Downs Link, Long-distance trail in Surrey, United Kingdom
The Downs Link is a long-distance trail in Surrey, United Kingdom, that follows a former railway line between the North Downs and the South Downs. It is a flat, traffic-free path of about 37 miles (60 km) that passes through woods, fields, and villages, and is open to walkers, cyclists, and horse riders.
The trail was created in the 1980s when the railway line between Guildford and Shoreham was closed and converted into a path. It now forms part of a larger network of routes that link the North Downs Way with the South Downs Way.
The path is popular with local people who use it for daily exercise, weekend rides, and quiet walks. Along the way, you pass old station platforms and bridges that recall the railway past, and the trail is often used for community events and charity runs.
The trail is well marked and can be joined at several points, so you can plan a short walk or a longer ride. The surface is mostly firm and flat, making it easy for families and wheelchairs, but some sections can be muddy after rain.
The route passes through the disused Christ's Hospital station, where the platforms and station buildings still stand. It also crosses the River Arun and offers views of the South Downs.
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