Your Signpost to Walking in the Lewes and Wealden District
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Your signpost to walking in the Lewes and Wealden District A guide to led and independent walks to suit all ages and abilities ust an hour from London, this Contents J area of England 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 Rotherfield 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 South Downs 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 Weald 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 parish of East Sussex 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 parishes in East Heathfield, taking in the paths across the area in Sussex. It is criss-crossed order to boost the local Cuckoo Trail 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 Jarvis Brook and guide book has been the Woodland Trust property produced which contains a Picture a Walk of Old Lodge 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 Chiddingly 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 Hellingly 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 Peacehaven, Paths to Prosperity Walk mainly flat with a number Lewes and Seaford and The Wadhurst 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 Cowbeech Walk A 4 mile wetland walk within this landscape. A 4.2 mile walk starting at starting at Berwick Station The Merrie Harriers pub Picture a Walk and taking in Arlington and taking in surrounding Chelwood Gate 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 Boreham Street starting at Stonegate and taking in the Wealdway A 2 mile walk which is hilly Station, taking in Batts and Vanguard Way long in places (approx 15 stiles).