East Grinstead Circular: A Walk From Water Into Wine

East Grinstead Circular: view of the Weir Wood Reservoir

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 area. And that is still a cool power to have! It was back in early September that our group went on a circular walk in the East Grinstead area. I have already been to East Grinstead for work but never for a hike and it was a lovely discovery to go for a walk in this part of the country.

Logistics for the East Grinstead Circular walk

Distance: 12 miles (19 km)
Ascent: 360 m
Walking Estimate: 6 hours 15 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate
How to get there: Trains from London Victoria
What to pack: Comfortable clothing and footwear, water (2 litres recommended)

Highlights of the East Grinstead Circular walk

East Grinstead town centre
The Weird Wood Reservoir
Eat/drink at the Cat Inn
The Gravitye Manor
The Kingscote Estate
Eat at the Railway Tavern

East Grinstead Circular walk

Start of the walk

East Grinstead is an ancient market town located in West Sussex, 27 miles (43km) from London. The town is accessible by train directly from London Victoria (approximately a 1-hour journey). Fun fact: The High Street has one of the longest uninterrupted sets of fourteenth-century timber-framed houses in England. We start our walk in the town centre and go along Sunny Side. As we finally exit the residential part of East Grinstead, we arrive in the fields.

From water…

We go down to Jenkin’s Wood and Jenhurst Shaw and finally arrive at the famous Weir Wood Reservoir. The reservoir spreads across 153.5 hectares and is the home of an abundant and diverse community of birds. It is classified as a Site of Scientific Interest.

Weir Wood Reservoir near East Grinstead — Weir Wood Reservoir

The old train

We then walk along the reservoir and take the direction of Beeches Shaw. There, as we are about to cross a rail track, an old fashioned train approaches. As we stand there watching the train passing by, it feels like we have travelled back in time.

Old fashioned train at Beeches Shaw — Old fashioned train

Did someone say Pimm’s?

Once we cross the rail track, we enter Giffard’s Wood. We then follow the trail all the way down to Shagswell Wood. As we arrive at the hilltop village of West Hoathly, we “climb” our way to the finest dining of West Sussex: the Cat Inn. We stop there for a mid-way drink (or two). The Cat Inn is a sixteenth-century free house. They serve home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients where possible. Such a shame we did not have time for food!

Pimm's at the Cat Inn, West Hoathly — Pimm’s at the Cat Inn

Gravetye Manor

We then leave West Hoathly village and start to walk back towards East Grinstead. After walking alongside the Whitestone Wood, we arrive at Lower Lake. From there we can catch a sight at the magnificent Gravetye Manor in between the trees. The Manor was built in 1598. It was the home of Richard Infield and his wife Katharine. Their initials can be found engraved on a stone above the main entrance. Among its famous owners, we found William Robinson, an admired horticulturist and Peter Herbert, who turned the manor into a hotel in the 1950s. The Manor still operates as a hotel and now belongs to the fund manager Jeremy Hosking.

Whitestone wood near East Grinstead — Whitestone Wood

… To wine

We then walk back to Beeches Shaw. This time make a stop at the Kingscote Estate, a 70-acre family-owned vineyard. Guess who owned this estate with a massive twelfth-century farmhouse in the 1930s? Yes, William Robinson, our famous horticulturist from Gravetye Manor! Today, the farmhouse is used as a shop but also hosts wine tasting and private functions.

Kingscote estate farm house near East Grinstead — Kingscote Estate farmhouse

After our shopping session, we walk back to East Grinstead. We stop at the Railway Tavern on the High Street where we can easily find a table outside and enjoy a warm meal and a pint before getting back to London. Bon appetit!

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A Walk In The North Downs: Shere To Dorking

Another North Downs Walk: Cuxton to Otford

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