High Weald Landscape Trail v1

Chestnut Paling
How you can help
● Plant natural trees, hedges and shrubs
● Put up traditional fencing
● Buy local products to support the local
economy i.e. foods, wines and beers,
charcoal, wood products, arts and craft.
● If you own land, get advice on management
for landscape and wildlife
● Join your local conservation organisation – It
is valuable work and provides good exercise.
British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.
Tel: 01243 814481 e-mail: westsussex@btcv.org.uk
Protecting and enhancing the landscape
Rural Strategy at West Sussex County Council
advises and works with many individuals and
organisations to help protect and enhance the
landscape and its wildlife, and encourage people
to enjoy it. A management plan for this work is
available in local libraries. If you would like help
and advice please contact Rural Strategy for
more details.
e-mail: buchan.park@westsussex.gov.uk or
tel: 01293 542088/544120.
Travelling through the Weald was always
easiest on foot because of the forest and poor
roads. Today, it is still the best way to
understand and appreciate the beauty and rich
heritage of the High Weald.
Amongst the woods are hammer ponds and the
humps and hollows of old mine pits. These are
relics of the Wealden iron industry which
existed from the Iron Age to its peak in the
16th Century.
The keepers of the medieval deer parks and the
17th Century designed landscapes treasured the
trees. The modern resident still does as is
evident in the many great gardens that flourish
in the area. Today the pattern of small fields,
wide wooded field boundaries (called shaws),
broadleaved woods and formal gardens gives
the High Weald the feel of an authentically
English landscape.
The heavy clay soils, that give oaks their solid
foundation, made the early roads and tracks
impassable in poor weather. For centuries the
forest has yielded only simple field patterns,
small enclosures cut from the woods by
individual farmers.
High Weald
The High Weald, with its abundant woodlands,
heath, sandstone outcrops, rolling hills and
small, steep valleys is one of England’s unique
landscapes. Drovers roads and banked
pathways, timber framed manors and medieval
iron workings are clues to past human influence
in the area. Cleared from forest that barred
access for so long to all but the yeoman farmer
and Wealden iron worker, it remains an area in
which traces of history are easily seen.
The High Weald of West Sussex is part of the
High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty (AONB), which runs through West
Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey and Kent. This
designation recognises areas of national
importance in terms of working landscapes.
THE the high HIGH WEALD weald IN in WEST west SUSSEX sussex
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
If you have any queries about, or
problems with, the rights of way
network, please contact West Sussex
County Council, Rural Strategy,
Tower Street, Chichester.
☎ 01243 777620/756762.
e-mail:
prow@westsussex.gov.uk
You can view our interactive walks
map on the County’s website
www.westsussex.gov.uk.
Much of the walking in this guide is on public rights of
way. West Sussex has over 4,022 kms (2,500 miles)
of rights of way of which 2,415 kms (1,500 miles) are
maintained and managed by West
Sussex County Council.
PUBLIC public RIGHTS rights OF of WAY way
The High Weald Landscape Trail is waymarked in both directions
with green arrows. Additional wooden posts may be seen at
certain points.
The five circular walks are waymarked in one direction (see map)
with circular walk discs.
View from High Weald footpath
CIRCULAR WALKS
HIGH WEALD
1:50 000 Landranger Series - 1:25,000 Explorer Series
198 Brighton & the Downs 134 Crawley & Horsham
187 Dorking, Reigate & Crawley 135 Ashdown Forest
This leaflet is only a guide to the routes. Inset maps are provided at difficult points but you are
recommended to use the following OS maps in conjunction with this guide.
This guide is a general introduction to the many delights of the High Weald Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty and shows how they can be enjoyed using public transport links. It includes six
walks; five circular routes and one longer route, the High Weald Landscape Trail. There are ideas
for the day visitor and the long distance walker, all including options to visit the spectacular gardens
and heritage attractions in the area. The routes follow public footpaths, bridleways, permissive
paths and minor roads, and are designed to link closely with the public transport network to give
you the opportunity to leave your car at home.
how HOW to TO use USE THIS this GUIDE guide
Wood Anemone
ACCOMMODATION
accommodation
The National Accommodation Grading Scheme (ETC/AA/RAC) uses a simple 1
to 5 rating system. Diamonds for B&B’s and Guest Houses. Stars for Hotels.
