East Grinstead – Sat 27 July

East Grinstead circular – ca. 11 miles

Trains: London Victoria 08.50 [Clapham Junction 08.57] arrive East Grinstead 09.50 – please use loos on train, if possible, East Grinstead station has only one loo (disabled/unisex) – we could end up in a long queue.

Lunch stop: West Hoathly, preferably bring a picnic, there are nice picnic spots within the church yard.  The Cat Inn is opposite the church – I have not booked a table – anyone wishing to eat in the pub, it can get very busy and I don’t know how fast they’ll serve food.

Breaking off at lunch time: There is a bus stop near West Hoathly. the No. 84 goes to East Grinstead at 14.04 (the next one isn’t until 16.40). 

The walk: The walk is undulating for most of the way across large open fields/meadows and through woods – at one point we’ll cross over the Bluebell Line track – we might see a steam train going past depending on timing. Terrain: lengthy stretches of hard and/or rugged surfaces; within the woods there are still extremely muddy sections which can’t always be avoided. All the narrow footpaths are heavily overgrown with brambles and nettles – sturdy footwear, please and poles helpful for support through the muddy bits. There are also several stiles to negotiate. Due to a broken footbridge across a stream we’ll have to divert and walk a longer stretch back to the station through East Grinstead town.

Hazards: We’ll have to cross a very busy country road before going into West Hoathly, special care will have to be taken as the crossing is on a sharp S-bend when it’s difficult to see cars approach at speed from both directions. On other country roads strict single file required for safety, please.

Besides all this, happy walking.

Sigrid