Level Pegging
Unexpectedly, a magical bright and frosty morning lay ahead of me. The motivation was a gap-filler of a walk that did not end in Battle and a long journey back. It turned out to be quite a satisfying journey and easy navigation, a large chunk of it provided by the 1066 Country Walk. I'm glad to report that this traverse of the Levels was not of any difficulty or cow encounter. There was quite a bit of mud and the new shoes held up well until near the end. Water was in my shoe which proves they are certainly not waterproof, as described but there was also quite a bit of road to allow me to keep the pace up and you, if you wish to try.
Polegate is easily reached via Haywards Heath or Brighton and then connected to an Ore-bound train. Return from Collington took me back via Brighton. For the best value, get a return as your destinations can be on the same line.
From Polegate Station, leave on the northern platform and walk north on the High Street to bear right onto Station Road. Very soon, go north on School Lane to reach the Cuckoo Trail and line of the old railway. Ignore the first junction burt leave at the next footpath on the right to walk beside to Polegate bypass. Turn left to cross it via the footbridge and then go immediately right over the stile. The moon was very bright and the day was still dawning. A pair of deer strotted across the field by the now prominent wind turbines. When you go over the stile, cross the field to the hedge and head between number 1 and 2 turbine. The path runs with the strip of trees on your right. The blades of 1 were not turning but would have been an impressive sight and possibly feel, if they had. The path wiggles through the machinery car park before reaching the road.
Cross the Hailsham Road and enter the tree-lined drive of Priesthawes Farm. The gate posts are unusual and you will notice the hefty buttressed wall in front. I couldn't find much information on this imposing complex but parts are 16th century. At the back of the farm buildings, bear right and then follow the signs that take through quite a wet field the a stile at the fence-line. Once over, you will continue uphill, going east on Windyridge. You will exit on to the quiet Hankham Street and finds you going north on the 1066 Country Walk. There is a definite no-mans lands feel about this area. Hankham Street becomes Rickney Road and you are in to the Pevensey Levels SSSI.
Now cross the first bridge and bear right to cross the second that travels over the Yotham. Follow the bridleway on the eastern bank. This was a joy. My shoes gathered an icing from the near pristine grass as I passed the pumping station and beyond to the Hurst Haven. Don't forget to look back at the hills.
You pass through a couple of gates and then the path leaves the river eastward as the water begins to bear west. Look out for the Country Walk post with the red markings which will become familiar. You will have seen the dome of the observatory telescope to the north and now the church. The path exits onto a broad track and you bear left. Follow the now road round to the All Saints Church to take a look at the Dacre Chapel that Pevsner rather liked. Exit the church and turn right then left, back on the trail. Cross the Maskelyne Road, pass the NERC Space Geodesy Facility and Herstmonceux Castle will be visible on your left. I toyed with a visit and even went to purchase a ticket online. It failed and decided this is one for the future, when I can enjoy the gardens and a tour. You then head into the trees with the bulk of the observatory on your left. At the Wartling Road, turn right and carefully follow it until you find the continuation on the left.
The footpath will take you alongside Wartling Wood to Jenners Lane. Turn right, cross the road, the Nunningham Stream and follow the signs up and north to Boreham Street. Look out for red on the posts as you cross each paddock. The Bull's Head dominates Boreham Hill as you walk east. Ignore the other footpaths and find the 1066 path going north again. Now within the High Weald Landscape. Join Henley's Hill down to cross Hugletts or Hugleres?? Stream via Henley's Bridge. Take a peak. Climb Brays Hill and follow the sign at the junction into the quaintly named Brownbread Street. Here I found the Ash Tree Inn and its timing was excellent for lunch. I didn't see Keith Pettit's sculpture called 'Rest' because it was in the garden. The warmth of the Christmas bedecked 17th century Inn was highly appreciated.
Continue on the road until just after the village hall, where a path takes you right, just after you cross the Ash Bourne. You now traverse the sheepy fields with Tent Hill on the horizon. Crossing the Ash Bourne once again, climb directly up. There is a post and a bench near the top. This is traditionally known as the campsite location for the invading French in 1066 but there is always a healthy amount of doubt. It is a good, round hill though. Descend to Steven's Crouch. Crouch is middle English for hill or cross. I suppose it could be either.
Cross the Kitchenham Road and enter East Lodge. Here you find the motto of the Brassey family: Arduis saepe, metu nunquam or 'Often in difficulties, never in fear'. The Normanhurst Estate was developed by Thomas Brassey Jr, son of the notable, wealthy railway contractor of the same name. This was the only building project of the Sussex family who allegedly hailed from Brecy in Caen before their arrival at the time of the conquest. The path ultimately exits at Catsfield but just before you do, follow the footpath on the right that runs alongside Bogey Wood and bears left to Skinner's Lane. Follow the road west until a footpath appears on the left. Take this to the road opposite Catsfield Christmas Tree farm. Enjoy this area, seasonal or otherwise and enter Reed Wood beyond.
Soon you will emerge opposite the surprising Ninfield Substation. Turn right and circle the humming complex to walk to the left of the Watermill Stream. Crossing Potsman Lane brings you alongside the St Francis Solar Farm. The sun was setting but I felt comfortable things would not be to difficult but I was wrong. When I reached the back of Ye Olde Watermill, the path marked on the map was blocked with barbed wire. Maybe I missed the diversion on the fenceline but I backtracked and cut through the hedge on the other side. This meant I had to cross the wire at the footbridge by the road. I was in no mood to do any different this late in the game. In retrospect (my latin is not that good), I recall the Brassey family motto and it seems quite fitting. See if you can do better in daylight.
To reach civilisation, follow Watermill Lane south, all the way to the roundabout. Go over the crossing and turn left. The footpath on the right takes you swiftly downhill over the Combe Haven, on to the track beside Levetts Field and through Levetts Wood. Keep going on to North Road to Sidley Green. A southward route takes you on Buxton Drive, Bancroft Road and on the footpath through to Bexley Heath. Cross the Down Road and reach Little Common Road. Go over to Chandler Road, left on to Eastwood Road, south to Holmesdale Road and a quick left right on to Sutherland Avenue, brings you to Collington Station, not a moment too soon. Had it been a long Summers Day, I might have considered a trip to the beach but it was dark and I'd timed it well to catch the next train. No ice-cream.
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