Monday 19th January - Naturist Ramblers AGM - Robertsbridge

The Club's AGM and annual nude dinner for NatRam / Stark Trekkers members only.

See photos of the AGM

Tuesday 24th February - Chilegg - near Canterbury - 7 Miles

This walk follows a similar route to the start of the Egg & Denger walk, but with a shorter return route in which we explore some remote corners of the ancient Eggringe Wood with its disused flint mines, venerable trees, mysterious deep holes and a beautifully managed nature reserve. Lunch will be in our regular sheltered perch with rolling views down the Stour Valley. Even this early in the year, there may be signs of Spring returning such as celandines, primroses and violets already in flower.

See photos of the 2024 walk

 Tuesday 31st March - Heathfield - Heathfield - 6.5 Miles

This is a circular walk over farmland and through woods with short sections of moderate climbing. The walk enjoys classic High Weald scenery - an enchanting mix of woodland and rolling pastures. We begin and end on the route of a former railway and cross a landing-strip for light aircraft. We may encounter sheep and cattle en route.

See photos of last year's walk

Wednesday 22nd April - Devil's Hike (New) - near Brighton - 6 Miles

This is a walk based around Devil's Dyke, a 100m deep dry valley supposedly dug by the Devil as part of a bet with a hermit called Cuthbert of Steyning. We head north following the foot of the Downs following the local stream, through fields where we lunch in a sheltered spot. After lunch we follow a winding bostal up to the South Downs Way, then eastwards along the ridge towards the Devil's Dyke. Crossing the road we descend into the dyke to walk the entire valley floor, then north back to our starting point.

Thursday 30th April - NatRam - Pilgrim's Way - near Canterbury - 12 Miles (S)

The walk starts in a woodland car park just outside Challock. The walk passes through a delightful mixture of open countryside and woodland. In late April the woods should be carpeted with bluebells. It follows a section of the Pilgrim's Way with great views of Canterbury Cathedral, the Wye Downs and across to Romney Marsh. Returning to the car park, for those who want it, supper is at a nearby pub.

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Wednesday 6th May - NatRam - Mayfield - Mayfield - 11 Miles (S)

This walk follows a delightful wiggling route through a mixture of pasture and woodland combining great views across the Weald with some enchanting almost Alpine settings. We usually stop for lunch in Wadhurst Park where herds of deer have often been seen grazing. In early May the wooded sections and the fields and meadows of the return section should be full of colourful wildflowers such as bluebells, wood anemones and primroses among others, some of which are rare.

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Tuesday 12th May - NatRam - Dean's Bottom - near Goring on Thames - 12 Miles (S)

This is a popular walk in our programme, and it is the sixth walk in our collection to make use - briefly this time - of The Ridgeway long distance path. We meet in a pretty Berkshire village and walk through superb downland scenery in a large figure of eight. Lunch is in a secluded valley with a rare stand of wild junipers. There is a short walk option of 8 miles.

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Saturday 16th May - Stark Trekkers - Brede Valley - near Rye / Hastings - 8 Miles

The first few miles follow the 1066 Country Walk: a mixture of quiet tracks and grassy hillsides. Spot some quirky chainsaw sculptures. We then descend into the wide valley of the River Brede, crossing a "Troll Bridge" to follow the banks of the river through open scenery back towards our start point. The last part of the return walk offers a choice of climbs! Both are very close to the starting point. No dogs please, as we pass sheep, cattle and horses along the route.

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Tuesday 19th May - NatRam - Wotton Wander - near Dorking - 12 Miles (S)

It starts at the same place as the Leith Hill walk. Instead of going south, we go north to the Downs which are open with south facing slopes for a good part of the way. We rise gently eastwards to our lunch stop with its fine views south across the peaceful valley around Wotton Hatch, before following the general line of the North Downs Way west for several miles along the forested tops of the North Downs ridge to our tea stop. Here the Tillingbourne Valley spreads like a map beneath our feet, then rises to the forests of the Greensand Ridge of Holmbury Hill. We return east along the Way with its crumbling collection of WW ll pillboxes, and along here it is possible at one point to catch a glimpse of Chanctonbury Ring on the far-distant South Downs. There are two short walk options, one about 5 miles and the other about 6 miles.

