Sussex Walking Group

We caught up with Sussex Walking Group Coordinator Jan Blackstock to find out more about it

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am retired and in my early 70s and have a background in aviation, particularly finance and logistic. I started walking with the Sussex Walking Group through a friend in 2003 and loved the monthly walks and social element.

And your role with the Sussex Walking Group?

I became a walk leader with my husband in 2011 and then took over the co-ordinator role in 2020. This involves sorting out leaders for each walk, sending out all the details via our mailing list (about 90 people) and ensuring we comply with health and safety. In addition, I arrange training for first aiders and walk leaders.

Tell us more about the group 

It was originally the Brighton group of Sussex Wildlife Trust, with one walk leader organising a monthly walk. Over time, this changed to multiple walk leaders who usually organise two walks a year and we now cover the whole of Sussex. We limit the numbers to 30 plus two walk leaders for insurance purposes, and they are now bookable events, which makes it much easier to manage parking and pubs.

We normally walk on the 2nd Saturday of the month, starting about 9.45am, meeting at a designated pub. The morning walk is 4-5 miles, with an optional afternoon walk of about two miles.

Most landlords are happy to open early for refreshments and toilet facilities, especially as the majority have a two course pre-ordered lunch. We then finish at the pub with teas and coffees if possible.

What do you most enjoy about it?

The Sussex countryside is beautiful and so diverse and because we have several walk leaders we get to see so many different places and enjoy the flora and fauna so much. The socialising and support in the group is great and we always try to be inclusive with new joiners. We are not ramblers and the focus is very much on wildlife, so might not suit all new joiners, but we do explain this.

Why is walking important?

It keeps us fit and the social aspect is so important. 

What makes an ideal walk for you?

Beautiful views, some wildlife sightings, great company plus a good pub, of which there are lots in Sussex!

Every year we designate one month as an 'Out of County' walk spread over a few days staying at a hotel. This has included visits to Frensham Ponds , Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (almost out of county!), Canterbury, The New Forest and Hatfield Heath Essex. Next May we are heading to Dorset. These are mostly organised by Terry Wills, who does a great job.

Is there any weather that puts you off?

We are all pretty hardy and use appropriate kit for the conditions. There have been a few occasions where we have ended up using the time as a social occasion with no walk but this is very rare.

What’s your best bit of walking kit?

Decent waterproofs, boots and a walking stick, especially for the winter and slippery clay.

Where is your favourite Sussex place to walk and why?

My favourite is any walk on the South Downs, but especially walking from the Jack and Jill Windmill car park across the ridge of the Downs towards Ditchling Beacon and The Chattri Memorial. The views are amazing, plus great wildlife sightings. Our last walk was near Ebernoe at Northchapel with loads of different fungi and our next walk is at Petworth and hopefully some rutting, so we are quite diverse.

Are you looking for new members?

We are always looking for and welcoming new members, especially as we are an aging group. More information here. A lot of our members come through hearing about our walks from friends and family.