Trained, impartial assessors visit properties annually, so you can have
confidence that your accommodation has been thoroughly checked before
making your booking.
The list below indicates which places are graded by the national scheme.
Ungraded properties are, in the vast majority of cases, of good quality. They
have been included in this guide, but because they are not assessed, West
Sussex County Council cannot ensure a level of service or quality.
ARDINGLY
The Avins Bridge Restaurant & Rooms, College Road, RH17 6SH.
Tel: 01444 892393 ◆◆◆◆◆
ANSTY
Netherby, Bolney Road, RH17 5AW. Tel: 01444 455888 ◆◆◆◆
BALCOMBE
Oakfield Cottage, Brantridge Lane, RH17 6JR. Tel: 01444 401121
Rocks Lane Cottage, Rocks Lane, RH17 6JG. Tel: 01444 811245 ◆◆◆
BOLNEY
Colwood Manor West, Spronketts Lane, RH17 5SA. Tel: 01444 461331
◆◆◆◆
Hickstead Hotel, Jobs Lane, RH17 5PA. Tel: 01444 248023 ❈❈❈
New Farm House, Nyes Hill, Wineham Lane, RH17 5SD. Tel: 01444 881617
◆◆◆◆
Butchers Bed & Breakfast, Ryecroft Road, RH17 5PS. Tel: 01444 881503
◆◆◆◆
Broxmead Paddock, Broxmead Lane, RH17 5RG. Tel: 01444 881458 ◆◆◆◆
Willow Wood, Jeremy’s Lane, RH17 5QE. Tel: 01444 881232
CUCKFIELD
Hilton Park Hotel, RH17 5EG. Tel: 01444 454555 ❈❈❈
Ockenden Manor, Ockenden Lane, RH17 5LD Tel: 01444 416111 ❈❈❈
EAST GRINSTEAD
Cranston House, Cranston Road. RH19 3HW. Tel: 01342 323609 ◆◆◆◆
Grinstead Lodge, London Road, RH19 1QE. Tel: 01342 317222
Hammerwood Park, RH19 3QE. Tel: 01342 850594
Woodbury House Hotel, Lewes Road, RH19 3UD. Tel: 01342 313657 ❈❈❈
HAYWARDS HEATH
The Birch Hotel, 7 Lewes Road, RH17 7SF. Tel: 01444 451565 ❈❈❈
Copyhold Hollow B&B, Copyhold Lane, Borde Hill, RH16 1XU.
Tel: 01444 413265 ◆◆◆◆
HORSHAM
Wimblehurst Hotel, Wimblehurst Road, RH12 2ED. Tel: 01403 251122 ❈❈
The Wirrals, 1 Downsview Road, RH12 4PF. Tel: 01403 269400 ◆◆◆
The Deans, 8 Wimblehurst Road, RH12 2ED. Tel: 01403 268166 ◆◆◆◆
Ye Old Kings Head, Carfax, RH12 1EG. Tel: 01403 253126 ❈❈
The Larches, 28 Rusper Road, RH12 4BD. Tel: 01403 263392 ◆◆◆
Clarence Guest House, 1 Clarence Road, RH13 5SJ. Tel: 01403 250826
HORSTED KEYNES
The Croft, Lewes Road, RH17 7DP. Tel: 01825 790546 ◆◆◆
LOWER BEEDING
The Village Pantry, Handcross Road, RH13 6NU. Tel: 01403 891319 ◆◆◆◆
South Lodge Hotel, Brighton Road, RH13 6PS. Tel: 01403 891711 ❈❈❈❈
Cinnamon Cottage, Handcross Road, Plummers Plain, RH13 6NZ.
Tel: 01403 400539 ◆◆◆
The Old Post House, Handcross Road, RH13 6NU. Tel: 01403 891776
Cisswood House Hotel, Sandy Gate Lane, RH13 6NF. Tel: 01403 891216
Black Cottage, Newells Farmhouse, Newells Lane, RH13 6LN.
