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Home , Boreham Street, Chailey Common, Chelwood Gate, Cowbeech, Cuckoo Trail, Horam

Your signpost to walking in the and A guide to led and independent walks to suit all ages and abilities ust an hour from , this Contents J area of offers surprising Introduction diversity and tranquility. Why Walk? The beautiful Lewes and Wealden districts are home to a unique mix Country Code of picturesque villages, market What To Take towns bursting with culture and With You on a walk traditions, long stretches of coastline and unspoilt countryside. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Visitors to this area can explore this beautiful undulating countryside Description of Wren Walks which is perfect for walkers; and Description of with two thirds designated an Area Paths to Prosperity Walks of Outstanding Natural Beauty you are assured of breathtaking views Description of wherever you turn. Picture a Walks Starting Out - Walks of 1 hour, short and easy, up to 2 miles Moving On - Walks 1 to 3 hours, moderate, up to 5.5 miles Getting Serious - more strenuous walks, up to 15 miles Long Distance Trails in the Wealden and Lewes Districts Countryside Sites, Nature Reserves, Country Parks Sites owned by Forestry Commission. Sites owned by English Heritage. Sites of the Countryside Management Service Community Tourism Initiative Walking Groups Other Useful Information

1 Why Walk? Current recommendations, by health experts, say that 30 minutes a day of moderate activity, such as brisk Regular walking can walking, is the minimum we need for good health. Make you feel good Brisk walking means that you breathe a little faster Give you more energy than normal but can still carry on a conversation. You could walk for 10 minutes three times a day or 15 Help to reduce stress times twice a day - it’s up to you! Help to reduce the If you haven’t done much physical activity for a while, risk of osteoporosis try a walk that is no longer than 3 miles before moving Help to reduce the on to something more ambitious! risk of heart disease Your aim is to improve by gradually increasing the Help to reduce the distance walked and your speed. risk of bowel cancer Walking can easily become part of our everyday Help to manage routine. Walk to the local shops rather than using the your weight car. Shorter journeys made on foot can even save time that would otherwise be spent looking for a parking Help to reduce the space. risk of diabetes Help to reduce blood pressure What to take with you

Help you water • money • waterproofs • first aid kit sleep better maps • mobile phone

Country Code Be safe - plan ahead and follow any signs Leave gates and property as you find them Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home Keep dogs under close control Consider other people

2 Areas of Outstanding and other insects, birds and Natural Beauty small mammals. On a clear (AONBs):- day the views from the Way are spectacular Areas of Outstanding with picturesque villages of Natural Beauty are a flint cottages nestled in to precious landscape whose its lush valleys, open chalk distinctive character and grasslands and crystal blue natural beauty are so sea. outstanding that it is in the nation’s interest to High AONB safeguard them. They are Lying at the heart of the havens for wildlife and South East, the High Weald places for people to live, can be described as one of work and enjoy the beautiful England’s finest landscapes: countryside around them. protected by government legislation since 1983 to ensure its conservation South Downs AONB for present and future gen- The area of the South erations. Downs are a perfect place to get away from it all. The High Weald is protected The Downs are a place of for its unique character of tranquility, recreation and small irregular fields, escape. The South Downs hedgerows and woodlands are home to an abundant which unfold gently in to range of grasses and green riverside pastures flowering plants that in turn and scattered farmsteads, support a host of butterflies all draped over rolling hills.

