Robertsbridge Circular - tea at Bodiam Castle

Length: 18.5km (11.5 miles) T=2.20

9.45 train from Charing Cross (9.48 Waterloo East, 9.54 London Bridge) to Robertsbridge, arriving 11.17

For walk directions click here, for GPX click here, for a map of the route click here.

This gentle Wealden walk - as opposed to its variant ending in Battle - has not had a summer outing for years as far as I can see. Part of its appeal at this time of year is that it has a gorgeous mid-afternoon tea stop at the National Trust-owned Bodiam Castle (romantically approached over a hillside), where you also might see a steam train chugging past (eg at or before 3.35pm and 4.45pm). More dissolute types can go to the Castle Inn across the road. Later Salehurst, a couple of miles from the end, also has a rural pub - the Salehurst Halt.

The point is that at this time of year you can enjoy all these delights without worrying about finishing the walk before sunset - a pleasure which will all too soon be denied to us.

Lunch is at the Waterside Cafe at the Hawkhurst Fish Farm, 5 miles into the walk, which is fully licensed and has a hot food menu of burgers, paninis and fish and chips (which is about what you get in most pubs these days…). 

At the end of the walk Robertsbridge has late-opening convenience stores and a pub or two, most notably the quirky Ostrich opposite the station.

Trains back are at 14 past the hour.