Tel: 01403 891326
SHARPTHORNE
Coach House, Courtlands, Chilling Street, RH19 4JF. Tel: 01342 810512
◆◆◆
Gravetye Manor, Vowels Lane, RH19 4LJ. Tel: 01342 810567 ❈❈❈❈❈
Saxons, Horsted Lane, RH19 4HY. Tel: 01342 810821 ◆◆◆◆
WEST HOATHLY
Stonelands West Lodge, Ardingly Road, RH19 4RA. Tel: 01342 715372 ◆◆◆
ATTRACTIONS
attractions
BORDE HILL GARDEN
A secret garden in the heart of the Sussex countryside
with woodland walks, wildlife pool, 2 lakes, children’s
adventure playground and tea rooms. Open daily all
year 10.00am to 6.00pm. For further information
www.bordehill.co.uk, e-mail: info@bordehill.co.uk or
Tel: 01444 450326.
HIGH BEECHES GARDENS
One of the finest and best preserved examples of an
early 20th century landscaped woodland garden set in
8 hectares. Open mid March to end June & Sept 1st to
Oct 31st every day except Weds 1.00pm to 5.00pm.
Open Sun to Tues, Thurs & Fri, July & August 1.00pm
to 5.00pm. For further information:
www.highbeeches.com,
e-mail: office@highbeeches.com or Tel: 01444 400589.
LEONARDSLEE GARDENS
97 hectares of a constantly changing woodland
landscape with rhododendrons and azaleas in a valley
with 7 lakes. A paradise in spring, peaceful in summer
and mellow in autumn. Open daily 9.30am to 6.00pm
1st April to 31st October. For further information
e-mail: gardens@leonardslee.com or
Tel: 01403 891212.
NYMANS GARDEN (NATIONAL TRUST)
Rare and beautiful
trees, shrubs and
plants collected
from all over the
world with walled
and sunken gardens,
rose garden and
spectacular summer
borders. Adjoining
Nymans Woods
Borde Hill
Nymans Gardens
Borde Hill
(open all year), has three waymarked walks. Gardens
open 18th February to end October daily except Mon
& Tues (but open Bank Holiday Mon & Good Friday)
11am to 6pm or sunset if earlier. Last admission
5.30pm. Open weekends only 1st November to 20th
February 2005 11.00am to 4.00pm. For further
information Tel: 01444 400321.
PRIEST HOUSE & GARDEN
A "Gem of the Weald". 15th Century timber framed farmhouse, originally with a
central open hall, and cottage garden. Open daily 1st March to 31st October.
10.30am to 5.30pm Tue to Sat, 12.00pm to 5.30pm Sun. For further information
www.sussexpast.co.uk , e-mail: priest@sussexpast.co.uk or Tel: 01342 810479.
WAKEHURST PLACE
"Kew in the Country", is the country home of the Royal Botanic Gardens, the
Priest House
Millennium Seed Bank and a variety of superb habitats. Open daily from 10.00am all year except Dec 24th and 25th.
Access to estate via main gate on B2028. Closes at Dusk. For further information www.rbgkew.org.uk, e-mail:
wakehurst@kew.org or Tel: 01444 894066.
STANDEN HOUSE & GARDENS (NATIONAL TRUST)
Phillip Webb architecture and William Morris interiors in this large Victorian family house standing in beautiful hillside
garden. Open end March to end October: Weds to Sun & Bank Holiday Mon, house 11.00am to 5.00pm (last admission
4.30pm); garden 11.00am to 6.00pm; fully licensed restaurant and shop 11.00am to 5.00pm. Open 5th Nov to 19th Dec:
Fri to Sun, 11.00am to 3.00pm shop, garden and light refreshments only. For further information www.nationaltrust.org.uk,
e-mail: sstpro@smtp.ntrust.org.uk or Tel: 01342 323029.
Bluebell Railway
ATTRACTIONS
attractions
BLUEBELL RAILWAY
World famous steam railway featuring period stations, locomotive shed
and collection of railway memorabilia. Catch the train at Horsted Keynes
or Sheffield Park Stations, or get a bus from East Grinstead Station to
Kingscote Station (Strictly no parking). For further information
www.bluebell-railway.co.uk, e-mail: info@bluebell-railway.co.uk,
Tel: 01825 720800 (General enquiries), 01825 722370 (Talking
timetable), 01825 720813 (Party travel), 01825 720801 (Catering /
Pullman dining trains).
