The Forest Will Always Be There
This is a little reprise of a poor start out from Haywards Heath but then a northward hunt for Heffalumps in a Poohless corner of Ashdown Forest, through to Forest Row. There are no less than three golf courses en route but not much eating opportunity. I needed snacks.
Transport towards East Grinstead is available but can be a bit lengthy. The station at East Grinstead is strictly of the steam train kind and, not currently, terribly useful. I would have liked to have extended my walk to here but I would have caught a much later bus or bus and train and I was keen to get home in good time. The walk only touches on the forest, with the bulk of exploring available further east. All for another trip.
A different day and so much time saved not skidding about in mud. A train to Haywards Heath from Burgess Hill is only five minutes. Having suffered a little bit from mud at the nature reserves and having even fallen over near the golf course, I took a slightly different way out via Lindfield. I made good time.
Leaving the station on the western side, head north past Sainsburys or pop in for picnic items and snacks. I didn't. On Burrell Road turn right onto Balcombe Road to go back under the track before heading north up Wickham Way. At the top, go right and join the footpath as it turns north onto the golf course. If the ditch path is unwalkable and even if it isn't, take the higher parallel path on the right. It'll take you a little into a wood. As you exit this path, continue north through the tees before turning southeast. Take care not to be confused by the golf course trails and follow the waymarkers via the trees to Sandridge Lane.
At the junction, go north carefully on the road. You are on the Sussex Diamond Way. Go east to Kenwards and skirt their garden on the right. The manor has a long history and is a grand looking building. As you leave the back of the houses on Finches Court, you'll turn left, eventually exiting onto Lindfield High Street. Cross the road and enter the churchyard. At the back of the church, follow Francis Road and continue on the waymarked path at the back of what is known as The Wilderness, a field popular with dog walkers. Don't be distracted but continue east.
At the scary barn, carry on. Through the hedge, cross the field and follow the Ouse on the opposite bank to Lindfield Golf Course. This bit I found particularly oppressive on the last occasion but today, it was fine. On East Mascalls Lane go north and past the farm. Follow the road with care until you spot the path on the right side. Another bad field in the mud is fine on a good day. Take the small gate, half way across towards Cockhaise Farm. On Monteswood Lane continue east then go north on the path. The Sussex Diamond Way will take you north east from the track, over a field with views in that direction. You'll descend to a small copse that eventually crosses the Bluebell Railway track. The path beyond crosses some paddocks northeast and joins the Treemans Road. Cross and head north, leaving the Diamond Way before following the edge of a field going eastward. You'll be guided into Sandpits wood where you join the Sussex Border Path, going left then north into Horsted Keynes.
Horsted has a village store and The Green Man pub. I really should have got snacks here because I bonked soon after. Follow Station Road west, which is not near the station on the Bluebell Railway. Take the path that joins Church Lane north. It takes you around the church and the primary school. The children were in fine voice as I passed. Going north you'll pass through Horsted Keynes Angling Club and the many ponds. You'll not stray. The place is very sign heavy to the extent that even the ducks were a little anxious they were contravening regulations.
At the Junction with Hurstwood Lane, go west and then north on Chilling Street. Leave the Sussex Border Path and go east across the splendid field which has views south. Met some lovely horses here and some sunshine.
Cross Balcombe Lane and enter Grinstead Wood. Many sheep were at Twyford Farm, including some boys who were on the path, looking over at the ladies. Leave the farm and go northeast onto Twyford Lane and leave it on the left side to join the footpath and bear right. Join the unmarked path running parallel on the right of this one and you're in Ashdown Forest. You may wander but, to the north, you'll find a little interpretation board on Hindleap and, just further on, bag the trig at 188 metres.
I was a bit unsure which way to head from here. You can, naturally, do a lot of walks, some riding with a permit and some bike riding but you can't be totally free range. Leaflets are available to download and buy online and at the Wych Cross Visitor Centre. You can get them here also. What I found is that a little side quest for the Visitor Centre was difficult to attach without a lengthy walk along Coleman's Hatch Road. I did also pop by the Hindleap Warren Outdoor Centre but this is an education centre with all the outdoor activities you'd expect bookable for youth groups and schools. No plate of chips was forthcoming. I attempted a wander northwards onto Broadstone Warren to then head
east but this area is owned by Scout Adventures and is a vast campsite
and allows no straying from the waymarked footpath. To the south is The Warren, managed by the National Trust. The Hotel has a fancy Brasserie but I didn't think I'd fit in with the guests enjoying spa treatments. Seriously hungry, I used the facilities at Wych Cross and antagonised the helpful youngster at the information centre with questions.
As time crept and food demanded, I headed out and back down the road, taking the first footpath on the right. This is the Vanguard Way and took to me to the edge of Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club. Left at the fork will take you vaguely in the right direction but straight in front of the driving range. Fore! I weaved about to avoid the firing squad. Into Forest Row, I finally ate and waited for the 270 back to Burgess Hill.
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