3 Wren Walks Health Walks Starting Out A series of graded walks A health walk is a short to encourage people to do walk (about 45 mins) led by Walks of up to a walk that they feel trained Health Walk 1 hour, short and comfortable to undertake. Leaders. Walks are on level easy, up to 2 miles The walks are graded from ground and there is a leader level 1 (for those who are at the front and back to unable to walk or do not make sure no one gets left Paths to Prosperity Walk wish to walk any great behind. 01273 486000 The Wellingham Walk distance) to level 5 (for the Community Leisure. A 1.5 mile walk from the more experienced walker). Cock Inn, just north of Rotherfield 01273 481654 Lewes, along quiet country Community Tourism Paths to Prosperity lanes and across fields Initiative (RCTI) Walks with some stiles. Visit the beautiful of East County Council Rotherfield located in the Paths to Prosperity Walk have begun a three-year High Weald area of The Sandy Cross Walk programme called Paths to Outstanding Natural Beauty. A 1.5 mile walk from the Prosperity, aimed at Rotherfield is one of the Runt-in-Tun, just south of improving many of the foot- largest in East Heathfield, taking in the paths across the area in Sussex. It is criss-crossed order to boost the local and with over 40 miles of public economy. There are a range surrounding countryside. rights of way. The RCTI of trails varying from long Mainly gates and kissing formed in 2000 and working distance routes to small gates with one stile. with other partners has local trails.For information successfully funded a Paths to Prosperity Walk and a copy of the walks. £500,000 project which has The Rotherfield Walk 01273 482250/482354/482324 led to all the rights of way in email: A 1.5 mile woodland walk the parish being upgraded [email protected] starting in Rotherfield and and improved. A 28 page or go to www.eastsussex.gov.uk taking in and guide book has been the Woodland Trust property produced which contains a Picture a Walk of Warren. map of all the rights of way The Picture a Walk project is Some steep gradients and four short walks all under network. The guide book mainly stiles. 3 miles in length. Most are costs £2, the Rotherfield circular walks. Art work has walkers guide costs £1.50 Paths to Prosperity Walk been incorporated into three and a leaflet on Rotherfield The Walk is free. For more information of the walks to highlight A 1.8 mile walk starting 01825 713862. what is unique in the area. from the Six Bells and The colourful leaflets ‘ taking in Muddles Green, picture’ what there is to see mainly flat with some stiles. along the walks. 01892 602756 or email: Paths to Prosperity Walk helen.markwick The Chalvington Walk @wealden.gov.uk Or go to A 2.3 mile walk taking in www.wealden.gov.uk the villages of Chalvington and Ripe, easy walking with a few stiles.

4 Paths to Prosperity Walk Health Walks in the Lewes Paths to Prosperity Walk The Walk District The Newhaven Walk A 1.9 mile walk starting in A health walk is a short A 4.8 mile wetland walk Hellingly and taking in the walk (about 45 mins) led starting at Seaford station Cuckoo Trail, flat and by trained Health Walk and taking in the newly mainly gates with one Leaders. Walks are on created Riverside Park and stile. level ground and there is a the Tidemills, a combination of flat and Paths to Prosperity Walk leader at the front and hilly walking with some The Summerhill Walk back to make sure no one stiles. A 2 mile walk along and gets left behind. There are round the Cuckoo Trail, walks in , Paths to Prosperity Walk mainly flat with a number Lewes and Seaford and The Walk of stiles. cost £1.75 per walk which A 3.8 mile walk starting at includes a free tea/coffee Wadhurst station taking in For more information on afterwards. Woods Green, some steep the Paths to Prosperity gradients and stiles. walks 01273 482250 For more information 482354 /482324. contact Community Paths to Prosperity Walk Leisure 01273 486000. Picture a Walk The Buckhurst Walk A 5.4 mile woodland walk Fletching Moving On starting at Wadhurst A 2 mile walk from the Walks of 1-3 hours, attractive and historic Station and taking in village of Fletching. Simon moderate, up to Buckhurst, some steep de Montfort visited the 5 - miles gradients and mainly church on the eve of the stiles. Battle of Lewes,1264. Paths to Prosperity Walk Whilst walking learn about Paths to Prosperity Walk The Arlington Walk the trees that feature The Walk A 4 mile wetland walk within this landscape. A 4.2 mile walk starting at starting at Berwick Station The Merrie Harriers Picture a Walk and taking in Arlington and taking in surrounding reservoir. Easy walking countryside, mainly gentle A 2 mile walk discovering with some stiles. gradients with stiles. ponds, streams and Paths to Prosperity Walk waterfalls on the Ashdown Paths to Prosperity Walk The Blackboys Walk Forest. The Witherenden Walk A 4.4 mile walk starting Picture a Walk A 5.4 mile woodland walk from the Blackboys Inn starting at Stonegate and taking in the A 2 mile walk which is hilly Station, taking in Batts and long in places (approx 15 stiles). Wood. Some steep distance paths. Mainly Whilst walking learn about gradients and mainly stiles. stiles. the birds and animals that Paths to Prosperity Walk feature within this Parish. Paths to Prosperity Walk The East Hoathly Walk For more information on The Boreham Street Walk A 3.6 mile walk starting the ‘Picture a Walk’ A 4.1 mile walk taking in from the Kings Head and routes contact Wealden Castle, taking in the surrounding District Council 01892 mainly gentle gradients countryside, mainly stiles 602756. and some stiles. but with few gradients.

