If you fancy a wild camp but would like an easy introduction, or perhaps you don't have a tent or a stove etc and would like to join a group of others, join us as we walk from Arundel to Gumber Bothy in East Sussex, spend the night and walk on to Amberley the next morning. 

Wild camping gives us the chance to escape, to immerse in nature and to enjoy a simpler way of life even if just for a few hours. There is something wonderfully adventurous about making your way to a location, carrying all we need on our backs and sharing the sunset and sunrise with others. Getting up the next morning, packing up and heading off again on your own two feet. 

Owned by the National Trust, Gumber Bothy is set in a beautiful Sussex valley, surrounded by wide open spaces. Like traditional bothies, we sleep on raised platforms in a large open room but unlike other bothies we have the added luxury of lovely loos, showers and a well equipped kitchen. This means that we can have a great adventure with some creature comforts. 

If a wilder camp is on your to do list for 2024, then this nearly wild camp will give you a chance to get all your gear together, practise packing it, try out snacks and food, spend the day carrying it all and have a whole lot of fun at the same time. 

If it is not, this is a great way to step off the merry go round for 24 hrs and explore with like minded people. 

Our aim is to encourage people onto a mini adventure and we are happy to chat, lend gear etc. If you think this is for you but you are not sure where to start in terms of having what you need, please get in touch.

What we will do:

Saturday

2pm:  meet at Arundel Cenotaph in the centre of Arundel. (this gives you time to arrive in Arundel early if you want to, have lunch, pick up extra snacks etc) (we will be getting the train from Dorking and walking into Arundel and will share our timings nearer the date so that we can meet if wanted)

2:15pm: head off towards Gumber Bothy taking in views of Arundel Castle, Arundel Cathedral, Hiorne Tower and plenty of stunning views. Approx 15km hilly walk at a social pace with time for stops. (about 4.5 hours)

approx 6:30pm: arrive at Gumber Bothy and enjoy tales of the day around the camp fire. Cook food and relax. 

Sunday

Pack up and leave Gumber by latest 9am and head towards Amberley Train Station with a stop for coffe/tea and cake by the River Arun. Approximately 9km walk taking in Bignor Hill and The South Downs Way. (about 2.5 hours)

Kit required: (if you are unsure please ask, we have a certain number of spare rucksacks, sleeping mats etc)

- Walking boots that fit you well and have been used before ; )

- Walking trousers (shorts if you want and its a heat wave but remember it will get chillier at night sat around the camp fire)

- Waterproof trousers (if the forecast is 100% sunshine you can leave this at home)

- Waterproof coat (bring whatever the forecast as good if windy)

- long sleeve base layer 

- t shirt

- warm jumper / fleece

- extra warm layer such as extra fleece, down jacket etc

- sleeping mat (roll up / inflatable)

- sleeping bag (you won't need a winter one but you will need one that is thicker than a sheet)

- crocs / flip flops etc as it is nice to change out of your boots in the bothy. 

- headtorch

- water bottle for drinks on the walks

- change of socks

- warm hat

- change of underwear etc

- wash kit

- something to sleep in if you prefer not sleeping in the t shirt etc you have walked in

- suntan lotion, sun hat

- any medication you may need. We will carry First Aid kits 

- either dry bags or plastic bags that you can pack your clothing in just in case it rains. 

- rucksack big enough to carry everything in.

Food required:

The kitchen at Gumber is well equipped with domestic stoves, ovens, sink, pots pans etc. 

- Evening meal: this can be a freeze dried camping type meal if this is easier or you want to try them out for a future adventure or something like pasta and a sauce that you can cook at Gumber. Think lightweight rather than tins or jars.

- Breakfast: again bring something that you like, is easy to make and can be carried. Porridge pots, brioche are good examples. 

- Snacks: bring plenty of snacks that you like to munch on for the walking and min 1 litre of water. 

We will bring homemade cake, tea and coffee etc to enjoy on our arrival at Gumber. 

Top Tip: 

REMEMBER you are carrying everything so as tempting as it is to pack that pair of jeans for the evening or your favourite party outfit resist ; ) 

We can all cope with one outfit that we walk in and an extra layer of two if it gets cold.

Getting there: 

- Trains to Arundel are frequent and on arriving back at Amberley we will catch a train back to Arundel. If you drive to Arundel, it makes sense to leave your car at Arundel Train Station as we will come back here on the Sunday. 

It is approx 15mins walk from the train station to the centre of Arundel.

What is included:

- accomodation at Gumber Bothy 

- qualifed and experienced Mountain Leader and Lowland Leader guiding your walk wiith bags of experience wild camping around the world and the odd funny story or two ; )

- homemade cake and tea/coffee

What is not included:

- travel to and from Arundel and from Amberley to Arundel on the Sunday

- food and snacks

- walking and camping gear