FIND A WALK USING THE MAP, CHOOSE FROM THE LIST BELOW OR
DOWNLOAD THE 2018 FESTIVAL GUIDE HERE (pdf)
Use the + button to zoom in to the map to zoom and view multiple walks starting from the same location
Which walk is right for me?
Easy Access - walks for everyone, including people with conventional wheelchairs and pushchairs, using easy access paths. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn. Assistance may be needed to push wheelchairs on some sections.
Easy - walks for anyone who does not have a mobility difficulty, a specific health problem or is seriously unfit. Suitable for pushchairs if they can be lifted over occasional obstructions. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn. There may be stiles.
Leisurely - walks for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. May include unsurfaced rural paths with stiles. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended.
Moderate - walks for people with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. May include some steep paths and open country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.
N.B. Most of the walks don't need to be booked. For those that do, booking details are listed below:
Which walk is right for me?
Easy - walks for anyone who does not have a mobility difficulty, a specific health problem or is seriously unfit. There maybe stiles. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn.
Leisurely - walks for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. May include unsurfaced rural paths with stiles. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended.
Moderate - walks for people with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. May include some steep paths and open country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.
14 Sep 2018
10AM
Creative Writing Walk - Mayfield
Wander through an atmospheric woodland and enjoy creative writing exercises to help you observe, imagine and connect ideas. Notebook and pen essential. This walk is led by local author and walking expert Deirdre Huston - all writers are welcome.
Meeting point: Mayfield, Long Stay Free Car Park on South Street, Start GR: TQ 587 269 Postcode: TN206DF.
Distance / duration: 2 miles / 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Leisurely
Dogs on leads welcome; children over 10 welcome; WC at start of route; cafe, pub or coffee shop en route
14 Sep 2018
8.30AM for 9AM start
Sussex Circular from Tunbridge Wells
Join us to celebrate the relaunch of the Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk. We will be walking the Sussex Circular, full details at www.khwp.org.uk
Meeting point: Dunorlan Park, Hall’s Hole Road Car Park, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4RE. Map ref TQ600393.
Distance / duration: Full Walk 15 miles / 6-8 hours. Half Walk to Groombridge (Spa Valley Railway back to Tunbridge Wells) 9 Miles / 4-5 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs on leads welcome; children welcome; WC en route; cafe/pub/shop en route; bring packed lunch if required
14 Sep 2018
2PM
The High Weald in Miniature
Ardingly circuit looking at ancient woodlands, water power, farms as centres of economy and valuable meadows.
Meeting point: South Gate entrance to the South of England Showground car park, Selsfield Rd, Ardingly, RH17 6TJ. Map ref: TQ346299 (on-road parking available).
Distance / duration: 2-3hours.
Difficulty: Moderate; Some steep sections, possibly muddy.
Children over 12 welcome; cafe/pub/shop en route
15 Sep 2018
10AM
Robertsbridge and Salehurst – Low & High Country
This walk takes in a number of different High Weald habitats. Explore a mix of tracks, woodland and grassland with historical interest, and enjoy fantastic hilltop views.
Meeting point: Station Road Car Park, Robertsbridge, TQ7372 2356
Distance / duration: 5.6 miles (9.2 km) - about 4 hrs, including own refreshments stop at half-way point
Difficulty: Moderate
Children welcome; WC en route; bring packed lunch
15 Sep 2018
10AM
Broadwater Warren to Eridge Rocks
A circular walk exploring the ancient woodland and heathland of Broadwater Warren and the famous sandstone Eridge Rocks, looking out for wildlife along the way.
Meeting Point: Broadwater Warren Car Park, TN3 9JP (nearest). Grid ref TQ554372.
Distance / Duration: 3.5 miles / 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Leisurely
Dogs on leads welcome; children welcome
15 Sep 2018
10.30AM
Buxted River Valley
Explore the River Uck towards the source in its Tunbridge Wells sandstone valley. Lovely views, ecology, geology and ancient buildings en route. Bring a picnic!
Meeting point: Buxted Station car park (£2 charge), TN22 4LA. Grid ref TQ 497233
Distance / duration: 8 miles / 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Children welcome; bring packed lunch
15 Sep 2018
11AM
Secrets of Snipe Wood
A leisurely guided walk to discover the ancient woodland features hidden away within Snipe Wood, near Tunbridge Wells.
Meeting point: Pembury Library car park, Henwood Green Road, T.Wells TN2 4HS. Map ref: TQ629414.
