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. We may stop here for lunch, so please bring a packed meal.
Continuing, we reach Forest Row before following sections of the Forest Way, a scenic disused railway line now a nature trail. As we approach East Grinstead, we’ll take in views from Ashdown Forest, famously linked to Winnie-the-Pooh. Finally, we arrive in East Grinstead and there is a pub close to train station for those who wish to stay on for a drink
The route 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 might enjoy some blue bells along the way .
Travel:
Take the 9:24 train from London Bridge, (Clapham Junction at 9:31, East Croydon at 10:40) arriving at Hayward Heath at 10.07.
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