GRAVETYE MANOR
Public Rooms and gardens may be visited Friday by prior appointment (parties of 4 max). A perimeter walk of the grounds
is open Tuesday and Friday only, between 10.00am and 5.00pm, via a marked path. This does not include the gardens
immediately adjacent to the House, which are reserved for guests. For further information Tel: 01342 810567.
CUCKFIELD MUSEUM
Queen’s Hall, High Street, Cuckfield. Open March to January: Weds 10am to 12.30pm and Sats 10am to 4pm; or by
appointment. For further information Tel: 01444 454276.
SACKVILLE COLLEGE
High Street, East Grinstead. Grade 1 listed building, perfect Jacobean Almshouse in use since 1619. Visit the Great Hall,
Common Room, Chapel and Warden’s Study. Open to visitors 15th June to 15th September Weds to Sat, 2.00pm to
5.00pm. Parties by arrangement at other times of the year. For further information Tel: 01342 326561.
EAST GRINSTEAD TOWN MUSEUM
East Court, College Lane. Open Weds and Sat 2.00pm to
4.00pm. Please note the museum is likely to move into Cantelupe
Road during 2003. For further information Tel: 01342 712087.
HORSHAM MUSEUM
Causeway House, 9 Causeway. Open all year Mon to Sat
10.00am to 5.00pm (except Bank Holidays) FREE admission.
For further information e-mail: museum@horsham.gov.uk or
Tel: 01403 254959.
ARDINGLY RESERVOIR
Picturesque 78 hectares of water surrounding fields and
woodlands designated as a Local Nature Reserve. Nature trail,
bird hides and refreshments on Sundays (Easter to October).
Parts of reservoir accessible for people with impaired mobility.
Ardingly Reservoir
General enquires contact South East Water Tel: 01323 870810. Educational sailing, windsurfing, canoeing contact Activity
Centre Tel: 01444 892549
The opening times and admission charges of these attractions may change and it is advisable to check before you visit.
HOW TO GET THERE
how to get there
DAYS days OUT out WITH with A a DIFFERENCE
difference
helping to protect our environment
WATCH OUT !!!
watch out !!!
There are some common sense things to look out for when walking in the High Weald:
FURTHER CONTACTS
For more information on walking and other countryside
activities in the High Weald of West Sussex, contact:
Horsham District Council - Leisure Services Department
☎ 01403 215259
Mid Sussex District Council - Leisure and Property
Directorate ☎ 01444 458166
West Sussex County Council Environment and
Development - Rural Strategy ☎ 01293 542088/544120
e-mail: buchan.park@westsussex.gov.uk
West Sussex County Council leaflets ☎ 01243 777610
TOURIST INFORMATION
Further information on attractions, accommodation and
public transport is available from:
Crawley Visitor Information Point, County Mall, Crawley,
RH10 1FP ☎ 01293 545322
Horsham Tourist Information Centre, Horsham Museum, 9
The Causeway, Horsham, RH12 1HE. ☎ 01403 211661
Burgess Hill Help Point, 96 Church Walk, Burgess Hill
RH15 9AS ☎ 01444 238202
East Grinstead Tourism Initiative,
Library Buildings, West Street, East
Grinstead RH19 4SR ☎ 01342 410121
DO NOT
WASTE -
PASS ON &
RECYCLE
RAIL
There are regular services from London Victoria to
Crawley, Balcombe, Haywards Heath, Horsham and East
Grinstead. These link to Lewes, Brighton, Worthing,
Chichester, Southampton and beyond. To find out more
about travelling on trains and any bargain offers, no matter
which operator, just ask at the nearest staffed station. It is
best to check before you travel, especially at weekends.
You can save up to 1 / 3 off an offpeak rail fare with a
Network Card.
NATIONAL RAIL ENQUIRIES: ☎ 08457 484950
BUS/COACH
Regular coach services run from Victoria Coach Station in
London to the main towns in the area. Local routes run
between most villages and towns, but can be infrequent -
check for details. Suitable bus stops are indicated on the
map.
For all your local bus, coach
and rail enquiries
L I N E O P E N F R O M
7.00am to 8.00pm
Monday-Saturday
Produced by West Sussex County Council, Environment and Development, Graphics Group
with support from Mid Sussex District Council.
