Monday 20th January - Naturist Ramblers AGM - Dunbridge

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

See photos of the AGM

Thursday 30th January - 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.

See photos of the walk

 Saturday 22nd February - Harrietsham Down - Harrietsham - 5,5 miles

The walk starts with a gentle rise along a tree-lined track to the Pilgrim's Way. Crossing this, we bear left up a steep path on the south face of the North Downs from the top of which there are fine wide-ranging views south to the Sussex Downs. After crossing several fields we descend through woods to our hopefully sunny and sheltered lunch stop at the upper end of a sloping field, at the bottom of which the ancient Pilgrims' Way leads east to the tree-lined track back to the station. Thence, if desired, by bus, car or train to Lenham… and its excellent central teashop.

See photos of the walk

Monday 24th March - Burwash Weald - near Robertsbridge - 6 miles

This walk takes us through a beautiful part of the Sussex High Weald by way of a succession of fields and woodlands on either side of the River Dudwell. The walk uses a mixture of little used footpaths and fine forest tracks, by the side of one of which, in a varied and beautiful forest, we stop for lunch - out of the wind and in the sun [if any]. The wayside views are both fine and almost timeless, as if the basic layout of the countryside hasn't changed for millennia, which it hasn't. At this time of the year we should also be seeing some of the earlier Spring flowers, such as primroses and violets; or even the odd patch of shyly lurking wood anemones.

Thursday 24th April - 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.

See photos of last year's walk

 Monday 28th April - 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.

Wednesday 7th May - NatRam - Pilgrim's Way near Canterbury - 12 Miles

The walk passes through a delightful mixture of open countryside and woodland. In early-May 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 back to the car park, for those who want it, our welcoming pub is just a short drive away .

See photos of last year's walk

Saturday 17th 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 Icklesham. 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.

See photos of last year's walk

Wednesday 21st 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. There is a short walk option of 8 miles.

See photos of last year's walk

Thursday 29th May - NatRam - 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 are often seen grazing. In early April the wooded sections and also the fields and meadows of the return section will be full of colourful wild flowers including some rare species.

See photos of last year's walk

 Tuesday 3rd June - NatRam - Tenbridge P'evels near Pevensey - 10 Miles (S)

This walk starts in Pevensey to go north along Pevensey Haven into 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 via Rickney 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.

See photos of last year's walk

Wednesday 11th June - NatRam - Five Lorda Burgh - Alfriston - 10 (S)

This is a revised version of the Un-firled walk: slightly less climbing and wider views and starts from a lovely country pub. The route climbs through fields to the ridge of the South with lovely 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, pre-historic burial mounds and Firle Beacon before eventually descending to the pub for a well-deserved beer and supper.

See photos of last year's Un Firled walk

Saturday 14th - 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.

See photos of last year's walk

Tuesday 17th June - NatRam - Ackling Dyke near Salisbury - 11 Miles (S)

This walk is being run in conjunction with BN and members of both organisations are welcome to participate. Ackling Dyke is a name bestowed locally on the Roman road between Sarum (now Salisbury) and Poole Harbour, which we follow for several miles. We are again on the high chalk downland and much of the scenery is spectacular. There is a short walk option of 8.5 miles.

See photos of last year's walk

 Thursday 19th 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

Friday 20th 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 The Long Man and up on to Windover Hill. We then start to descend towards the village of Jevington, stopping for lunch at the Gallops. A lane takes us back towards Folkington before ascending on 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 down-land to take us back past the Long Man to Wilmington.

See photos of last year's walk

Tuesday 24th June - 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

Wednesday 25th June - Arun Gap - Arundel - 12 (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.

See photos of last year's walk

Wednesday 2nd July - NatRam - Bury Down near Didcot - 12 Miles

This is a wonderful walk over the downs between Reading and Didcot. From the village, we will climb up onto and along the Ridgeway with its great views, before turning south to drop down through a winding valley to make a wide circle back to East Ilsley.

See photos of last Year's walk

Tuesday 8th July - NatRam - Box Hill Maze near Reigate - 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 tea-stop, From there, there are two options to return, one shorter and flatter than the other' mountain goat' route which is more scenic.

See photos of last year's walk

Thursday 17th 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.

See photos of last year's walk

Tuesday 22nd July - 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, the location of England's first blast Furnace and the remains of an old WWll airfield runway.

See photos of last year's walk

Thursday 24th 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.

Wednesday 30th July - 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.

See photos of last year's walk

 Tuesday 5th August - NatRam - Grovely Woods near Salisbury - 10 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

See photos of last year's walk

Thursday 7th August - NatRam - Harting Down - Petersfield - 11 (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.

See photos of a recent Harting walk

Tuesday 12th August - NatRam - Charlbury near Oxford - 10 Miles

This is an attractive circuit through the rolling Cotswold Hills with woods and hedgerows and open fields aloows 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.

See photos of last year's walk

Thursday 14th 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.

See photos of last year's walk

Tuesday 19th August - 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.

Tuesday 21st August - NatRam - New Forest near Ringwood - 12 Miles

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.

See photos of last year's walk

Tuesday 26th August - 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.

See photos of last Year's walk

Tuesday 2nd September - NatRam - Wepham Down near Arundel - 12 Miles (S)

This year the route follows a shorter version of our usual 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. Parts of it are quite remote, almost reminiscent of the Lakes! Part of the walk follows the South Downs Way with spectacular views both north towards the Weald and south towards the coast. There is a short walk option available of about 6 miles.

See photos of last year's walk

Tuesday 9th September - NatRam - Empty Essex near Maldon - 11 Miles (S)

This is a stunning walk and takes Nat Ram into remote Essex. It is a fascinating walk 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..

See photos of last year's walk

Friday 12th September - 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.

Wednesday 17th September - NatRam - Kendyke near Pewsey - 12 Miles

It 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.

See photos of lst year's walk

Tuesday 23rd 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.

Thursday 2nd October - NatRam - Leith Hill near Dorking - 11 Miles (S)

This is a popular walk, much enjoyed and 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.

See photos of last year's walk

Tuesday 7th October - Stark Trekkers - Barcombe Ouse near Lewes - 6 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.

See photos of last year's walk

Monday 20th 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.

Saturday 8th November - Stark Trekkers - Mayfield Woods near Mayfield - 6 miles

For those familiar with the NatRam Mayfield walk, this is a shortened version; after the wide remote-feeling meadow and the willow grove, we take a short cut through the delightful if steep Combe Wood on our way back into Mayfield.

See photos of last year's walk

Tuesday 2nd December - Stark Trekkers - Mereworth near Maidstone - 6 miles

Mereworth (pronounced "Merry Worth") Woods is a large area of forest in Kent situated between the towns of Tonbridge and Maidstone and has been the site of full Naturist Ramblers Club walk in the past. Although largely amongst a diverse range of deciduous and coniferous trees, including an appealing grove of Walnut trees, there are wide sunny rides on the route and we traverse some attractive more open land on part of the walk. The convenient parking spot means that we will have to cross a busy main road but once we are in these extensive woodlands the sound of traffic is soon lost!

See photos of last year's walk