Distance / duration: 0.9 miles / 2hrs
Difficulty: Leisurely
Dogs on leads welcome; children welcome; bring packed lunch if required
15 Sep 2018
2PM
Exploring Danehill & Chelwood Gate
Exploring some of the more remote areas in the south of the High Weald AONB.
Meeting Point: Danehill Recycling Car Park, 135/TQ4042748
Distance / duration: 5 miles / 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Children welcome
16 Sep 2018
10AM
Rocks, Rivers, Rails and Trails
A circular walk around the beautiful High Weald parish of Withyam. We will have drinks stops pre and post -lunch. Lots to see!
Meeting point: Birchden Wood car park, TN3 9NJ, OS Exp. 135, TQ533364. Parking fee of £4, car / fee sharing recommended.
Distance / duration: 9.5 miles, 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs on leads welcome; WC en route; bring packed lunch if required
16 Sep 2018
10AM
Horam Heritage
Exploring part of the Cuckoo Trail, experience the combination of Horam’s industrial heritage and the wealth of nature that now inhabits the same spaces.
Meeting point: Horam Car Park, Hillside Drive, TN21 0HL. Map ref: TQ578174
Distance / duration: 1.5-2hr (mostly gravel surface)
Difficulty: Leisurely
Dogs on leads welcome; children welcome
16 Sep 2018
11AM
Ashdown Archaeology
The lumps, bumps, pits and ditches in the landscape can tell us about its history. On this pretty walk, through woodland and along a stream, we will look at how to identify the features we pass to learn about the Ashdown Forest’s past. Led by the Ashdown Education Team.
Meeting Point: Lintons Car Park on the A22 (Ashdown Forest car park map)
Distance / duration: 2.5 miles, 2 hours
Difficulty: Leisurely
Bring packed lunch if required
16 Sep 2018
2PM
Two Valleys from Burwash
Starting in Burwash (former home of author Rudyard Kipling), this figure-of-eight walk passes through the picturesque Rother and Dudwell valleys, with some historical talk along the way.
Meeting point: Burwash public car park (free) next to The Bear Inn, off High Street; grid ref. TQ 673 246
Distance / duration: 6 miles/ 3 hours
Difficulty: Leisurely
Dogs on leads welcome; children welcome; WC en route; bring packed lunch if required
16 Sep 2018
2PM
Ashdown Forest Views
A circular walk on the historic Ashdown Forest - explore one of the most famous parts of the High Weald and enjoy picturesque views across the forest, the South Downs and Low Weald.
Meeting point: Box car park on Ashdown Forest. Free parking. Map ref TQ460289 Post Code TN22 3 - on the Crowborough Road between A22 and B2026 (Ashdown Forest car park map)
Distance / duration: 5 miles /2 .5hrs
Difficulty: Leisurely
Dogs on leads welcome; children welcome
17 Sep 2018
10AM
Bewl Water and Scotney Castle
An 11-mile walk through the undulating Wealden countryside. Enjoy breathtaking views of Bewl Water reservoir - the largest stretch of open water in South East England - and 14th Century Scotney Castle.
Meeting point: Pillory Corner public car park, OS Exp 136, TQ711322, TN5 7QG
Duration / distance: 11 miles / 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs on leads welcome; WC en route; cafe/pub/shop en route; bring packed lunch if required
17 Sep 2018
2PM
Burwash Weald - A Wildlife Wander
Join Laurie Jackson from Buglife and learn how our bees, butterflies, hoverflies and other important pollinators interract with the High Weald landscape
Meeting point: The Wheel Inn, Burwash Weald, TN19 7LA
Duration / distance: 4 miles / 2.5 hour
Difficulty: Leisurely
WC en route; cafe/pub/shop en route
18 Sep 2018
10AM
Nutley Windmill & The Airman's Grave
Explore the Ashdown Forest, taking in the famous Nutley Windmill and the Airman's Grave - a memorial to the crew of the RAF Wellington, which crashed on the Forest in 1941. Nutley Windmill will be open for a tour - a donation is recommended.
Meeting Point: Hollies car park, Ashdown Forest. Map ref TQ462287 (Ashdown Forest car park map)
Distance / duration: 5 miles
Difficulty: Leisurely
Children welcome
18 Sep 2018
10AM
The Buckhurst Terrier
The landscape of the beautiful Medway Valley, mapped out 400 years ago and little changed since. Why? A small latin dog - what can possibly go wrong?
Meeting Point: Hartfield Church, Hartfield Street, Hartfield, TN7 4AG. Map ref TQ 479357.
