Sea Legs

Rural Strides offers private, scheduled and free community guided walks around the Western Weald.

The Western Weald & Downlands, centred on Petersfield, Hampshire, is just one hour from London, yet few know of its beauty & diversity of landscape. Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, where dramatic chalk scarp meets patchwork weald, heavily wooded sandstone ridges and colourful open heaths, this area is the ideal location for a walking adventure. Whether you are a walker or wanderer, I warrant that a week(end) in the Western Weald will be worthwhile.

I am an avid walker & lover of the outdoors, so much so, I set up and organise the Petersfield Walking Festival. I also sit on the town’s Active Travel panel; lead walks for Friends of the South Downs; write about walking for various publications; support local conservation & access initiatives; & provide walking-related consultancy. Recognising that qualifications are as important as experience, I am a qualified lowland walk leader, navigator & outdoor first aider (ITC Level 3) as well as member of the Mountain Training Association & British Mountaineering Council. I hope this gives you confidence to know that I won't be leading you up someone’s garden path!