Welcome to Capital Walkers, the friendly London Ramblers group for people aged 40+. We walk every weekend and usually at least once during the week.
Guillermo R.
The High Weald Landscape Trail offers a captivating 95-mile journey through the counties of Sussex and Kent. The High Weald—designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty —remains a lush, diverse mix of woodlands, grasslands, heathlands, meadows, hop gardens, orchards, and hammer ponds.
This is the second of the five sections of the trail and offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and Sussex charm. Starting in Haywards Heath, we soon connect with the High Weald trail that leads through beautiful countryside and past Ardingly Reservoir (should we had the time, a serene spot ideal for birdwatching). From there, the path winds through the rolling fields and ancient woodlands of the High Weald, passing the picturesque village of West Hoathly, known for St. Margaret’s Church and The Priest House (a fascinating medieval timber-framed house now a museum that charges for entrance). We may stop here at the gardens of the Church for a late lunch, so please bring a packed meal and some snacks to carry through the morning. Public toilets available in the village.
We then pass through the Gravetye Estate (once home to gardener William Robinson), where we might stop for a few minutes to appreciate the vibrant nature paintings of Sally Oasis. From there, we pass by the large Weir Wood Reservoir and continue through the Ash Woods before reaching East Grinstead.
The route - with almost no surfaced country roads - is best described as undulating, with a mix of gentle ascents and descents. The walk will be brisk (2.5–3 miles per hour), and we may enjoy some bluebells — and hopefully, wood anemones — along the way.
Travel:
There are several trains an hour from London to Hayward Heath. You can take the 9:46 from London Victoria, (Clapham Junction at 9:53, East Croydon at 10:04) arriving at Hayward Heath at 1032.
(If you arrive early with your membership, the Waitrose next to the station offers free hot drinks if you bring your own mug — you’ll just need to pay for pastries!)
There are 2 trains an hour, 06 and 36 passed the hour from East Grinsted back to London Victoria .
No booking required.
The finishing time is an estimate only and will be dependent on a number of factors such as, weather, the speed at which the group walks and the number of breaks taken.
The following sections of the High Weald Landscape Trail will take place on 24th May, 28th June, and the final one over the weekend of 26th July, concluding in Rye, Kent
Haywards Heath Railway Station
East Grinstead Railway Station
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