East Grinstead circular

I last led this walk some six years ago, so it was time to revive it. After the first recce using the original route, I decided to try it in reverse which required additional recces and I also had to try an alternative route back due to a broken footbridge across a stream near East Grinstead.

Saturday 27 July turned out to be a fine weather day and twelve of us started out along a lengthy stretch of the northern section of the Sussex Boarder Path, before branching off across large open fields, gently downhill and through the first of many more rather overgrown narrow footpaths, before reaching Fen Place Mill with its pond and lovely gardens. After a brief water stop, we ventured forth towards Tickeridge Farm, only to find a large herd of cattle on the other side of the gate blocking our access into the field. Using our best shooing sounds they moved back enough for us to get through the gate but they kept us firmly within their sight. I know that they were just curious, but we were vastly outnumbered, so more noise tactics had to be employed before they eventually trotted off through an open gate into another field.

Shooing the cattle

On our way safely

Relieved and now able to continue safely we soon joined a long lane going parallel to the track of the Bluebell Line near Kingscote Station, albeit the track was not visible through the lush shrubs and trees. I had chosen a route that took us to the end of this lane before joining footpaths leading to the Lower Lake, a part of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There was still some stretch to go before we could stop for lunch in West Hoathly, where the beautiful St. Margaret’s churchyard offered perfect spots for our picnic and The Cat Inn just across the road was handy for refreshments. Alas, we couldn’t look inside the church because, as was the case on my last ramble from Holmwood, there was a wedding in progress.

Picnic and a wedding all at once

At this point three of my fellow walkers decided to forego the afternoon and take the bus back to East Grinstead, although Sue H stopped off sooner at the Standen NT place. The rest of us retraced our route before turning into Giffard’s Wood, giving us a welcomed shade as the temperature by then had risen considerably. Some more narrow, heavily overgrown and, in parts, muddy paths and through more fields led us eventually to the crossing point of the Bluebell Line. But just before reaching the crossing, while we were still going over a stile, we could hear the whistle and the chugging of the steam train going past – sadly, not much else could be seen as it was hidden behind a row of trees. Quite disappointing, as we were so near and yet so far away!

Crossing the Bluebell Line

I hope that walking past the rather impressive large rocks along the way to the Weir Wood Reservoir made up a little as a point of interest – some of them are used for climbing.

View across to Weir Wood Reservoir

By the time we’d arrived at the reservoir and after having crossed a couple more fields, I could sense that everyone’s energy, including mine, started to dwindle due to the heat. A welcomed decision was made to stop for refreshments at Standen NT and then take the late afternoon bus back to East Grinstead station instead of walking the final 2 miles. Standen’s Barn Café was just what we needed and another bonus was that we could catch up with Sue H who was still there having explored their gardens.

While waiting for the bus a lively debate had started on how many miles we had actually walked. Various fitness apps were consulted and variations from 9 to 11 plus miles were bandied about – I guess the jury is still out on this. Luckily, the bus came close to its scheduled time, so we managed to catch the 17.06 train back to London with hardly a minute to spare.

My thanks to everyone who joined me on this outing; to Tony A and Christine R for helping me with the recces and to Christine M and Virginia for additional photos.

Sigrid