Wandering in the Weald from Balcombe to Horsham

SWC 312:  Balcombe to Horsham T=swc.312

Distance:         17 miles/27 km OR 13 miles/21 km if taking the short cut

Difficulty:         7 out of 10

Transport:        Take the 9:35 AM Brighton bound train from London Bridge (9:49 East Croydon), arriving 10:16. Return trains from Horsham are at 04; 20; 34 and 50 past the hour until 22:04. Either buy a day return to Balcombe and sweet-talk the station master in Horsham to let you through the barrier or buy a single from Horsham to Three Bridges for a return to London Bridge, or buy a day return to Horsham (Balcombe does not have barriers) and potentially explain to the conductor that you want to walk from Balcombe to Horsham.

Apologies for the late posting – but have been regularly checking the journey planner and Thameslink website for scheduling confirmations. Based on this inspection, it would appear that Thameslink will be running two trains an hour to Brighton that stop in Balcombe….so fairly confident on outbound journey……With usually 4 trains an hour from Horsham to London – some of them should be running well into the evening and the Thameslink website claims to be running at least two an hour. However, wise to double check the schedules and be flexible on your approach to travel!

This interesting walk traverses the weald from Balcombe to Horsham and explores several water features. On your journey, you will cross the watershed between the Thames and the Channel. More information about the walk and the instructions can be found here.

Lunch:  The quirky Wheatsheaf about 6 miles/10 km into the walk.

Tea: Various team rooms and pubs in Horsham. The Cafe No 4 in Market Square (closing at 16:30) is recommended, though it is difficult to get there in time. For stronger stuff, the Black Jug which you pass on the way to the station is also recommended.

Enjoy the walk!