Join us for a family trek on Saturday 17 June, and raise vital funds for Arthritis Action (or the Friends of St John's Meads Primary School). Take on a 5k or 10k coastal trek across the beautiful South Downs and make a real difference to people living with arthritis. It’s free to participate; we just ask that you aim to raise £150 per group.

You can trek by yourself or with friends and family. The treks are suitable for age 7 years+ (all children should be accompanied by an adult please).

 

registrations are not available

There are currently no entry options available for this event.

 

You will start and finish at St John’s Meads Church of England Primary School’s playing field, Rowsley Road, BN20 7XS, and an experienced trek leader will guide you throughout. Bring a picnic to enjoy at the end (food and drink will also be available to purchase on the playing field).

Why your donations matter

More than 10 million people in the UK have arthritis. It’s the most common cause of pain and disability in the UK, but currently, there is no cure. Arthritis Action exists to improve the lives of people affected by arthritis. Every penny you raise will help people with arthritis receive the support they need to live well with this chronic condition.   

Get in touch

You’ll be supported on your fundraising journey by our Fundraising Manager, Iza. If you have any questions, please contact her here: [email protected]

 

5K trek

Route overview

Region - South Downs

Length - 5km / 3 miles

Ascent - 3200ft / 978m

Time - 2-3 hours

Grade - Easy

Start/Finish - St John’s Meads Church of England Primary School playing field on Rowsley Road, BN20 7XS

Route description

Starting at St John’s Meads Church of England Primary School, we walk along the pavement and into Foyle Way, past the Kiosk cafe. Walking towards the coastline, we follow a tarmac track above Holywell.

We then reach open common land walking beyond Whitebread Hole to a short and steep incline up a grassy hillside. This will take us to the viewpoint and a memorial to five French teenagers who escaped from Nazi-occupied France in 1941 and crossed the channel in canoes to join General de Gaulle.

We then retrace our steps and walk past the Beachy Head Countryside Visitor Centre, following a grassy path which takes us down a steep decline into Eastbourne and our finish point back at the school, where you can enjoy a relaxing picnic.

 

10k trek

Route overview

Region - South Downs

Length - 10km / 6 miles

Ascent - 6400 ft / 1956 m 

Time - 5 hours

Grade - Medium 

Start/Finish - St John’s Meads Church of England Primary School playing field on Rowsley Road, BN20 7XS

Route description

Starting at St John’s Meads Church of England Primary School, we walk along the pavement and turn up a steep path climbing along the South Downs way towards Well Combe. Upon reaching the path crossroads, we continue across Long Down, which provides fantastic views towards Birling Gap and the Belle Tout Lighthouse. Built in 1832 but decommissioned in 1902, it was in danger of falling into the sea because of coastal erosion. In 1999 it was moved 17m back from the edge and will probably have to be moved again. The lighthouse has featured in many films, most notably Life and Loves of a She Dev-il. It is now a B&B.

Upon reaching Cornish Farm, we walk along a concrete track to cross over the coastal road and rejoin the South Downs Way. We then continue along the grassy coastal path, which undulates above Beachy Head and takes us to the viewpoint and a memorial to five French teenagers who escaped from Nazi-occupied France in 1941 and crossed the channel in canoes to join General de Gaulle.

We then retrace our steps and walk past the Beachy Head Countryside Visitor Centre, following a grassy path which takes us back down a steep decline into Eastbourne and our finish point back at the school, where you can enjoy a relaxing picnic.