Distance / duration: 8 miles / 5-6 hours including 1 hour lunch (can be purchased from village shop, alternatively bring a packed lunch).
Difficulty: Moderate
Children welcome; bring packed lunch if required; cafe/pub/shop en route
18 Sep 2018
10AM
A High Weald Walk - Flimwell & Bedgebury
Explore Flimwell and the atmospheric Bedgebury Forest, adjacent to the National Pinetum. This walk showcases the sheer variety of walking on offer in the High Weald.
Meeting point: Pillory Corner car park on the A21 north of Flimwell. Free parking. Map ref TQ711322. Post code TN5 7QG
Distance / duration: 8 miles / 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
WC en route; bring packed lunch if required
18 Sep 2018
1PM
Penshurst Estate Walk
An easy walk at a leisurely pace on surfaced and unsurfaced paths through the historic Penshurst Estate. We will pass through both grassland and woodland habitats.
Meeting Point: The gatehouse at the main entrance to the Penshurst Estate, Rogue’s Hill, Penshurst, Tonbridge TN11 8BS. Map ref: TQ527438. On-street parking available.
Distance / Duration: 2.9 miles / 2 hours
Difficulty: Leisurely
Dogs on leads welcome; children over 5 welcome
18 Sep 2018
2PM
Views & Valleys - Wakehurst Estate
Explore the forest ridge landscape on our plant hunters expedition and seek out some of the High Weald’s botanical jewels
Meeting point: Outside the Visitor Centre at Wakehurst, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, RH17 6TN (car park charges apply). Map ref: TQ341317
Distance / duration: 3 miles / 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate - some steep slopes
Children welcome; WC en route; bring packed lunch if required; cafe/pub/shop en route
19 Sep 2018
10AM
Benenden & the High Weald Landscape Trail
An undulating walk for reasonably fit walkers. A number of stiles will be encountered as we explore the pretty Wealden village of Benenden and part of the High Weald Landscape Trail.
Meeting point: Benenden Church. OS Exp 125, TQ808327, TN17 4DL. Roadside parking around the Green
Distance / duration: 8 miles / 4.5 hours
Difficulty: Leisurely
Dogs on leads welcome; Children welcome; bring packed lunch if required
19 Sep 2018
9.30AM
Hadlow Down & Wealden Iron
A delightful, peaceful walk in remote countryside through undulating meadows and woods, where the Wealden iron industry flourished in yesteryear.
Meeting point: Hadlow Down starting from Wilderness Wood car park TN22 4HJ, map ref TQ535241 (with kind permission)
Distance / duration: 6 miles
Difficulty: Leisurely
Children welcome
19 Sep 2018
10AM
Unknown valleys, streams and water-based wildlife
Explore Boreham St, Nunningham Stream and part of the historic 1066 route.
Meeting point: The Bull's Head (top car park), Boreham Street, Hailsham BN27 4SF. Map ref: TQ665112.
Distance / duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Bring packed lunch if required
19 Sep 2018
10AM
Lamberhurst, Kilndown and Scotney Castle Estate
This walk starts in the attractive Kent village of Lamberhurst and progresses to Kilndown, taking in an interesting and unusual church. Return via woodland and open country of the Scotney Castle estate.
Meeting point: Public car park, The Broadway, Lamberhurst, TN3 8DB. Map ref: TQ676361. In the event of car park being full, street parking is available.
Distance / duration: 5 miles / 3 hours
Difficulty: Leisurely
WC en route; bring packed lunch if required
19 Sep 2018
2PM
Winnie-the-Pooh Walk
A fun walk visiting this famous bear's favorite places: The Enchanted Place, Roo’s Sandy Pit, The North Pole, Pooh Sticks Bridge, Milne & Shepard Memorial.
Meeting point: Gills Lap car park on Ashdown Forest. Free parking. Map ref TQ 468315.
Distance / duration: 6 miles / 3 hours
Difficulty: Leisurely
Suitable for children over 5; dogs on leads welcome
20 Sep 2018
10AM
Brede High Woods - Conservation & History
A fascinating walk and talk taking in the varied habitats, management and history of this large and complex Woodland Trust site, guided by the Site Manager David Bonsall.
Meeting Point: Brede High Woods western car park, TQ 794 208
Distance / duration: 2.5 miles / 3 hours
Difficulty: Leisurely pace, moderate terrain
Dogs on leads welcome; suitable for children; bring packed lunch if required
20 Sep 2018
10AM
St Leonard's Forest & High Weald
Challenging walk starting up through St Leonard's Forest on to the High Weald, finally returning through the forest
to the car park.
