Balcombe Circular

19 April. Fourteen walkers, great weather, innumerable wild flowers.

Ardingly reservoir first, with a climb up to the old church, spotting the Balcombe viaduct in the distance. We uncovered the brass rubbings telling some of the Culpepper family story you can find on line.

Walking by Ardingly Reservoir, and on to the Church …

Downhill from Ardingly village, then up to Wakehurst Place for lunch, with the best of the bluebells in the morning.

All eventually chose to continue in the afternoon for more beautiful flora and some strange fauna of rare breeds of cattle and sheep. More great views before the final climb up from Balcombe Lake.

A shop for and pub for those who wanted them, a timely train home for us all.

Maybe a climb too many for some, otherwise a near perfect day out.

Tony, with thanks to Mary Jane and Sigrid for photos.