Printed by St. Richards Press Ltd., Chichester, on 130gsm Greencoat Matt paper.
Acknowledgements: Kevin Vigars, Heather Kruk.
Photographs: Robin Edwards © Tristan Lavender © Martin Jones © Iain McGowan ©
Borde Hill Garden Ltd. © West Sussex County Council ©
Revised May 2002
8.00am to 8.00pm
Sundays
Ouse Valley
A Long Distance Walk
The High Weald Landscape Trail crosses the High Weald Area
of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) between Horsham and
Rye (145 kms / 90 miles). In West Sussex the walk between
East Grinstead and Horsham forms the western part of this
route. It is approximately 58 kms (35 miles) in length and can be
walked over a three to six day period depending on the amount
of time spent visiting attractions en route. The walk is divided
into sections, at the beginning and end of which there is
accommodation, public transport and village services such as
shops and toilets. A guidebook entitled "Along and Around the
High Weald Landscape Trail", is available from all good bookshops.
Circular Walks
Five circular walks incorporating sections of the Landscape Trail have been devised as an alternative
means of exploring the area. The routes of each walk are included on the map overleaf. Use your
Ordnance Survey map and the arrows on the High Weald Circular Walk discs to follow the routes.
Weekend Walks
Sections of the trail can be combined to create a weekend walk.
For example:
Day 1
Day 2
OR:
Day 1
Day 2
Walk from Haywards Heath Station to Ardingly, visiting Wakehurst Place in the
afternoon. Overnight stay in Ardingly.
Walk to West Hoathly with a stop at the Priest House Museum in the morning. Walk
to East Grinstead in the afternoon. Train from East Grinstead or return via bus to
Haywards Heath.
Circular Walk 2 starting from Balcombe Station and visiting Wakehurst Place.
Overnight stay in Balcombe.
Circular Walk 3 starting from Balcombe and visiting Nymans Gardens. Return on train
from Balcombe.
Helping to protect the environment
Everything we do affects the environment: the way we live our lives has consequences personally,
locally and globally. For example, using public transport as part of this walk will help reduce local
congestion and will also mean one less car exhaust adding to the world’s global warming problem.
Personally you will be making a difference. Walking is also about enjoying the good things in life – the
landscape and its wildlife, fresh air and local heritage.
Health
When taking exercise it’s good to be a little out of breath. A long walk can be great for reducing
weight and stress, and for promoting a sense of well being.
The unique Wealden landscape is due in part to the heavy clay soils. It can be
wet and boggy in places even in summer. Always wear appropriate footwear.
Short sections of the walks are on narrow and enclosed lanes with no
pavements. Please take care on these sections. Generally face oncoming traffic
and take great care at corners, ideally walking on the outside of the bends.
The maps in the guide are an indication of the walks and not precise
routefinders. Always use Ordnance Survey maps in conjunction with the guide
and the waymarkers to ensure you follow the right routes. See "How to use
this Guide" for Ordnance Survey map numbers.
Circular Walk 1 “Weir Wood, Woods and Worth Way”
East Grinstead - West Hoathly - East Grinstead
The route takes in National Trust grounds at Standen, the edge of Weirwood Reservoir and through Gravetye
Manor estate (access limited, see "Attractions"), Forest Enterprise managed woodland and Worth Way.
Distance: 17 kms (10 1 ⁄ 2 miles)
Time: 5 hours
Circular Walk 2 “The Railway Round”
West Hoathly - Horsted Keynes - West Hoathly
Crossing farmland, the route passes many magnificent properties and visits the picturesque village of Horsted Keynes.
The Bluebell Railway with its carefully restored steam engines is at the centre of the walk.
Distance: 16 kms (10 miles)
Time: 5 hours
Circular Walk 3 “Kew in the Country”
Balcombe - Ardingly - Balcombe
Water is never far from this route which skirts the edge of Ardingly reservoir and passes Balcombe Lake and an
attractive mill pond. There are good views of Balcombe and the grounds of Wakehurst Place.