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 Thursday 28th May - NatRam - Tenbridge P'evels - near Pevensey - 10 Miles (S)

This walk starts from Pevensey and is soon in the marshy, remote-feeling landscape of the Pevensey Levels, in one part of which we cross no fewer than ten wooden bridges in a little over a mile before returning over riverside fields. The end of the North Downs above Polegate can be seen in the distance, with glimpses of the former Hertsmonceux observatory in the other direction. We pass the intriguingly named Horse Eye as well as some open water, which at times has large numbers of waterfowl. There are two short walk options, one about 5 miles and the other about 8 miles.

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Tuesday 2nd June - NatRam - Box Hill Maze - near Dorking - 11 Miles (S)

This is a popular walk, being close to London and the M25. It starts where the River Mole cuts through the North Downs and follows an amazing tangle of footpaths through beautiful wooded and also open territory with splendid views. You will need to be able to cope with some steep climbs. It includes open downland and thick yew woods, and a fine old quarry of almost Alpine beauty forms our usual teastop, From there, there are two options to return, one shorter and flatter than the other' mountain goat' route which is more scenic.

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Tuesday 9th June - NatRam / BN - New Forest - near Ringwood - 12 Miles

This walk is being run in conjunction with BN and members of both organisations are welcome to participate. This year we repeat our usual route heading north up onto the New Forest. The walk typifies the Forest with vast expanses of heather and heathland along with magnificent views. Not to mention ponies, ponds, and extensive WWll history! The walk takes us through the Ashley Walk bombing range where the Tallboy and Grand Slam bombs were originally tested. Some of the targets still exist along with a 10,000lb Tallboy bomb crater.

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 Thursday 11th June - NatRam / BN - Dunbridge - near Romsey - 11 Miles

This walk is being run in conjunction with BN and members of both organisations are welcome to participate. The route follows public footpaths and bridleways through varied scenery including woodland and open farmland the walk cover parts of the National Trust Mottisfont Estate and the Lockerley Hall Estate in the Dun Valley, it includes a few gentle ascents and some stiles. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the walk although we will be passing through fields where cattle will be grazing at which point dogs will need to be on leads. There is a short walk option of about 7 miles.

See photos of the walk

Tuesday 16th June - Stark Trekkers - Long Man Botanical - near Polegate

This day is not actually a Stark Trekkers walk as such but a botanical ramble within a limited area of the South Downs for those interested in finding out about and learning to identify the specialised flora of chalk grassland. We shall stop frequently to study and photograph these superb wild flowers. Climbing up to the Long Man of Wilmington we shall proceed westwards during the morning, returning eastwards after lunch to look at the orchid bank situated in the Folkington area which has delighted us for many years on the full Stark Trekkers walk.

Wednesday 17th June - NatRam - Empty Essex - near Maldon - 11 Miles (S)

This is a stunning walk and takes Nat Ram into remote Essex. It is a fascinating ramble starting from an old pub on the Blackwater Estuary. Ignoring the de-commissioned nuclear power station, the route follows the remote coastal path. Lunch is planned at a naturist beach for those who want a swim. Following the coast, then onto The Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall, which is among the oldest Christian churches in England. The route then turns inland through farmland back to our start point.

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Friday 19th June - Stark Trekkers - Long Man Downs - near Polegate - 5½ Miles

Celebrate World Naked Hiking Day on this splendid downland walk which first takes us to the well-known chalk figure of The Long Man and up on to the Downs. We then start to descend towards the village of Jevington, stopping for lunch at the Gallops. A lane takes us back towards Folkington on our way to a lovely wild flower bank with Bee Orchids amongst the diverse and distinct chalk grassland flora. We then continue through woods before re-emerging on to downland to take us back past the Long Man.

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Tuesday 23rd June - NatRam - Harting Down - near Petersfield - 11 Miles (S)

Downland walks are always popular, and this circuit starts at the southernmost point. We head north-east gradually ascending the dip slope to the crest of the South Downs where we enjoy splendid views over the countryside around the village of South Harting. After heading west along the ridge, we close the loop through rolling fields and woods.

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Thursday 25th June - NatRam - Charlbury near Oxford - 10 Miles (S)

This is an attractive circuit through the rolling Cotswold Hills with woods and hedgerows and open fields allows us to walk nude for almost the entire route. Our route after lunch takes us through the impressive grounds of Ditchley Park, whose fine Palladian mansion we approach for half a mile. It was built in 1720-2, and was used by Churchill during WWII when bright moonlight made Chequers too easy to see by the Luftwaffe. This former stately home is now an international conference centre. The name comes from the Old English for 'Woodland clearing' [-ley] on Grim's Ditch, built by the Romans. There is a short walk option of about 8 miles.

