We are the West Kent Walking Group. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
This walk starts at Finche Field carpark, we head South to the centre of the village where the Cat Inn an early 16th century timber framed building operating as a public house since at least 1615 is located. The name is believed to originate from snow leopard or 'ounce' part of the Sackville coat of arms, who once owned it. We pass 11th Century St Margaret's Church, The 16th Century The Manor House and the 15th Century Priest House, as we head out of the Village along North Lane and the High Weald Landscape Trail. Continuing along the trail we pass Philpot’s Farm, Ludwell Farm, before leaving it at Pickeridge Farm to head to the hamlet of Highbrook which we reach after a steep climb. After a short break by All Saints Church built 1884 and The Smokery Built 1780 which resembles part of an oast house, we head East downhill passing Horsted House Farm and crossing the Bluebell Railway. We head in a Northerly direction to Sharpthorne via Vaux End and Sloe Garden Wood, where it is a short walk back to Finche Field carpark.
Picnic Lunch at the end of the walk in the picnic area adjacent the Carpark.
If you can, please RSVP to this walk via our Meetup site. This will give our volunteer walk leaders an idea of how many are attending, or if you do not use meet-up please text the walk leader.
If you are a paid up member of the Ramblers organisation, you can ignore any waitlist you may find yourself on.
Finche Field Carpark off Church Lane. The carpark is small and additional parking is available in North Lane in front of the Church RH19 4PP, a 5 minute walk away, or Station Road Sharpthorne RH19 4NY a 10 minute walk away
