel I was on a mission to complete it at anything other than my own pace, and who would want to do otherwise? I would have missed the newborn foals, the nuances of light and shade across the Downs, the tiny blue butterfly that fluttered into our pathway. What an afternoon! Blue skies, good company and after huffing and puffing our way up the final hill, back to base where Louise brought out a picnic of tea and scones which we ate on the grass. And someone actually had three! You know who you are." S.M. Brighton

Friday 20 April - Firle Beacon
"On an April morning a goodly group of us set out from the top of Firle Beacon towards South Heighton. Our lively chatter lessened as the magic of the landscape began to work on us and a skylark sang above. For a while we walked in silence and, as a newcomer to Soles and Souls, I revelled in the company and quiet as we opened to the surrounding countryside. Through Home Bottom we walked with Poverty Bottom in the distance. At Stump Bottom we stopped for a break and a look at the badger sets then, no longer bottoming out, we climbed and rose up over Snap Hill to be met by a stunning view of the sea, Newhaven and the ferry. Here we turned right to wade through a sea of yellow rape, emerging to find Piddinghoe and its pond like toytown below us. A long uphill climb past America farm and the radio masts took us back to Firle Beacon, the sighting of a honey buzzard and a picnic in the sun. What a great way to spend a morning!" Hazel Collinson, Lewes

Tuesday 23 January - Isfield
"I had thought about joining a walking group for some time but never seemed to get round to it. Then I heard about Soles and Souls which sounded like my kind of thing. My first walk with them fulfilled all my expectations. A group of seven of us met at Isfield Car Park including our very friendly leader, Louise. We walked across the fields, along the river, through woodland and back onto a country lane to the Anchor Inn at Barcombe where we were welcomed by the landlord with a cup of coffee and a warming log fire.

We then continued on our way back to the car park. The best thing about the walks with Soles and Souls is that there is a period of enforced silence when you are free to think about whatever you want or just enjoy the peace and quiet of our lovely countryside. I personally found the silence therapeutic as I sadly lost my husband a few months ago and it allowed me the time to just be 'inthe moment' with my thoughts. I will definitely be going on the next walk and can thoroughly recommend it to people who enjoy walking but also communing with nature." Heather Hicks, Kingston

Sunday 3 December - Kingston
"When I woke on Sunday morning to the the winter rain lashing down outside, I thought the prospect for my first Soles and Souls walk was dubious, to say the least. However by the time we reached the meeting point the sky had cleared and the gusty wind was sending the clouds racing across a blue sky. Our route took us up high onto Kingston Ridge where the village below seemed like a model to us and the sun and cloud changes seemed miraculous. One minute gloom, the next bright cheer. The wind pushed us along the top and the mud tried hard to halt our progress once we'd come down into the fields. I felt so pleased that I had decided to go and not let the rain keep me indoors. I loved the route, the changes of landscape and especially the stages of silent walking where I could really take in all the colours and scenes around me. And as we neared our destination and the sun set, the full moon rose before us, ghostly against the darkening blue sky. Beautiful. I loved every minute of it!" Chloe Alexander, Lewes