A Pooh Sticks Competition on an Ashurst Circular

SWC 29: Pooh Sticks Competition on an Ashurst Circular t=swc.29

Distance: Short, Medium and Long on offer:

Short:  9.2 miles/15 km

Medium: 12 miles/ 19 km

Long: 15.1 miles/ 24 km

Difficulty: 3, 5 or 7 out of 10 – depending on distance

Train: Take the 9:51 AM East Grinstead train from London Victoria and change at Hurst Green (arrive 10:36; depart 10:41), arriving at Ashurst at 10:59. Return trains from Ashurst are at 58 minutes past the hour. Buy a day return to Ashurst.

This is a lovely walk with options for all. It begins along the Medway Valley and visits the charming village of Withyham for an early lunch. After lunch, there is a choice of three routes to the next village. On the medium and long routes you pass across Pooh Bridge where you can have riveting Pooh stick races and on the long walk you venture out for a lovely circuit around the Ashdown Forest with fine views to the South Downs. You can find more information about the walk and the instructions here.

The lunch spot is The Dorest Arms in Withyham (01892 770 424) about 4 miles/6 km into the walk. Tea options include: Piglet’s Tea Room or the Anchor Inn, both in Hartfield. Please note that there are no amenities at Ashurst Station – so you will need to time your departure from Hartfield carefully – it is 4 miles/6 km to the station…..

Enjoy the walk!