Taking part in the 20th Balcombe Walk on the 12th September is a great way to have a wonderful day out whilst supporting our vital work in 2010.

Entrance to the walk is free but we ask all walkers to raise sponsorship.  If you feel unable to raise sponsorship, we will be happy to accept a donation instead.  Last year the Balcombe Walk raised around £20,000 for hospice care - why not take part?

To take part in this years walk and receive your sponsor form, or to ask for more information, call walk organiser Joan on 01444 455 420, email joan.moon7@btinternet.com or call
Pat on 01444 811367 or John on 01444 451402.

The walk:

• The walk starts from Victory Hall in Balcombe and is a 12 ¾ mile circuit (with the option to finish at 4, 7 or 10 miles with free transport  back to the start line) on footpaths and quiet lanes
• The route is fully marshalled and you will receive a guide to help you on your way
• Check in is between 9am and 10.30am with free parking
• Free tea and homemade cakes will be waiting for you at the finish!

FAQs:

Where and when does the walk start?
The walk starts and ends at Victory Hall, Stockcroft Road, Balcombe RH17 6HP.  Registration takes place between 9.00am and 10.30am

Is there a time limit?
No, you walk at your own pace.  The closure times for the Checkpoints, Dropout Points and Refreshments are clearly marked on the Route Guide.

Do I have to walk the entire 12¾ miles?
No, you can finish at 4, 6 or 9 miles by notifying the Checkpoint Marshal.  Free transport is provided back to Victory Hall.  If you do choose to make your own arrangements to get back then you should inform the Checkpoint Marshal so that we know your whereabouts.

Can I take my children and our dog?
Children and dogs are welcomed.  Dogs need to be put on leads where there are animals in fields.  It isn’t suitable for pushchairs as it’s cross-country.

Do I have to climb stiles?
Absolutely!

Is the walk on roads?
It is mostly over fields and country lanes, but does cross some busy roads, where Marshals are on hand to assist.

What sort of shoes should I wear?
Wear something sturdy and comfortable.  Bear in mind that some parts of the route get muddy if there has been recent rain, so a walking pole might be useful.

Is there a pub where I can stop along the route?
The Victory Inn at Staplefield is about 4 miles along the route.

Are there any public toilets?
At Victory Hall and Ardingly Reservoir. 

Could I get lost?
The entire route is clearly marked with arrows and mile markers.  You will receive an individual walker number and an illustrated Route Guide when you register, and need to show this to a Checkpoint Marshal at 3 separate locations along the walk so that we can check your progress.

I don’t like to ask people for sponsorship but would like to walk.  Can I pay a donation?
If everyone gets sponsorship then we will raise more money for the hospice, but if you can’t then we are happy to accept as large a donation as you feel able to give.

What sort of conditions will I meet on the walk?
You will be walking mainly across farmland and country lanes in the beautiful Sussex countryside.  There are stiles and kissing gates to negotiate.  The walk uses public footpaths and where you cross over busy roads we have Marshals on hand to assist.

How do I pay my sponsorship money or donation?
You can pay on the day or send cheques to St Catherine’s Hospice in an envelope that will be provided.

How can we be sure the money goes to St Catherine’s Hospice?
The sponsor money is sent by you directly to the hospice and cheques are made payable to St Catherine’s Hospice.

Do I need to pre-register in order to walk?
No, just turn up on the day with your Sponsor Form (don’t forget to fill in your personal details on pages 3 and 8 to save time). 

What ‘provisions’ do we need to take with us?
Many people take a picnic along with them to enjoy along the way.  There are four refreshment points with water and squash, but it’s also useful to carry a bottle of water with you.