The Vanguard Way is a long-distance walk from East Croydon station in outer London (OS grid reference TQ328658), travelling from the north, to Newhaven, on the south coast of England. It passes through the counties of Surrey, Kent and East Sussex, between Croydon and Newhaven, East Sussex. It connects the London suburbs to the south coast, via the North Downs, Ashdown Forest, South Downs National Park and the Cuckmere valley.
The walk was developed in celebration of the 15th anniversary in 1980 of the Vanguards Rambling Club, who named themselves after an occasion when they returned from a walk travelling in the guard's van of a crowded train. The route's formal establishment occurred on 3 May 1981, and the Vanguards Rambling Club have remained as the route's management.
Overall, it is a beautiful and unique route from London all the way out to the coast, taking in some breath-taking views of the English countryside. Most of it follows trails and footpaths away from main roads. It is well marked and crosses public access land throughout.
http://www.vanguardway.org.uk/