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Paths to Prosperity Walk the surrounding countryside, The Chailey Common Walk gentle gradients and A 2.8 mile walk starting mainly stiles. from Sarita’s Tea Rooms Paths to Prosperity Walk in North Chailey, taking in The Danehill Walk Chailey Common, some A 2.7 mile walk starting steep gradients and mainly from the Coach and stiles. Horses in Chelwood Paths to Prosperity Walk Common and running The Walk through the High Weald Mayfield Walk A 5.1 mile woodland walk, countryside, some steep A 3-mile circular walk taking in Groombridge, gradients and stiles. through a landscape of Eridge and Harrisons contrasts! It is difficult to Paths to Prosperity Walk Rocks, some steep imagine that 500 years ago The Barcombe Walk gradients and mainly stiles. A 5.3 mile walk from the this was an industrial area alive to the smoke and Paths to Prosperity Walk Royal Oak at Barcombe noise of England’s Iron The Castle Walk Cross, taking in Barcombe Industry! A 5 mile wetland walk Mills and the River Ouse, from railway with some stiles and easy Rotherfield Walk station taking in the gradients. A short circular walk historic town and castle of For more information on incorporating historic Pevensey and the Levels to the Paths to Prosperity Rotherfield (the name of the north. A flat route with walks 01273 the village comes from the a number of stiles. 482250/482354/482324. Anglo-Saxon word ‘hrther’, Paths to Prosperity Walk meaning horned beast Picture a Walk The Walk bull’ and ‘feld’ meaning an East Hoathly A 4 mile woodland walk open clearing for grazing A 3.5 mile walk along running from Buxted animals. Views to the farmland, quiet lanes and station, taking in Buxted Argos Hill Windmill. woodland. Whilst walking Park and the Woodland learn about Thomas Turner, Batts Wood Trust property, Views Wood. a local resident and diarist 3 miles east of Mayfield A Some stiles but mainly who lived in East Hoathly 65-hectare wood situated gates, conditions underfoot during the 18th Century. in the High Weald Area of may be muddy in winter. For more information Outstanding Natural Paths to Prosperity Walk 01892 602756. Beauty. Access to Batts The Walk Wood is by public footpath Wren Walk A 4.5 mile wetland walk only but is well worth a Miles Without Stiles running from Forest Row visit. The views from the A circular walk set in and taking in Weir Wood wood are excellent, across beautiful countryside Reservoir, mainly stiles rolling countryside and around Herstmonceux. and easy gradients. Wadhurst Deer Park. This walk provides Paths to Prosperity Walk panoramic views of the For more information on The Wivelsfield Walk coast and the downs. the Wren walk; Mayfield; A 4 mile walk from the Graded level 2. Duration:- Rotherfield and Batts Wood Cock Inn in Wivelsfield 1-1 º hours. Distance 2 - 01273 481654 or email Green, an passing through miles [email protected]

