Sunday walk: Wealden delights of Sussex

Wadhurst via Bewl Water Circular
Length: 17km (10.6 miles) or 8 mile or 12.2 mile options

Toughness: 5/10

10:15 Ramsgate train from Victoria changing at Tonbridge (arr 10:54; dep 11:00) to arrive at Wadhurst at 11:18.

Return trains, again changing at Tonbridge, are at xx:25 and xx:53 (journey time 64 mins).

With its platforms at Charing Cross, Waterloo East, Cannon Street and London Bridge closed today, most Southeastern services are starting from Victoria and many require a change en route. But even so, the journey time to Wadhurst is no longer than normal.

In contrast to the older Wadhurst Circular walk, which explores the countryside south-west of Wadhurst, this one heads east and, after following the Sussex Border Path to the lunchtime pub, descends to the scenic shores of the Bewl Water reservoir, where shorter or longer options can be chosen. The shortest option reduces the distance from lunch to tea to just 4.5km. After tea there is still a 40-60 minute walk from Wadhurst to the station, depending on whether you take the main road or the back lanes.

The only pub option for lunch is The Old Vine (01892 782271) at Cousley Wood, 5.3km into the walk. Now renamed Galapagos, it offers a South American menu, but is not cheap.

You will need to download the walk directions.

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