Just East of Eden
I didn't entirely think this walk through beforehand and the heat made my feet hurt, foreshortening my outing. I really need to get some better shoes as they are clearly not wide enough to accommodate my expanded feet.
One particular hesitation had me pondering Edenbridge for lunch, then Hever castle or Cowden then Tunbridge Wells. Much time slipped away. In the event, I decided the admission to Hever Castle required more committment from my hooves than they could offer and Hever Station intervened. Like the saga of Battle Abbey, I predict a reprise.
One thing I illogically didn't anticipate was the quantity and quality of the bluebell woodlands. It is a shame things came to an abrupt end because this was a rather nice wander in what is known as the wooded and sand infiltrated High Weald. When once it would have been pigs driven between 'dens', evident in place names, this land of once temporary farmstead and pasture, ancient woodland and standstone ridge is a delight.
East Grinstead can be quite quickly reached from Burgess Hill with a train to Three Bridges and eastward bus. This can be done in under and hour with the right timing. Hever Station takes you up to East Croydon before returning and rather ruins the economics of the journey. Tunbridge Wells is on the original bus route and probably would have made more sense.
A couple of options to leave the town are available. I chose to go north, anticipating I shall return at some point to check out Ashplats Wood. From the High Street, take Canteloupe Road north passed the museum. At the junction, cross and take the cut between the houses to the bridge over the road. Carry on in this direction and you'll see Moat Pond on your left. The water was sprinkled with innumerable ducklings as I took a look. In the direction, take the continuation over the junction as it walks you directly to Mount Noddy Recreation Ground. I wandered near the tennis courts and slapped some sun cream on.
At the end, go right onto the byway that is the Hackenden Lane, our first '-den' and seasonal swine pasture. Cross the railtrack. and you soon ender the woods at The Alders. This is also part of the Greenwich Meridian Trail. Back in town there are some markers, including a fabled Millennium Stone that indicate where the line was said to be. By today's measuring standards, it is not completely accurate. The following woods turned out to contain a garlicky bluebell walk alongside the trickling stream that adjoins Cook's Pond. Once at the bridleway, turn right and you will join the Tandridge Border Path as it goes under the Cook's Pond Viaduct, a rail bridge that spans 125ft. The angling club call the following bodies of water Wilderness Lakes, if you are at all confused. Dormans Station is just north of here and the 19th Century Dormans Park Estate, including the lakes, grew up to be home to the rich and famous.
The bridleway will take you out onto the Wilderwick Road and awkwardly south. The farm estate is visible on the left. With relief, you leave the road on the right and cut the corner as you ascend the hill. On the other side, turn left on the pavement and cross carefully to take the footpath on the right. The birds were very raucous in this bluebell-carpeted woods. I disturbed a bunch of deer by the road. As you leave the tree cover, the Gotwick Manor Estate is announced. Very soon you reach the substantial 15th Century Surrey Hall, a maternity hospital during WWII.
Going north at the driveway takes you on to the Sussex Border Path but you could take either path to get to where we are going. A rather lovely hollow heads northeast and, indeed, emerges onto Hollow Lane. Going northwest, take the footpath on the right which passes some stables. Appropriately 'May' was blinkered but sensed my approach. A definite feeling of entering horse country was perceived even though I was greeted by some curious boy cows when I stopped for a drink. Stick with the Border Path to Old Lodge Farm and beyond. Moon's Lane is lined with what I believe are some really splendid Linden trees on this ridge bridleway. Views north abound. From now until we reach Edenbridge, you will spy the white form of Skeynes Park. Once owned by the family of the Queen Mother, the house is visible all around.
After Dry Hill Farm, turn right onto the Vanguard Way and alongside iron age multivallate Dry Hill Fort. This is what the detour is in aid of although much of the fortifications are ploughed away. I hoped to benefit from the altitude on what is otherwise quite a flat walk. Leave the Vanguard Way almost immediately by taking the bridleway on the left. You will rejoin the Sussex Border Path as it goes east. I heard a garden warbler, a jogger overtook me and I dithered with my Cowden and Edenbridge decisions. Much time was lost but it mattered little because the atmosphere was so nice. With Edenbridge winning, take the bridleway which turns into Greybury Lane.
At the corner of the Marsh Green Wood, cross the footbridge into the field and cross on the footpath. Some absolutely magnificent oak trees display on this route, turning left into Marsh Green. At the village green, take the path on the left of the church. You will eventually reach Gabriel's Fishery and Bridge End Field. Follow the signs for the river Eden and you will find the bridge. You will now cross a light aircraft airstrip known as East Haxted. The path actually takes you by the river to the pillbox but I found it easy enough to cross the field to where the Eden Valley Walk disappears through the hedge going north.
So close to the Eden is the Devil's Den, the rather ancient and deliciously overgrown remains of a moat. When the path exits onto the recreation ground, re-enter the woods managed by the Great Stone Bridge Trust. There are a few paths but make your way to the river and follow it to the road. Cross the Eden and you're on the Hight Street. Go over the Great Stone Bridge to cross the Eden a second time. Stop for lunch as I did.
It was here that I made the unfortunate decision to quit while I was ahead and get to Hever Station. As I continued, I felt validated but annoyed that, apart from my feet, my legs had a lot more walk in them. Back on the High Street, head to the church and past Riverside to take the path to the river. As I approached the bridge I thought about seeing a kingfisher and then I manifested one in the form of a flash of blue over the water. Stick to the path going east. There was a spot of confusion on the far side of the field but ignore the map and join the tarmac that heads east towards Burnt Oak Farm. Over the railway and to Delaware Farm. Back on the Eden Valley Walk, go south.
Cross the Hever Road and take the path behind the hedge. Enter the field but ignore the steps of the railway in favour of the tunnel underneath the track further to your left. Merging with Lydens Lane, find the path on the left to leave it. My last herd of cows were not shifting from their water as I crossed the last field towards the pond in the distance. The path goes to the left of the water and to the hedge. Once you are alongside the track, you can go left and go on to the station platform.
I was home in good time and inspired for my next walk.
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