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Wednesday 1st July - Arun Gap - near Arundel - 10 Miles (S)

Our route heads west to explore the northern end of the Arun Gap, and then the downland ridge on the far side. A good half of the way is flat with much of it along the banks of the peaceful tidal Arun through both open meadows with wide views to the Downs to either side, and woodlands. After a stop for lunch and a swim if desired, we continue upriver before diverting off the riverside path through an old quarry up on to the ridge to the west. This has superb views over the Arun Gap; north over the Weald as far as Leith Hill; and south to Arundel Castle and Cathedral then out to the sea. Part of the route takes us into Arundel Park where unfortunately dogs are not allowed.

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Tuesday 7th July - Stark Trekkers - Brightling - near Battle - 7 Miles

There is much varied countryside on this route which has a distinctly remote feel in places considering it is in the crowded south-east! The walk follows tracks through ancient woodland as well as tracts of open meadowland. At one point (on a clear day) both the North and South Downs can be seen - in opposite directions of course! Spot the gypsum mine and 18th century follies en route! A highlight of this route is a stand of truly magnificent ancient Beech trees, now sadly in decline.

See photos of last year's walk

Thursday 9th July - NatRam - Winklebury (New) - near Salisbury - 11 Miles

This new walk starts from delightful pub on Cranborne Chase. The walk leaves the village heading first west, then southwards up onto the high chalk downland (steepish ascent) before dropping to the lunch stop in a glorious deep coombe on the other side. Then into Chase Woods for some distance before emerging back onto the chalk hills and the magnificent views from Winklebury Hill Fort enjoyed during the tea break. The return route follows tracks and crosses open pastureland between minor hamlets. Dogs will need to be on leads where livestock are present.

Thursday 16th July - NatRam - Bury Down - near Didcot - 12 Miles

This is a wonderful walk over the rolling chalk downs between Reading and Didcot. From the village, we will climb up onto and then walk westwards along the ancient Ridgeway - used since man first came to Britain - with its great views to the north and south. After lunch we will continue for a while before turning south to drop down into a picturesque and winding valley for our tea stop, before continuing down it to make a wide circle back to our start point.

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Friday 17th July - Stark Trekkers - Hoo Bike Ride - near Gravesend - 15 Miles

This is a cycle ride only, the annual Stark Trekkers ride. We cycle out on a gravelly, sandy and grassy tracks, past the RSPB Cliffe Pools Reserve and a strange inlet with a salt marsh island to the Thames sea wall, which we follow east as far as Egypt Bay where we stop for lunch, sunbathe, and perhaps a swim at high tide off its shelly beach, before returning by the same route. The only short option available is to turn back early. It is recommended that you bring a pump and puncture repair kit and spare inner tube, as the tracks in places have sharp stones.

See photos of last year's cycle ride

Tuesday 21st July - NatRam - King's Castle - near Lewes - 12 Miles (S)

This is a superb ramble over the South Downs near Lewes. The start point is a very fine village pub. From here we follow the South Downs Way up a paved lane up to a ridge and follow it until in a couple of miles the highest point of our walk stretches as a most strideable sward of closely cropped turf with splendid views in all directions over the Ouse Gap. After a while, we leave the Way and dip into a splendid coombe which we follow seawards, until our way climbs out of it, and we return to the village with its welcome and welcoming pub.

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 Thursday 23rd July - NatRam - Grovely Woods - near Salisbury - 11 Miles (S)

This is a beautiful walk on the chalk downland near Salisbury. It follows a mixture of Roman Roads and old ox drove tracks, with distant views of Salisbury Cathedral and its spire!
There is a short walk option of 8.5 miles

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Thursday 30th July - NatRam - Friston Forest - near Eastbourne - 11 Miles (S)

This is a beautiful walk, the basis of which featured in our first 1993 programme and is still a favourite, with forest, open downs and precipitous chalk cliffs. We take a route heading north along the east bank of the river, where a quick swim might be in order, before leaving it to climb up through a winding valley and emerge on the top of the downs. We finish up by striding across closely cropped turf along the top of the famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs to Birling Gap. There may be time for a swim stop before walking back to the pub for dinner. There is a shorter option of 8 miles.

