In Search of Christmas Spirit

BALCOMBE TO NYMANS IN HANDCROSS VIA ARDINGLY RESERVOIR AND OUSE VALLEY VIADUCT

Today was the last day of school for my kids, a half day at that. The normal draconian uniform policy saw my daughter scolded for wearing her christmas jumper (allowed), without a blazer (not allowed), at the school gates and resulted in an upset whatsapp which I didn't receive until I was well on my way on this walk. It seems that Christmas cheer was in short supply and it was with this in mind that I made my destination Nymans, a National trust property, seasonally decorated and heaving with delighted grandparents and preschoolers on my arrival.

 A small train excursion north from Burgess Hill Station takes you to Balcombe. It is possible to loop this walk back from Nymans to here or, as I did, take the 271 bus south at the Red Lion.

Exit the station onto London Road, cross it and take the cut through to Newlands heading east. At the eventual T junction, go left onto Haywards Heath Road and take the first footpath on the right. Pass through the recently planted orchard, along a muddy path and down some steep steps to Mill Lane. At this level a few exposed bits of sandstone are present and dot the landscape around the reservoir. Go south on this road until you meet the path on the west bank of the water. The walk so far had been lonesome save for the startled sound of pheasants and later coots and blackbirds. I met a fearsome pack of chihuahuas on the path (not really) and survived. Mist hung over the water all the way to Balcombe Lane. Turn immediately right along the road to rejoin the path around the reservoir.

At the office, leave the tarmac and bear left onto the mud path and skirt the edge of the field. As you enter the next field by a holly bush, you'll have your first glimpse of the railway viaduct. Cross a footbridge and head for another. Ignore the path that takes you into the trees and remain in the field alongside the Ouse. Exit onto Borde Hill Lane and go right, taking the footpath on the left, under the viaduct itself. I have a history of seeing notable constructions whilst shrouded in scaffolding and, on this occasion, I had the pleasure of seeing this iconic structure adorned for remedial work for the forseeable. The 'alternative' footpath would be further north. Lets just say I did this and definitely did not skirt the inactive building site to rejoin the path on the other side as many muddy footprints suggest others have.

You'll exit at Ryelands Farm. A lady there accused me of being lost as I checked the path. You'll see a big green diamond on the OS map but continue on her drive and you'll see the footpath sign on the right. Her dog was cheerful. This is the well signposted Sussex Ouse Valley Way and the viaduct is a highlight on what is a succession of surfaced farm tracks all the way to London Road and north up Cherry Lane. Here I saw and heard a lot of buzzards in a tree. I didn't think of them as social birds until I realised they were red kites. Sidnye Farm is a charming house and at the front door turn right and north to Hart Lake where you cross and rejoin the Ouse briefly.

You'll exit onto Brantridge Lane which I intended following all the way to Staplefield. Somehow I took Rose Cottage Lane to the Cuckfield Road which wasn't the end of the world. I went north until I hit the green and the memorial cross. The Victory Inn sits on the edge and is open at 12. You'll ignore this and the Jolly Tanners further north but take Tanyard Lane until you enter a field. Cross this towards the post box and Oldhouse, heading left into the trees. If you want to loop back from Nymans you could come back here and follow the hedge east towards Allen's Farm.

You'll soon reach the back entrance to Nymans and there are a few routes you could follow if you're a National Trust member. If you choose to, you can just continue to the road and take a bus home from opposite the Red Lion but it's your adventure.