Meeting point: Roosthole car park. Map Ref: TQ208, 298, postcode near RH13 6PG
Distance / duration: 8 miles. 3.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Bring packed lunch if required
20 Sep 2018
10AM
Beckley Circular
Explore quintessential High Weald Woodland and enjoy views across open countryside (some hills).
Meeting point: Beckley village hall, parking at the lower end of the car park. OS Exp 125, TQ853240, TN31 6RL
Distance / duration: 9 miles, 4.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs on leads welcome; suitable for children; WC en route; bring packed lunch if required
20 Sep 2018
2PM
The Groombridge Triangle
A new settlement and 5 rail routes appeared in only 30 years in this quiet area. Why? Transport and Triangles – what can possibly go wrong?
Meeting Point: Groombridge Station, Newton Willows, Groombridge, TN3 9RD. Grid REf TQ 533 371
Distance / duration: 5 miles / 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Suitable for children; cafe/pub/shop en route
20 Sep 2018
2PM
Stone-in-Oxney
Enjoy panoramic views over the Rother Levels, exploring the Royal Military Canal and Stone Cliff - 150ft above sea level.
Meeting point: St Mary the Virgin Church, Church Hill, Stone in Oxney, TN30 7JT. Map ref: TQ940273. Limited on-street parking available, please care share where possible.
Distance / duration: 3 miles / 2 hours
Difficulty: Leisurely (some steep hills)
Dogs on leads welcome; WC en route; suitable for children; bring packed lunch if possible
21 Sep 2018
10:15AM
Where the High Weald Meets the Sea
Energetic walk with panoramic views; downs-and-ups through Hastings Country Park and farmland, partly using proposed Coast Path route along grassy cliff-tops and shady gill woodlands.
Meeting point: Public car park on left, with WC, Lower Coastguard Lane, Fairlight TN35 4AB. Map ref: TQ859119. Charge £3 per day; pay and display. Public transport: 101 bus leaves Hastings Station at 09:43, arr 10:05 Coastguard Lane, Fairlight stop)
Distance / duration: 8.5 miles / Approx 4.5 to 5 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate - Total ascent: 420.5m (not in one go)
Dogs on leads welcome; WC en route; cafe/pub/shop en route; bring packed lunch if required
21 Sep 2018
10AM
Sample walk from 'Day Walks on the High Weald' Guidebook
Join local author and walking expert Deirdre Huston on a peaceful circuit through High Weald scenery in Mid-Sussex. Glimpse the lives of a prosperous Iron Industry family and return via a vineyard.
Meeting Point: Batchelor’s Field Car Park at Rawson Hall, off The Street, Bolney. TQ: 261 231 Postcode: RH17 5PG
Distance / duration: 8.4 miles. Allow 4 to 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
WC en route; shop/cafe/pub en route; bring packed lunch if required
21 Sep 2018
1PM
Crowborough's History
A walk around part of historic Crowborough, following Pilmer Road to the Boars Head to Limekiln Wood, Steel Cross and return via the Goldsmith Centre.
Meeting point: Crowborough Library, Pine Grove (TQ512310).
Distance / duration: 5-6 miles,
Difficulty: Easy
Suitable for children; WC en route
22 Sep 2018
10AM
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve - Walk with a Warden
A walk around the saltmarsh and shingle beach looking for seabirds, ducks, waders and raptors. Bring binoculars if
you have them.
Meeting point: Rye Harbour village car park TN31 7TX
Distance / duration: 2 miles, 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs on leads welcome; suitable for children; WC en route
22 Sep 2018
10AM
Stonegate to Wadhurst Deer Park
Pass through historic woodland before entering Wadhurst Deer Park, a 700-hectare private estate which is managed for conservation and wildlife; keep your fingers crossed for deer sightings. We return past The Wilderness, Buttons and Dens Farm.
Meeting point: Stonegate Rail Station car park, TN5 7ER. Map ref: TQ658272. Car park charge £1.
Distance / duration: 7.5 miles / 3.5-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Bring packed lunch if required
22 Sep 2018
2pm
A Walk for Non-Walkers - Mayfield Meander
Learn about where you can go and what you can do in the countryside with some tips on how to find your way around, stay safe and have fun. The walk will be slow with lots of stops and will explore woods, fields and a beautiful stream
Meeting point: Mayfield Long Stay Free Car Park on South Street, TN206DF. Map ref: TQ587269. Park in Village Hall car park if full.
Distance / duration: 1.6 miles / 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
WC en route; dogs on leads welcome; suitable for children