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Wednesday 5th August - NatRam - Wepham Down - near Arundel - 11 Miles (S)

The route follows a newish shorter [and less muddy!] version of our old walk across the stunning South Downs. It explores the high rolling chalk downland north of Arundel. It is very open and nude friendly with magnificent views. Much of the walk follows the South Downs Way with spectacular views both north across Amberley Wild Brooks and the Weald, and south to the sea. There is a short walk option available of about 6 miles.

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Thursday 6th August - Stark Trekkers - North Downs One Way - near Lenham - 6 Miles

This is a gentle stroll along the North Downs Way in mid Kent. We follow the undulating trail westwards for several miles with views to the south across the Stour Valley. Lunch involves a bit of a climb up the face of the North Downs, rewarded by wider views to the south. Most of the route is sheltered by the hills and intermittent hedgerows.

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Wednesday 12th August - NatRam - Sugar Hill - near Hungerford - 11 Miles

This is a magnificent walk on the high chalk downland between Hungerford and Swindon. The walk follows the ridge up to the impressive Liddington Castle which was one of the earliest Iron Age hill forts in Britain, with first occupation dating to the seventh century BC! We then follow a fine route along a west facing escarpment partly parallel to, and then on, the Ridgeway before heading east back to the village.

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Saturday 15th August - NatRam - Hoo Peninsula - near Gravesend - 11 Miles (S)

This mostly flat walk is in a most unusual setting exploring a huge and virtually deserted area of marshland on the Thames Estuary, which is why we can do it on a Saturday. This area is full of historical interest, it being the setting for Charles Dickens 'Great Expectations'. In addition there is much evidence of WWll, not to mention its chequered smuggling history! The date of the walk is set so that the state of the tide should give us the opportunity for a swim in the Thames at lunchtime. Near the end are superb views up the Thames towards distant London, and also out to sea. There is a short walk option for this walk of 8 miles.

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Wednesday 19th August - NatRam - Great Bottom - near Amberley - 12 Miles

This walk now has a new less steep route up onto the Downs starting off alongside the Arun and then through a mixture of farmland and woodland. Lunch is under an old beech tree with views out to the sea and the Isle of Wight. We walk along a section of Stane Street the old Roman Road which is still in good condition! The walk then takes in lovely chalk downland and deserted valleys before joining part of the South Downs Way with stunning views as we return to the pub.

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 Thursday 20th August - Stark Trekkers - Robertswood - near Robertsbridge - 6 Miles

This is a modified version of the route which used to explore the woods and Rother valley between Salehurst and Staplecross. The route is soon out in the countryside and climb gently up through ancient woods, emerging at the head of a remote valley with patchwork views of woods and pastures from a sheltered bridleway. After crossing the valley we follow the edge of Wellhead woods, lunching in a grassy hollow sheltered by orchards. Doubling back through the centre of Lordship woods for a total change of atmosphere, we emerge once again onto the Rother floodplain to complete our loop.

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Thursday 27th August - NatRam - Five Lords Burgh - near Alfriston - 10 Miles (S)

This is a splendid walk for lovers of open Downland scenery. It starts from a cosy country pub then climbs through fields to the ridge of the South Downs with spacious views across the Sussex Weald to the North. It is a typical high downland walk with panoramic views across open Downs, South to the Channel coast and North to the Sussex Weald. The route takes in open heathland, prehistoric burial mounds (called Burghs) and Firle Beacon before eventually descending back to the pub for a well-deserved beer and supper.

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Thursday 3rd September - NatRam - Ashdown Forest - near East Grinstead - 11 Miles

The route for this walk has evolved over the years and is a lovely circuit around the High Weald with a good mix of delightful wooded tracks and open heathland paths, providing spectacular views across to both the North and South Downs. The Forest is full of local history from King Henry Vlll's hunting ground to the location of England's first blast Furnace and the remains of an old WWll airfield runway.

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Monday 7th September - Stark Trekkers - Pevensey - 8 Miles

A walk in open country across the marshy, remote-feeling landscape of the Pevensey Levels, returning over riverside fields from Rickney. The end of the North Downs above Polegate can be seen in the distance, with glimpses of the former Hertsmonceux observatory in the other direction. We pass the intriguingly named Horse Eye Farm as well as some open water which at times supports large numbers of waterfowl. Part of our route takes us into an area where dogs are not allowed.

