Flight to the Border

GATWICK AIRPORT TO HORSHAM VIA CHARLWOOD, RUSPER AND WARNHAM

An errand at 9 o' clock, in Haywards Heath, set the pace for this walk. There wasn't a great deal of prep and I had vague ideas of making it to Leith Hill. This was unreasonable and, as it turned out, clawing my way on a long distance path into Horsham was the best I could hope for. Somehow, I'd left the house with only a sketchy idea where I was going, without a paper map and only a dribble of phone battery. It was clear that, on reaching Charlwood, I should stick to a major path and head for Horsham. The spoiler is that I did make it but without the Surrey Hills and without a deer park. All the better for saving for next time.

Gatwick Airport is a shortish and direct ride north on the train from Burgess Hill. It's not an obvious choice of trailhead and the character of the walk, at first, is one more of urbex than countyside idyll. It is then surprising to find the river Mole leading us gently away with water mint and dragonflies. The West Sussex or Sussex Border Path is a fickle partner; shouting in all the wrong places and staying silent as you miss a stile or confuse a hedge. The rumble of aircraft is near constant. There are also some rather boring sections of road I would have liked to avoid but I had to turn the phone off to reserve what little juice for fear of navigating without a clue where I was headed.

From the platform, you can head up to the terminal building and descend to the ground floor on the east side of the track. From here, you can head north, over the footbridge and, disconcertingly, back to the airport before going west. I actually didn't decend low enough or exit on the west side, as would have been more convenient. I found myself walking the non-pedestrian ramp, quite quickly, as I spotted the footpath below me. I passed some heavily armed police and sniffer dogs.

You are generally quite well hemmed in, as befits a particular level of security, before being released onto the path oft' used by staff and the foot-hardy, making their way to the North Terminal. Following the path to the letter means taking a tunnel under a road and making your way up a grassy bank before finding the way-marked path on the other side of the roundabout. Crossing The Mole at the Travelodge, follow the opposite bank southwest and listen as the sound of the A23 recedes. Sandwiched between the Povey Cross Road and the river are numerous paths and it seems you can probably continue beyond the Border Path. Don't but follow the route to the Horley Road. It was a little nettley and so it's best to just walk on the edge of the road at the first opportunity.

Cross and continue on the oak-lined track. Turning left towards Charlwood, you'll pass the Chapel of Providence. It is distinctive in its unchurchiness but identifiable by the gravestones. It has an interesting history and hasn't always lived here.

On The Street, I popped into the cafe at no.52. and burnt my mouth on the excellent chips. Go west and towards the pub to Charlwood church beyond. The lychgate says it is special and so it is. Norman and with brilliant medieval murals uncovered.

Don't miss the stile at the other edge of the field from the church. This will allow you to not look silly in front of the sheep by skirting the field. When you reach the major track crssing your one, take it to visit Lowfield Heath Windmill. Backtrack and now over the stile, continue until Russ Hill. You can vault the gate or go a little toward the houses before turning right over another stile. This explains why the Border Path directs you down here. This means you don't have to walk on the road. There is a thriving dog meadow business to navigate after the hotel, on the left hand side. Go a little further left at a junction with Russ Hill to border the dogs barking on the other side.

Make sure you don't miss where the path goes a little more westward. Here, I had horses, sheep and cows before the path meets Partridge Lane. Leaving this again, you move into undulating wood. Be sure to stay on the Border Path into Rusper. There are a few points of interest near the less special church. Turn right up the High Street and take the near edge of the recreation ground. More pleasant but slightly silent Horsegills Woods until you hit Friday Street. The phone is off at this point and I am trying to memorise my route with little success. Leave the Border Path and go south and then west on the footpath to backtrack east. Go south when directed. You'll want to eyeball the stiles in the distance to check your direction. At the crossroads bear southwest to rejoin Friday Street. Go south until you meet the footpath east. You are guided around the clay pit through woods. Beyond the crossroads, continue south until you're almost on the A264. Join Langhurstwood Road South and cross the junction.

From here, go direct as you like to Horsham Station on Pondtail Road and Hurst Road. Trains all scuppered by power failures and trespassers? Buses are also available.