Join Wellbeing Walks Across the High Weald
- Alison Prangnell
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
If exploring the High Weald sounds tempting to you but you're not usually a long-distance walker, you're in luck. One of the key goals for the walking festival is to enable walkers of all levels to experience the beauty and history of the High Weald, so this year's programme includes over 10 shorter walks of about an hour.
What makes wellbeing walks special
Wellbeing Walks were originally a project between the NHS and The Ramblers to promote free, short walks to promote better health, wellbeing and happiness whilst meeting new people and discovering nature on your doorstep. Central to the whole idea is that the walks are more easily accessible to people of all levels and can take place anywhere from town centre walks, to parks and the wider countryside. The idea took off so much that there are hundreds of walks all over the country that are organised by the Ramblers, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) and numerous other local groups.
Why walking is good for wellbeing
Well, we know it's good to move. Why? Moving helps maintain a healthy weight and makes you feel great. Knock-on benefits include helping to manage your blood pressure, as well as improvements to muscle and bone health, the heart and the cardiovascular system. But it doesn't stop there; and it's not just the sound of the birds.
When you walk, feel-good hormones are released into your system that improve your mood and relax you, reducing stress and anxiety. It's also been proven that walking helps you sleep better.
Let's talk about connection. Humans need connection for their wellbeing; it's as simple as that. You could walk alone and get massive physical and mental benefits but walking in groups, meeting new people, learning new things and having shared experiences just adds the extra life-loving, wellbeing dimension.
Better get planning some walks then…join the mailing list to get the full Walking Festival Programme as soon as it goes live.
Wellbeing walks during the High Weald Walking Festival
The High Weald Walking Festival programme includes a series of health walks kindly organised by The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), plus a number of shorter walks with Bedgebury National Pinetum, Sussex Wildlife Trust and The Gravetye Estate. Please check the itinerary to find out more about the terrain for each walk.
Please note, some walks may require booking.
The event programme goes live here on the 25th August 2025.
Date | Walk | Length |
Mon 15th | The Rye Health Walk, Gibbet Marsh Car Park, 10.15am | 1 hour |
Mon 15th | Hastings Old Town Health Walk - 2pm | 1 hour |
Tues 16th | The St Leonards Sea Front Health Walk, 11am | 1 hour |
Weds 17th | Hastings Alexandra Park Health Walk, 10.30am | 1 hour |
Weds 17th | Wellbeing Walk at Rye Harbour - 9.45 am | 1 hour 45 mins |
Thurs 18th | William Robinson Woodland Walk at Gravetye Manor | 2 miles/1.5 hours |
Thurs 18th | Wellbeing Walk at Bedgebury National Pinetum | 2 miles/1 hour |
Thurs 18th | Crowborough Health Walk, St John's Car Park, 10.30am | 1 hour |
Thurs 18th | Ninfield Health Walk, Sparke Pavilion - 11am | 1 hour |
Fri 19th | Battle Health Walk, Abbey Green, 10am | 1 hour |
Fri 19th | St Leonards Churchwood Nature Reserve Walk | 1 hour |
Top tips for new walkers
Consider your health. If you're unsure whether a short walk is advisable with your current health, check with a health professional before you start.
Make it easier for yourself. Wear suitable footwear as terrain might be uneven, or you might be walking for longer than you usually do. Suitable footwear is comfortable and provides support, good options are trainers, walking shoes or boots.
Consider the weather. Will you need a rain coat, sunscreen or sun hat?
Pack the essentials. Water is always essential and maybe some healthy snacks, or blister plasters if you're worried about how your feet will fare! A small day pack is always handy for all these items and you can wear it as a rucksack to make it more comfortable to walk.
Start small. The Health Walks are great because they enable you to start with shorter distances and you can build your distance once you're fitter.
Check out the wider programme
If you're looking for longer distances or to see where else in the High Weald you can explore, click here.
