Are you covered by insurance with rental vehicles?

This can be arranged with the rental firm office where you hired the vehicle, normally at a small extra cost (usually £15). I would need your booking reference number, and vehicle details along with your name. I would need to show them my driving licence and then they would add me for the day you need to use the service. (excess liability)

Are you covered by insurance for private cars?

My insurance covers me to drive other vehicles, so long as there is an existing policy on the vehicle, and you give me permission. That being said your insurer may have conditions on the vehicle that it may not be driven under these conditions, so I would ask you to check with your insurer prior to the day.

Keys-what happens?

There are lockable key-lock boxes which will secure to the car with a padlock. The combination will be memorable to you, and it is suggested that you note it down and carry the code with you on your walk. I will be able to answer calls from you if there is a problem. If the car has a proximity sensor or push button start the key can be wrapped in foil to prevent the key being detected. I will leave a stamped addressed envelope for you to return the lock box. There are other ways to do this so please get in touch if you are not 100% happy using the lock-box method.

Who will be the driver?

Joe Rawlinson.

I am the sole trader for this business, no one else works with or for me. I am 49 years old and drive professionally, having undergone rigorous extra driver training initially in 2017 and a refresher in 2022. I have held my licence for 32 years.

How do you get back home?

Depending on the distance, I may walk or run back to my car, meaning I’ll be doing the route you take but the opposite way. In some cases I may be close enough at both ends to run to a train station to get me back to Haywards Heath. If I can avoid taking the car I will.

Can we car share with friends/family?

Of course, and I actively encourage you to find friends or family or even strangers to car share with, reducing car journeys in the South Downs.

Can we run or mountain bike the trail?

Of course, once you get out on the trails it’s up to you how you get to TRAILPOINT B and your car.

What is the maximum distance of trail we can choose?

32km or 20 miles. I may have to get back to my car across the trails, so this limit is set for myself. This is the direct route from TRAILPOINT B to TRAILPOINT A, so of course you could choose a longer route should you wish, but the direct route back cannot be more than 32km.

Can we use your service with motorbikes/mopeds?

Unfortunately not at the moment. I do not have a full bike licence or CBT.

I am not confident at navigating, should I still use this service?

The South Downs Way is well signposted along the route, with mileage to the next distinct feature usually shown. As long as the weather is clear, there should be no problem following the trail. Contact me if you are still unsure. I have maps covering the area I service, and can recommend some good free apps to assist. It will be your decision to go, if you need recommendations for shorter walks I can assist also. The car parks are fairly frequent along the trail.

Why don’t I just call a taxi?

That is obviously an option, but you would have to pre book or risk one being available. If you pre book and you’re late most taxi companies will start the meter if metered, or have a waiting charge. One quoted £11 for first half hour, £22 per hour waiting time. I called 11 taxi firms covering the SOUTH DOWNS and SUSSEX AREA, 2 did not answer, 2 were fully booked for tomorrow(Friday) at 1400 hours and another just did AIRPORT transfers. The other 6 gave me a quote for a journey to or from where they were based, as below

Birling Gap - Eastbourne Station - £17, metered

Cuckmere Haven - Eastbourne Station - £21

Seaford Station- Birling Gap - £20

Shoreham Station - Worthing Station- £20

Littlehampton Station- Arundel Castle - £15, metered

Arundel Castle - Ambereley Station - £18/£20, metered.

These are all shortish journeys 12km the longest. So I called one back for a longer journey, Eastbourne to Peacehaven, which is 25km on road, they said it would be around £40, but they’d do it for £35.

So if you get off the beaten path the fare could be slightly more than this.

Using a pre booked taxi could see you get to the end of your walk early, and having to wait in the rain, or late and paying waiting charges or the taxi driving off without you. You may not be able to arrange another taxi.