Things in Common
More potential walking in the woodland and heath of the Low Weald beckoned and a route for the Lost Woods Project might be found, quite close to home. This proximity was appealing but, in general, the local commons seem almost too close for me to consider, in the same way as when I lived just metres from the beach, I hardly ever visited. I am glad that I did because there were new delights to be found and new ground to cover. I shall be back to compile a shorter adventure.
The season is now burnishing the trees somewhat and dampening the grass. The low lights, russets and tans are bringing fresh and vivid growth into sharp focus. From the woods fruit the precocious fungi and there are still the particular heathland plants creeping under my feet.
Plumpton is a mere half an hour journey by train via Haywards Heath and a return from the latter will have you home in five minutes. Why have I not done this more? I am not really sure and all about, bits of Chailey, trees, windmills and commons are claiming to be the centre of the county.
From the station, join Plumpton Lane and take the track the runs alongside the railway. I couldn't see a sign in the gloom. The path enters a field and at the level-crossing, head away, into the field to the far side. Wiggle to the right and follow the boundary north, over the Bevern and through the paddock to North Barnes Farm. I was snuffled and punted forwards by a horse, thinking I might provide breakfast. Turn left on Novington Lane and take the next path on the right onto the bridleway. Now cross the fields to the corner and then edge of two rectangular plantations, Hurters and Furzefield Wood. At Drapers Farm Cottage, the path takes you to the bridleway and left.
Now turn right onto the footpath. Progress was steady and straightforward. This was enjoyable, probably because this contrasts with recent routes, where I have dodged barriers and battled ambiguity. Go through the car park and into Whitegates Close. The alley will take you behind the houses and on to the A275. Wiggle right and follow Kilnwood Lane. The road reaches a junction where a byway dissects it. Take the left and then go right into Kiln Wood, itself. There is a new loftiness amongst these trees. Cling to the fence that bounds Chailey brickworks clay pit because other paths exist. Once you reach the bridleway, turn right. This is Caveridge Lane. Go past Roman Spring Farm, as other springs exists and into Markstakes Common. An excellent range of maps can be found here. I pretty much wanted to follow the footpath to the northeast corner, which I did and on to Markstakes Lane.
Continue east until you spot the footpath on the left side. Round the back of the farms, you can appreciate the timber frames. The path bears west as it continues around the edge of Wilding Wood. You will exit on to Cinder Hill and cross directly over. Enjoy the brickwork at the back of Chailey Place. This is the original Chailey before development migrated north and south. Some guinea fowl point the way by perching on the gate through to the A275.
Cross to the St Peter's Church and use the excellent facilities, if needed. There are two ancient yews here. Continue west on the road and footpath to Chailey Moat, the former moated rectory. At the lake, bear right and northwest towards Townings Farm. It was here that I came across a Warnham brick on the edge of the field and I was transported to the related clay of Southwater. I find that brickmaking and pottery was a thing in Chailey from the 1700s and has relations through the Norman family to Burgess Hill. You will exit onto Plumpton Road where you turn right.
We are now at the far southeast corner of the common and open access land. I suppose this area comprises five commons in all; Romany Ridge, Pound, Memorial, Red House and Lane End, which we will encounter last. Your arrival will have been heralded by the rumbling trumpet of the cattle grid just beyond the junction. Go straight over North Common Road and on to a footpath. At the second large clearing and at an obvious crossroads, turn right and back to the road. There is an interpretation at the car park. Cross over and head to the next car park. Keep heading west, ignore the private drive and continue. Take the track through to Beggars Wood Road. You will occasionally have come across reference to the Chailey Link Walk and you can follow it into Memorial Common. This is an SSSI and local nature reserve. I got a real appreciation botanical richness here, especially as I continued to photograph. I can imagine myself digging about here in the future. As you bend round south west, you will come upon the memorial to Garth Christian who is credited with saving the marsh gentian and lived here. Continue north to the windmill via the footpath, over the Haywards Heath Road and into Mill Road. The windmill and museum is difficult to see on this path but you can visit on Sundays.
Diplomatically, I am going to say that, near the centre of Sussex, you will be at 75 metres. Turn right and rest your legs with views northwards. I had a rummage through the bracken for the trig point. You need not do this. I jigsawed its weathered corner back into place for a photo op.
Continue towards the car park but veer away north to near Warrs Hill Road. Taking to the drive of Broadwater House, you can rejoin a footpath which crosses it. I battled about joyfully in the brambly undergrowth towards a pylon. Just a little to the left of this, I was able to rejoin another footpath by a little trickly stream. A beautiful pair of grey wagtails brought a smile to my face. On the road, go north. I found another thing that brought a smile to my face, like an amusement intended just for me. I saw a sign on an old farm gate. I crossed the verge to take a closer look: "EAST SUSSEX GATE". Curious, I thought. Moments later, behind a spindle, another: "WEST SUSSEX GATE". We are on the border.
Take the path by The Brooks, on the right side of the road. You remain in East Sussex. More brickwork to admire at Warr's Farm. Go right on the edge of Warr's Wood and then enter. The wood is cleaved by the pylons. Exit and cross straight over to another strip of trees. On the far side, I most attractive brown and white cow watched me. I hopped through the style and curved at a respectful distance. No respect from the cow, though. She almost galloped towards me. Luckily the incline and my shooing persuaded her to pause her harrassment. I glanced back at her impertinance from the safety. Continue to Lewes Road.
Cross to Lane End Common with a big blue bird on the OS map. I stopped and listened to the long-tailed tits and a surprising number of hornets. As I beat the bounds, I was surprised by the Greenwich Meridian marker and another reference to the centre of Sussex. A wood ant went from west to east to west. We've been on a couple of sections of the GM Trail already from Markstakes Lane and towards this common and this is its significance. As you curve round to the north, you will exit back onto the road. A little way south, you will see a footbridge. Head uphill to the trees. A made a small manoeuvre under an electric fence.
In the next field, you'll find yourself in sight of some geodesic domes. Don't be alarmed, it's just the WOWO campsite. The path walks along the edge of the field before turning right along an avenue of trees. A steam train on the bluebell railway chuffed its somoke just beyond. Walk beyond the campsite reception and then through the yard and grounds of the striking Wapsbourne Manor and its fancy chimneys. You are now on the Sussex Ouse Valley Way. Bear right and follow the path into the field. Follow the edge and now enter Wapsbourne Wood. A helpful sign indicates lunch options and timings. Keep following the SOVW through Kitts campsite and bear right onto Sloop Lane and to The Sloop. I ate with the grey haired folk. Food was delicious but a very small offering that left me wanting a bag of chips. I was on my way.
With bacon and ham references and on the other side of the roud, a little south of the pub, the SOVW continues. You are well-directed and I was struck by the very excellent hedges on the route. Continue past Costells and on Costells Wood. I took the opportunity to duck into the trees and found myself by a pond. Better paths are clearly available. Rejoin the path. Go over East Mascalls Lane and on to Snowflakes Lane.
At Hangman's Acre, bear left and walk at the edge of 'The Wilderness' through to the church at Lindfield. A little south and opposite, take the path next to the Brewers House. Follow it through to Hickmans Lane and go across the recreation ground into Pickers Green. The path rejoins Hickmans Lane. Now go down Sunte Avenue by The Witches Inn. Continue on to Gander Hill which turns into College Road in Haywards Heath. Go through the railway arch and cross carefully, to go south along the tracks. This gives you the opportunity to visit the supermarket and get provisions before hometime. On Market Place, you can take the stairs and enter the station.
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