6 Getting Serious passing through ancient Countryside Sites, Walks more woodlands, small fields and pretty villages. Nature Reserves strenuous, up to The guidebook costs £5 and Country Parks 15 miles- taking and is available from the whole day County Council. www.kent.gov.uk Wren Walk 01622 221526 Seven Sisters Country Park This magnificent Country 5 ‘Wren’s Round Newick Wealdway Park is located in the Sussex The walk passes along The Wealdway explores Downs Area of Outstanding streams through woodland the landscape that lies Natural Beauty. Come and and arable and pasture between the English land around the parishes discover the unspoilt coast- Channel and the Thames of Newick, Spithurst and line of the famous Seven Estuary. The Way travels . Graded level 5. Sisters. 01323 870280, over rolling chalk down- Duration:- 4-5 hours. www.sevensisters.org.uk lands, along river valleys, Distance 7 miles. 01273 through woods fields and 481654 or email across open heathland. An internationally important [email protected] The guidebook costs £5 conservation area. Despite Across the Andredsweald and is available from its name only 40% is wood- This 15 mile walk between Kent County Council. land with the remaining Buxted and Ashurst crosses www.kent.gov.uk being heathland which is a the heathy wild landscape 01622 221526 threatened and declining of the Ashdown Forest. For habitat. Visitors are free to 1066 your Free ‘Walk South walk where they like over Walk back through time East’ brochure email 80 miles of footpaths. Car as you retrace William [email protected]. parking is free. The Ashdown the Conqueror’s historic Forest Centre 01342 823583. Blackboys and Gun Hill journey to battle. The walk The Cuckoo Trail This 15 mile walk follows meanders through the A 11 mile long leisure route the stretch of the Wealdway stunning countryside following the old railway between Buxted and between Pevensey and line from Heathfield to Upper Horsebridge. The Rye via the town of Battle. , passing through walk takes in the secluded Guidebook available , Hellingly and woods and thickly hedged from your local Tourist . The route can be fields of the Low Weald. Information Centre. used by walkers, cyclists For your Free ‘Walk South and horseriders. 01273 East’ brochure Email 481637. [email protected]. The Way follows the old routes and droveways of Long Distance ancient man along the A 9 mile long leisure route Trails chalk escarpment and following the old railway ridges of the South Downs line through Forest Row, High Weald Landscape covers beautiful rolling , and Trail country. Guidebook Groombridge. The route The High Weald Landscape available from Sussex can be used by walkers, Trail explores the beautiful Downs Conservation Board, cyclists and horseriders. landscape of the High Weald, www.vic.org.uk 01273 482670.

7 Lewes Railway Land Friston Forest English Nature Designated a Local Nature Located behind the Seven Reserve in 1995 after a Sisters County Park off the Countryside Sites long battle to save the site A259. The Forest offers an from housing development, infinite number of way this site occupies a central marked routes for visitors location in the Lewes Town to explore the beech woods. landscape. Nestling on the 01420 520212 Castle Hill flood plain of the River Ouse, Situated between Lewes the site consists of 25 acres. The National and , this Dan Ross 01273 484166, Trust sites Council small reserve is a fine example of ancient The works Nature traditionally managed to preserve and protect Reserve chalk grassland with many Spread over 303 acres (123 the coastline, countryside and buildings of our country. rare plants, such as the hectares), Seaford Head is early spider orchid. The primarily made up of shingle Birling Gap South Downs Way passes beach, chalk Features a delightful beach close to the northern and salt marshes, which that is ideal for seaside boundary, and a bridleway provide a habitat suitable picnics. With its rock pools and other footpaths run for a wide range of bird and areas of pebbles and species. The views from sand, Birling Gap is also a through it. the top are magnificent, marine nature reserve looking down onto the This 62 hectare reserve and Crowlink lies between the villages across to the Seven From Crowlink there is of Litlington and Jevington, Sisters. 01323 871095, open access to both the Ranger Service. downs and the beach and accessible by bridleway. you can enjoy spectacular, It contains one of the Forestry unspoilt views out to sea. largest areas of chalk Commission sites Frog Farm and heath in Britain. Explore by Chyngton Farm following the chalk heath The Forestry Commission Both Located at , nature trail. in classic South Downs is the Government country, rich in natural Department responsible Mount Caburn is an history and with a splendid for forestry policy through- view over the Cuckmere ancient hill fort on the out Great Britain. valley. Sussex Downs just outside Abbots Wood Lewes. Its steep slopes Beacon are rich in wildflowers and An ancient area of woodland The third highest point in insects, owing to centuries located near Hailsham. the South Downs and once of grazing. A public A walk through these the location of an Iron Age footpath runs from , lovely and historic woods hill fort offering a superb through the reserve to takes you along shady view of the Weald to the Lewes. paths and through thickets North. rich in wildlife. For more details call The For more details English 01323 870911 National Trust South Nature 01273 476595, or www.forestry.gov.uk Downs Office 01323 871318 visit the website at

