Walk the Vanguard Way
The Vanguard Way runs for 66 miles from Croydon in South London to Newhaven on the East Sussex coast, linking the capital with the countryside and coastal landscapes of South East England.
From Croydon, the route leaves the urban landscape through parks and woodland before climbing towards the North Downs. The trail continues south through the countryside around Chelsham and towards the Surrey and Kent border.
Beyond the North Downs, the Vanguard Way crosses the countryside around Limpsfield and Edenbridge before continuing towards Forest Row. The landscape gradually changes as the route approaches the wooded hills and heathland of the High Weald.
From Forest Row, the trail crosses Ashdown Forest, one of the most distinctive landscapes along the route. Open heath, woodland and broad views characterise this central section before the Vanguard Way continues south through the countryside of East Sussex.
The route passes through the rural landscapes around Blackboys and Chiddingly before reaching the South Downs. At Alfriston, the Vanguard Way enters the chalk downland and valleys of the South Downs National Park.
From Alfriston, the trail follows the Cuckmere Valley towards the coast before climbing towards the chalk cliffs around Seaford Head. This final section provides views across the Cuckmere estuary and the coastal landscapes of the South Downs.
The Vanguard Way reaches the coast at Seaford before continuing west towards Newhaven, where the 66-mile route finishes beside the English Channel.
Forest Row, Alfriston, Seaford and Newhaven provide useful bases towards the middle and southern parts of the route, while rail connections make other sections accessible for shorter walks. The Vanguard Way can therefore be completed as a multi-day long-distance walk or explored through individual sections and walking breaks across the North Downs, High Weald and South Downs.
Overview
Distance: 66 miles / 106 km
Typical duration: 4–6 walking days
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Croydon, Greater London
Finish: Newhaven, East Sussex
Terrain: Urban paths, woodland, field paths, heathland, rolling countryside, chalk downland, coastal paths and promenades
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