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Wednesday 16th September - NatRam - Kendyke - near Pewsey - 11 Miles

This is close to the old Giant's Grave walk of SOC days. We cross the Kennet and Avon canal and rise steadily to the crest of the Marlborough Downs west of the Neolithic causewayed camp of Rybury, to cross the crest of these Downs and the Wansdyke, an impressive earthwork, and probably a late Romano-British frontier defence dated to around 450AD which has possible connections with King Arthur. We descend over the open country and have lunch in a coombe close to but, just here, out of sight of the popular early Neolithic West Kennet Long Barrow, which impressive burial mound is around 5,700 years old. On the way we catch views of the Neolithic Silbury Hill, a mere 4000 years old. It is the size of a pyramid and is estimated to have cost 18m man-hours to build. We return by a different path to walk along the almost modern! Wansdyke itself, and then after tea on to Rybury fort before descending back to our start point, with the last part of the way potentially including along the canal, if time permits.

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Tuesday 22nd September - Stark Trekkers - Barcombe Ouse - near Lewes - 6.5 Miles

A delightful walk in the valley of the River Ouse, featuring a most attractive stretch of the river bank itself as well as a very pleasant section of well-managed open woodland. No dogs please as cattle graze on part of the route.

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Thursday 24th September - Nat Ram - Egg & Denger - near Canterbury - 11 Miles (S)

This walk is on the east side of the glorious Stour valley, opposite the Pilgrim's Way walk. It is named after the two principal woods we pass through - Eggringe, where we emerge on a sunlit scarp (we hope!) for lunch with wide views over the swelling Downs and the River Stour (which we cross at the start of the walk) winding its way through below us. We then continue through the varied Denge Wood by way of a tea stop in a quiet wide glade to end where we began - at The Woolpack Inn, where the welcome, food and beer are all splendid. Short walk options are available.

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Thursday 1st October - NatRam - Leith Hill - near Dorking - 11 Miles (S)

This is a popular walk, much enjoyed an provides an excellent route through pleasant sheltered woodland and very attractive valleys sloping gently up to Leith Hill Tower. Leith Hill Tower has a small tea shop in its base, which if it is open serves delicious home-made flap jacks. The top of the tower reaches 1000ft (317m) above sea level and is the highest point in SE England. From here it is possible to see some of the high buildings in Central London. In the other direction you can look out across Gatwick Airport and see as far as the sea through the Adur Gap in the South Downs. There are various short walk options available for this walk ranging from 6 to 8 miles.

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Thursday 15th October - King's Wood - Challock - near Ashford - 6 Miles

This is a familiar route to Stark Trekkers walkers. It has some overlaps with the Pilgrim's Way NatRam walk. The walk has much woodland with wide and open rides and more open areas generally. A brief diversion towards the end of the walk provides a super view over Soakham Downs towards the south-east and the coast near Rye. King's Wood is an ancient forest, which was probably used as a royal hunting ground when the King or Archbishop visited Charing Palace, hence the name.

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Monday 19th October - Stark Trekkers - Fungal Foray - TBA

This is a provisional date and as yet an unspecified location. Depending on the seasonal weather leading up to this event, the best time for seeing the best fungi may vary as may the location, but it will be in either Kent or East Sussex. While this is a naturist event, the specific intention is to observe and discuss all the fungal and other finds that we encounter en-route. Hopefully it will be a nice warm day so that it can be a successful naturist foray as there will be little heat generated by walking! If it is cold, you might also actually be forced to put some warming clothes on! If you are interested in joining the walk, then contact Keith who will keep you up to date with the proposed date (should it change) and location.

See photos of last year's foray

Tuesday 17th November - Stark Trekkers - Mayfield Woods - near Mayfield - 6 Miles

For those familiar with the NatRam Mayfield walk, this shorter version of it follows the same route to a wide remote-feeling meadow that slopes gently down to a grove of tall willows, at which point this shorter route diverges and we ascend a steep path through the delightful Combe Wood to the attractive summit of the ridge. Crossing this, we then descend through a strip of forest into a rather picturesque valley of woods, orchard and meadow to rejoin the return NatRam route back to Mayfield.

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