8 Sites of the The Ramblers Country Park Association Countryside A circular trail, marked by www.ramblers.org.uk Management purple arrows on posts, Service takes you through the Ashdown Rambling Group different stages in the 01342 321734 transformation of These sites are for the grassland and woodland. Ramblers Group local communities to enjoy, Distance - 1 mile. 01323 732227 care for and enhance the Jacob’s Post (Ditchling Hailsham Ramblers local environment. Common Country Park) 01323 845569 West Park Jacob’s Post was left as a Heathfield and Situated on the western reminder of the crime of District Ramblers edge of , its special Jacob Harris, a travelling 01892 852153 value is due to the variety pedlar, who murdered High Weald Walkers of diverse habitats Richard Miles, landlord of 01892 523821 contained within a relatively the Royal Oak, his wife and www.highwealdwalkers.org.uk their maid on 26th May small area of 11 hectares. Lewes Footpath Group 1734. Jacob’s Post is Wooded sandstone outcrops, 01273 474357 accessible from Ditchling home to 58 species of www.lewesfootpathgroup.org.uk Common Country Park. mosses and liverworts are Mid Sussex Ramblers also present. For more information on 01273 843715 Weirwood, Ditchling Park Wood Newhaven Ramblers Common and Jacob’s Post Hellingly. The wood is 01273 515610 scheduled ancient semi Ken McManamon 01273 482670 Plumpton and District natural lowland woodland Footpath Society covering approximately Chailey Common Local 01444 471357 60 hectares, with a long Nature Reserve Ringmer Ramblers history of coppice Chailey Common was 01273 814271 management. There are recorded in the Domesday two entrances suitable for Book of 1086 and was Uckfield Country pedestrians; from the used over a long period of Walkers Club western side (Grove Hill) time for cutting wood and 01825 763849 there is a car park with a bracken for fuel, and Wadhurst Footpaths capacity for 8 cars. grazing livestock. Jessie Society Leamy 01273 482670 01892 782108 For more information on West Park and Park Wood Walking Groups contact Jo Heading 01273 482670 If you prefer to walk with other people, the Weirwood Reservoir walking groups offer a Weirwood is notable for a number of led walks. breeding colony of Great For a copy of the walks Crested Grebes and has programme please become well known for contact the group visiting Ospreys on passage directly. in spring and autumn.

9 Other Useful Rural Ways Contact Details:- Rural Ways is the gateway Information Rural Ways to getting out and about in www.ruralways.org.uk the countryside of the South East. Here you will Sussex Downs and Weald find easy to follow Primary Care Trust information on the wealth Health Promotion 01273 403691 Exploring of recreational activities www. that this superb and East Sussex County Council’s sussexdownsandweald.nhs.uk biannual programme of diverse landscape has to guided walks and offer. www.ruralways.org.uk Wealden District Council environmental events with E: [email protected] www.wealden.gov.uk something suitable for East Sussex County Lewes District Council everyone regardless of Council’s Voluntary www.lewes.gov.uk their age or interests. Ranger Service. East Sussex www.eastsussex.gov.uk Volunteering is a great way County Council Contact:- Vicky Pannell to learn new skills, meet www.eastsussex.gov.uk 01273 481654 or email new people and get fit [email protected] Disabled Rambling whilst working in some to obtain a copy. in Lewes and Wealden of the most beautiful 01435 869252 The East Sussex Walking countryside in East Sussex. Strategy Contact Cathy Abel School Travel Plan East Sussex County Council 01273 482670 or email Co-ordinator, ESCC 01273 481542 published a Walking [email protected] Strategy in 2002. The Strategy aimed to promote British Trust for walking as an every day Conservation Volunteers form of transport by looking (BTCV) at what discourages people Green Gyms provide health from walking and making benefit through practical the situation on the streets conservation work. For better for pedestrians. The more information go to County Council is aiming www.btcv.org.uk or contact to produce a revised Tim Hills 01424 446395. Walking Strategy by mid- 2005, to take account of the Leisure Development at Government’s emphasis on Wealden District Council social inclusion and the Aims to encourage leisure promotion of physical activities throughout the activity as a way of district. Walking, cycling improving health. Better and horseriding support information on pedestrian economic regeneration as safety and a new section well as promoting health on public rights of way and social benefits to (footpaths) will also be participants. 01892 602756 included. For more or email: information 01273 482281 [email protected]

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