Length: 19km / 12m
Toughness: 4 / 10
Transport: Take the 9:27 from London Bridge, arriving in Wivelsfield at 10:14. There are plenty of return trains from Haywards Heath.
This is a pleasant walk through the countryside to the west of Haywards Heath visiting the charming village of Cuckfield for lunch. The morning leads you through a park north of Wivelsfield and then along quirky footpaths following and crossing streams. In the afternoon the walk passes Borde Hill, a private estate, which has just opened for visitors after its winter break. If you are interested in visiting it you would need to get there by 16:00. There is also a wonderful cafe at its entrance. There are two pub options for lunch in Cuckfield: The Talbot and the White Harte Inn. I haven't eaten in the latter but it looked nice, although small. I would recommend to make a reservation if you want to eat in the White Harte Inn.
1 comment:
I believe 9 off the train, one local and her dog met us on the platform and 2 on a later train made for n=12 in total. We set off into the gloom on a grey_overcast_and_somewhat_dark_day_with_occasional_drizzle . The wooded sections were pleasantly dry underfoot and there were signs of spring everywhere, with many clumps of snowdrops, crocuses and birdsong aplenty. It was most enjoyable and far less muddy than one would expect for this time of year. There were some muddier bridleways but most skirted around these. The groups agility skills were tested by a large tree blocking the route, and each had to find their way under, over or around it, which was an interesting challenge and sadly one person toppled over, I hope she is feeling better. The lunch options provided a second challenge, the groups split and those going to the two cafés’ in Cuckfield ended up waiting a long time for their orders, some giving up. Four lunched in the Talbot which was fine and the food came quickly, Sandwicher’s also joined us for drinks there.
The afternoon sections had many descents to footbridges over streams then a climb back up, which, considering the soft ground made for a tough workout, and I was pretty tired by the time we reached Borde Hill gardens and tearooms. Alas the tearooms are no more; the couple having run it for 30 years now retired. Thus, we continued hungry and tired towards walks end and the cheerful prospect of Haywards Heath (not). Most dashed for the train, but four enjoyed a leisurely tea and cake in the lovely Waitrose café next to the station, taking the 17:35 back to London. Great day out!
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