Distance: 16 kms (10 miles)
Time: 5 hours
Circular Walk 4 “Parkland and Gardens”
Balcombe - Handcross - Balcombe
The open arable land of the Ouse valley with its remnant parkland appearance provides a stark contrast to the dense
shady woodland which hides furnace ponds and rock outcrops near Nymans Gardens.
Distance: 14 1 ⁄ 2 kms (9 miles)
Time: 4 1 ⁄ 2 hours
Circular Walk 5 “Rhododendrons and Rock Gardens”
Leonardslee - Warninglid - Leonardslee
At the edge of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty this walk gives magnificent views of the Downs
and meanders through the wooded and heathy valleys surrounding Leonardslee Gardens.
Distance: 12 kms (7 1 ⁄ 2 miles)
Time: 4 hours

Handcross to
Horsham
From Handcross back along
the link route the walker gets
good views of forest ridges
and mixed woodland to the
East. A long driveway and a
ford lead to Grouse Road
with views to the South
Downs. At St Leonards Forest
you walk along Mick Mill’s
Race and wander through
conifer plantations, mixed
woodland and heathy rides
and glades. The final section
runs along Hampers Lane
before leading into Horsham.
HIGH WEALD
CIRCULAR W ALKS
East Grinstead to
West Hoathly
There are good views of the
town as it is left quickly
behind. Passing Standen
House and Garden you can
see views of Weirwood
Reservoir before the route
follows rock outcrops,
crosses the Bluebell Railway
line and enters woodland
owned by Forest Enterprise.
The route culminates in the
historic village of West
Hoathly which stands high on
a hill overlooking the Weald.
East Grinstead
This lively market town and shopping
centre has a superb historic High Street
with the longest continuous run of
medieval timber-framed buildings still in
use of any town in England.
St. Leonards Forest
Distance: 11kms (7 miles)
Time: 3 1 ⁄ 2 hours
Sandstone Outcrop
Distance: 11kms (7 miles)
Time: 3 1 ⁄ 2 hours
Horsham
This town, which is the administrative centre of Horsham District,
happily mixes the old and the modern. It offers the visitor superb
shopping and entertainment, facilities for sport and leisure, and a wealth
of heritage.
Ardingly to Cuckfield
Following alongside a Roman road for some of its length, this
section of the trail passes Ardingly Reservoir, the perfect
backdrop for the College built in 1870. Crossing the River Ouse
the walk climbs through woodland to Borde Hill which provides
fine views of the Weald landscape and is home to Borde Hill
Gardens. The route continues around Cuckfield village to emerge
in the centre of its well preserved conservation area.
Distance: 11kms (7 miles)
Time: 3 1 ⁄ 2 hours
West Hoathly to Ardingly
Passing the site of an iron age fort, the walk
enters a very narrow valley of storm
damaged woodland which has been
dominated by rhododendrons. The route
then crosses grazed fields before emerging
at the village of Ardingly famous for its
College, Wakehurst Place, and the South of
England Showground.
Distance: 7kms (4 1 ⁄ 2 miles)
Time: 2 hours
Balcombe Viaduct
Bolney to Handcross
A network of footpaths and quiet lanes take the route past
country houses and estates secluded in broadleaved woodland.
From near the attractive village of Warninglid the route crosses
fields before circling Slaugham Furnace Pond and entering the
village through the churchyard. This section of the route follows
an attractive lane to Handcross and Nymans Gardens (link from
the trail).
Distance: 8kms (5 miles)
Slaugham
Church
Time: 2 1 ⁄ 2 hours
Ardingly
Cuckfield to Bolney
This relatively flat section of the route crosses a
former deer park and meanders through
farmland, pasture, wood and heathland before
crossing under the A23 to enter the village of
Bolney.
Distance: 7kms (4 1 ⁄ 2 miles)
Bolney
Time: 2 hours
Follow the Country Code
• Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work
• Guard against all risk of fire
• Fasten all gates
• Keep your dogs under close control
• Keep to public paths across farmland
• Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls
• Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone
• Take your littter home
• Help to keep all water clean
• Protect wildlife, plants and trees
• Take special care on country roads
• Make no unnecessary noise.
Haywards Heath
The administrative centre of Mid Sussex district, which grew as
a railway town has an attractive Victorian and Edwardian
Conservation Area and is a lively centre for shopping, sports
and the arts.