East Grinstead Circular: A Walk From Water Into Wine

I cannot turn water into wine, but I can definitely take you on a walk from a reservoir to a vineyard in the East Grinstead countryside. And that is still a pretty cool power to have! The East Grinstead Circular Walk is a varied countryside hike taking you through woodland, open fields and picturesque villages, with a few great stops along the way. From the peaceful waters of Weir Wood Reservoir to the vines of Kingscote Estate, this route has plenty to keep things interesting from start to finish.

Last updated 4/10/2026

Logistics for the East Grinstead Circular Walk

Map of the East Grinstead Circular Walk

Want to do this walk? Simply download the GPS map by clicking on the button below. Learn how to upload the map onto your navigation app by following my step-by-step guide here.

Highlights of the East Grinstead Circular Walk

East Grinstead Circular Walk

So now we’ve covered the basics, let’s get to the walk!

East Grinstead

East Grinstead is a historic market town in West Sussex, with origins dating back to Saxon times. The town grew during the Middle Ages and was granted a market charter by Henry III in 1247, establishing it as an important local trading centre.

Its history is particularly visible along the High Street, which contains one of the longest continuous runs of 14th-century timber-framed buildings in England. East Grinstead later developed as a coaching town on the route between London and the south coast, before the arrival of the railway in the 19th century brought further growth.

We start at the train station and make our way out the town via residential areas. It takes 30 minutes to leave East Grinstead.

Weir Wood Reservoir

The walk continues through open fields and Jenkins Wood, where you’ll start catching your first glimpses of Weir Wood Reservoir through the trees.

Weir Wood Reservoir is one of the largest bodies of open water in East Sussex, covering more than 150 hectares within the High Weald National Landscape. The reservoir is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), with part of it also protected as a Local Nature Reserve thanks to its rich birdlife and importance for breeding and migrating species. Please note that the section of Weir Wood Reservoir you pass on this walk is within a protected area and is not accessible to the public, so you won’t be able to get directly to the water’s edge.

Beyond wildlife, the reservoir is a popular spot for outdoor activities, including sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, open-water swimming and fishing. 

Stone Farm Rocks

As we leave the path on the edge of the reservoir, the route takes us uphill to Stone Farm Rocks.

Overlooking Weir Wood Reservoir, Stone Farm Rocks is a sandstone outcrop located just south of East Grinstead. Owned by the British Mountaineering Council and protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), it is also one of the closest natural climbing crags to London. The rocks rise between 6 and 8 metres and offer a range of climbing routes, particularly at lower and intermediate grades. Measures have been introduced to help protect the fragile sandstone from erosion, making it important for visitors and climbers to treat the site with care.

West Hoatly

We leave the sandstone behind to make our way to West Hoathly. On route, we come to a railway crossing. If you are lucky, you may be able to see an old steam train passing by.

West Hoathly is a historic village whose origins can be traced back to at least the 11th century, when St Margaret’s Church was founded. Its name comes from the Anglo-Saxon words for a “heath-covered clearing”, a reference to its location on the edge of the once much denser Ashdown Forest.

The village retains several reminders of its long history, including St Margaret’s Church and nearby Gravetye Manor, which was built in 1598. West Hoathly also has an interesting railway past. The village was connected to the railway network in 1882 with the opening of the Lewes and East Grinstead Railway, although its station closed in 1958. Today, the historic line forms part of the Bluebell Railway, with heritage steam trains once again passing through the former West Hoathly station site.

We make a stop in West Hoatly at the Cat Inn.

Gravetye Estate

After the break, we leave West Hoatly and start our journey back towards East Grinstead via the Gravetye Easte.

The estate sits within the High Weald National Landscape and was home to pioneering Victorian gardener and naturalist William Robinson for around 50 years. He used the estate to demonstrate his ideas about working with nature and allowing plants to grow in a more natural setting. His legacy can still be seen across the estate today, with its diverse woodlands, unusual trees and rich variety of wildlife.

More than 80 species of birds have been recorded here, alongside populations of hazel dormice, while ongoing conservation work aims to protect and improve the estate’s biodiversity.

Kingscote Estate

Pass under a railway bridge and you arrive at the Kingscote Estate.

Kingscote Estate is a 160-acre estate in the Sussex countryside, combining vineyards, woodland, lakes and an organic apple orchard. More than 70 acres are planted with vines, which have been managed organically since 2019 to support a more sustainable approach to wine production.

The estate also has a long history. Mill Place Farm was once owned by renowned horticulturist William Robinson, while the farmhouse dates back to 1320 and was originally built as an Iron Master’s house. Today, Kingscote produces award-winning Sussex wines and hosts private functions.

You can stop at Kingscote Estate for lunch.

Back to East Grinstead

After the break, it is time for the final stretch of the walk, with another 5 km left to go.

This last section takes you through open fields before reaching the outskirts of East Grinstead. From there, you follow Turners Hill Road towards the train station, which, admittedly, is not the most scenic part of the walk. The route even cuts across a car park towards the end (yes, the return to the station is pretty urban!).

However, if you are doing this walk during autumn, the colourful foliage along the way adds a welcome splash of colour and makes you forget about the urban surroundings for a moment.

Happy discovery!

Final Thoughts on the East Grinstead Circular Walk

And that brings us to the end of this East Grinstead Circular Walk. At 19 km, it is a good option for intermediate hikers looking for a full day out in the Sussex countryside, with a great mix of reservoirs, woodland, historic villages and vineyards along the way.

If you enjoyed this route and want to discover more of this beautiful part of the South East, head over to my guide to the Best Walks in the High Weald, where you’ll find more routes to add to your list.

Liked this walk? Pin it!