HIGH WEALD WALKING FESTIVAL PROGRAMME 2022

Please click the walk listings below to reveal further details. This year, we have a mix of bookable walks and 'open walks' where anyone can turn up on the day.

If booking is required, click 'Book your place' to read more about the walk and to reserve your space.
If booking not required, just click 'More info' to find out where and when to meet.

Dogs: Please don't bring your four-legged friends with you unless the walk is specifically described as 'dog friendly' (why is this?)

From 1 September you can also download a range of self-guided walks and explore the High Weald at your own pace - don't forget to check back!

Guided Walks: Saturday 10- Sunday 18 September

Grounds of the Ashdown Park Hotel and the Old Airstrip
10 Sept, 10:00 – 13:00
Wych Cross, The Bungalow, Colemans Hatch Rd, Wych Cross, Forest Row RH18 5JP, UK
Ashdown Forest walk which includes the grounds of the Ashdown Park Hotel and the Old Airstrip, built as an emergency landing site in WWII. A 5 mile circular walk across open ground
More info

Broadwater Warren to Eridge Rocks Wildlife Walk
10 Sept, 10:00 – 12:30
Frant, Frant, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9NZ, UK
A circular walk exploring the ancient woodland and heathland of Broadwater Warren and Eridge Rocks, looking out for wildlife along the way.
More info

Broadstone Amble
10 Sept, 10:20 – 11:40
Wych Cross, The Bungalow, Colemans Hatch Rd, Wych Cross, Forest Row RH18 5JP, UK
With heath, wood, stream and slope this is a varied walk that serves as a good introduction to the magic of Ashdown Forest.
More info

A Classic Ashdown Forest circuit
10 Sept, 10:30 – 15:00
Box car park Ashdown Forest, TQ460288
A longer route visiting various parts of the Forest and discovering some of the paths that link them. The route passes Nutley Windmill, the Ashdown Park Hotel, the Forest Centre and Gills Lap. The walk is quite hilly and the pace will be fairly brisk, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.
More info

Ancient Woodland & Broadstone Warren
10 Sept, 10:30 – 13:30
Forest Row, Colemans Hatch Rd, Forest Row RH18 5JP, UK
A walk through the ancient woodland of Broadstone Warren to the edge of Forest Row where we meet and follow the Vanguard Way along forest rides and paths to Tabell Ghyll, once part of the 16th century iron industry. We then follow the ghyll back to the beginning of our walk.
More info

The Forgotten Clump
10 Sept, 11:00 – 13:30
Forest Row, Colemans Hatch Rd, Forest Row RH18 5JP, UK
A circular walk to visit Greenhall Toll Clump on the the Ashdown Forest. This clump sits apart from the rest so is less visited. The walk takes in a number of Ashdown Forest features. We are grateful to Broadstone Warren Scout Camp for permission to use a path on their land to avoid a busy road.
More info

The Forgotten Clump - 2nd walk
10 Sept, 14:30 – 17:00
Forest Row, Colemans Hatch Rd, Forest Row RH18 5JP, UK
A circular walk to visit Greenhall Toll Clump on the the Ashdown Forest. This clump sits apart from the rest so is less visited. The walk takes in a number of Ashdown Forest features. We are grateful to Broadstone Warren Scout Camp for permission to use a path on their land to avoid a busy road
More info

The Rother Valley
11 Sept, 10:00 – 15:30
Salehurst, Salehurst, Robertsbridge TN32 5PJ, UK
You will learn something about the world of hops and the railway that brought the pickers. The iron industry in the 17th/18th centuries. Mention will also be made about ecclesiastical and military remains
More info

The Powdermill Trail
11 Sept, 10:00 – 13:30
Crowhurst, 1 Sandrock Hill, Crowhurst, Battle TN33 9AS, UK
A walk through varied countryside focusses on the local Gunpowder Mills and their motive power: the streams and ponds. Part of the walk is off Public Rights of Way by kind permission of the landowner. Several interesting historic buildings will be seen on the walk, too.
More info

Goudhurst Village and the Route of the former Hop Pickers Railway
11 Sept, 10:00 – 12:30
Goudhurst, Goudhurst, Cranbrook TN17 1DE, UK
The walk follows footpaths alongside the route of the former railway line; past the 15th-16th century Pattyndenne Manor; the 16th century Smugley Farmhouse; through the medieval center of Goudhurst Village on the hill, and concludes at the former oast house. See lunch booking possibility below.
Book your place

Mayfield & High Weald Circular
11 Sept, 10:00 – 13:00
Mayfield, 2 South St, Mayfield TN20 6BE, UK
Walk around a beautiful part of the High Weald northeast of Mayfield Village, going through Coombe Wood, Tidebrook, Harewood Lodge, Mousehall Country Estate, Vicarage Wood and return to village, See evidence of the old iron industry and the new wine production.
Book your place

A WealdWay Walk
12 Sept, 10:00 – 15:00
Groombridge, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, UK
A circular walk showing off typical views of the High Weald Landscape using sections of the Wealdway and Tunbridge Wells Circular long distance trails. Led by Clive - High Weald Walkers
More info

The Human Landscape
12 Sept, 10:00 – 12:00
Hartfield, High Rd, Hartfield, Uckfield TN22 3JD, UK
The Human Landscape – how people through the ages have related to the wider landscape and left their indelible mark. There will be a bit of human history, a bit of natural history, a bit of folklore, some “tall tales” and a bit of chat about the Rangers’ role in protecting the Forest.
Book your place

Blackboys History Circular
12 Sept, 10:30 – 14:30
Blackboys, Gun Rd, Blackboys, Uckfield TN22 5JY, UK
Vineyards, 1st WW airfield, historic houses, a mill, iron industry, inc. origin of the name Blackboys.
Book your place

Ardingly Lake, Ouse Valley and Viaduct
12 Sept, 10:30 – 15:30
Haywards Heath, Ardingly Reservoir, Haywards Heath RH17, UK
A gentle nine mile walk through fields and meadows with some woodland, taking in a close up view of the superb Balcombe Viaduct, Ardingly Reservoir and glimpses of the magnificent Borde Hill Gardens.
Book your place

Tunbridge Wells Common & its Surroundings
13 Sept, 10:00 – 12:00
Royal Tunbridge Wells, Linden Park Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5QL, UK
This circular walk will visit places of interest on and around the Common: Nevill Park, Toad Rock, Wellington Rocks, The Old Racecourse and The Pantiles where Walkers may leave the group for refreshments.
More info

In & Around Brightling
13 Sept, 10:00 – 14:00
Brightling, Darwell Wood Cottage, Battle Rd, Brightling, Robertsbridge TN32 5JB, UK
The walk will take in some of John ‘Mad Jack’ Fuller’s follies including his pyramid mausoleum at the church of Thomas a Becket, Brightling.
More info

Fairwarp to Buxted Circular
13 Sept, 10:00 – 15:30
Maresfield, Maresfield, Uckfield TN22 3BE, UK
This walk takes in the pretty village of Fairwarp and High Hurstwood and the upper reaches of the River Uck valley, a high point east of Buxted with South Downs views. Via Buxted Park, Five Ash Down and a woodland with a strong historic connections to the Wealden Iron Industry.
More info

DISCLAIMER: Walking is one of the safest outdoor activities in the UK. However you must recognise that at all times you are responsible for your own safety.

The self-guided walk descriptions are provided to help you navigate your way. It is recommended that you carry an Ordnance Survey map of the area being walked and follow your position on the map as you proceed.

Whilst we have endeavoured to ensure the information is up to date and correct you will be using it strictly at your own risk.