Vanguard Way
A 66-mile long-distance path linking south London to the English Channel. Highlights of the walk include the North Downs, Ashdown Forest, the South Downs, and the Cuckmere valley. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: TQ 328 658
Distance: 66 miles (106 km)
Time: 27–33 hours
Duration: 4–6 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
OL25 Eastbourne, Beachy Head, Newhaven, Seaford, Hailsham and Heathfield
122 Brighton and Hove, Lewes and Burgess Hill
135 Ashdown Forest, Royal Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath and Crowborough
146 Dorking, Box Hill and Reigate
147 Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Royal Tunbridge Wells and Westerham
161 London South
Summary
The Vanguard Way is a long-distance walk of around 66 miles (106 km) from East Croydon in outer London to Newhaven on the south coast of England. It passes through the counties of Surrey, Kent, and East Sussex, connecting the London suburbs to the south coast via the North Downs, Ashdown Forest, the South Downs National Park, and the Cuckmere valley.
The Vanguard Way links with central London via the Wandle Trail along the River Wandle from Croydon and is sometimes used as a walking route between London and Paris by connecting with south coast ferry ports. The walk also intersects with the London Outer Orbital Path, North Downs Way, Greensand Way, London Countryway, Eden Valley Walk, Forest Way, Wealdway, Sussex Border Path, and the South Downs Way. Places on the Vanguard Way include Croydon, Woldingham, Crockham Hill, Forest Row, Blackboys, Berwick, Alfriston, Seaford, and Newhaven.