If you are looking for a long and challenging walk in the countryside, then this High Weald circular walk via the Balcombe Viaduct is what you need. Go up and down hills around the Ardingly Reservoir, passing by forested areas, villages and endless fields, for the perfect day out in the countryside and a great workout! Will you dare take on the challenge?
When I signed up for this hike, little did I know that this group walk very fast (and that is an understatement). Looking at the Naismith Rule, it should take 6 hours and 45 minutes to complete this walk, as shown in the description below. However, I did it in 5 hours and 30 minutes at an average speed of 6.5 km/hour!
Of course, you don’t have to rush as I did. Take your time and admire the breathtaking landscape of the High Weald, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Disclaimer: Hiking groups may offer the same or similar walks passing by the Balcombe Viaduct. Check here for more information.
Logistics for the High Weald Walk
- Distance: 17.1 miles (27.5 km)
- Ascent: 1673 feet (510 m)
- Walking Estimate: 6 hours and 45 minutes at an average speed of 5km/h
- Difficulty: Challenging
- How to get there: Direct trains from London Blackfriars. Note that the train also stops at London Bridge. As it is a circular walk, you can book a day return ticket. The journey takes 45 minutes from Blackfriars.
- What to bring with you: Comfortable clothing and footwear, head cover, sunscreen and sunglasses if you are going on a nice day because the path is exposed. The same applies if you are going on a rainy day, don’t forget to bring a headcover, a rain jacket and a pair of gaiters. Bring a backpack with 3 litres of water recommended due to the length of this walk, snacks, packed lunch, identification and money.
- Additional Information: Public toilets are available at the Activity Center where we stop for lunch
Highlights of High Weald Walk
- Balcombe Village
- Balcombe Lake
- Wakehurst
- Ardingly College
- Ardingly Reservoir
- Balcombe Viaduct
- Borde Hill Garden
The High Weald Walk Via Balcombe Viaduct
What is the High Weald
Before we go into more details about this walk in the High Weald, let’s take a closer look at what the High Weald exactly is.
This Area of Natural Outstanding Beauty measures 1450 square kilometres (560 square miles) and covers part of Sussex, Kent and Surrey.
The first inhabitants of this region lived on hunting and fishing during the Mesolithic era, however, they were nomads and seasonally returned to the High Weald. It is in the Bronze Age that the area was settled and farming made its debut. Archaeological research showed that the site was under the domination of the Roman Empire. They brought major changes to the High Weald such as the construction of roads. During medieval times, due to the soil not being fertile, this area proved useful for animal grazing.
In the Victorian era, the expansion of the railway contributes to the development of the region. With many wealthy Londoners being able to travel to the High Weald, the land became the perfect location for second homes with extensive gardens.
Nowadays the High Weald has been designated an Area of Outstanding Beauty to protect the site, where previous wrong practices have led to the loss of wildlife and fauna. The High Weald still remains a rural area with livestock farming being the main activity.
Balcombe
Balcombe is a village in Mid Sussex, England. Its main landmark is the Ouse Valley Viaduct, located towards the South of the village. Balcombe was at the centre of the news in 2012 for the so-called Balcombe Protests against drilling for petroleum in this area.
Fun fact: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’s first episode was shot in Balcombe.
When you come out of Balcombe’s train station, cross London Road and take the footpath opposite the station entrance. Continue on this path until you reach Newlands. Take the footpath on the opposite side of the street on your left. When you reach the end of the path, turn left and you arrive at Balcombe’s Recreation Ground. Walk across the park and when you reach Bramble Hill, take right onto Broadway. The footpath leading to the fields is at the end of the second street on your right.
Balcombe Lake and Tilgate Wood
Continue on this path and it is only a short walk until you reach Balcombe Lake. The lake covers a surface of 10 acres, with a depth going from 2.5 feet (0.7 m) to 9 feet (2.7 m). The lake is a heaven on earth for fishing lovers, who can find tenches, benches, carps and breams.
After the lake, you start walking uphill across the fields until you reach the edge of Tilgate Wood. Walk downhill across the woods and its luxurious vegetation and water streams. It feels like being in a tropical forest more than woodlands in England. But without parrots and monkeys!
Wakehurst
As you leave the woods, you arrive at the National Trust botanic house and gardens of Wakehurst, the highest point of our hike at 449 feet (136.8 m). This 500 acres site is composed of a mansion and gardens. Whilst the house was built in 1590, the gardens were designed much later in 1903. The site is open to the public who can visit both the mansion and the garden. With 18 different areas to visit from an American Prairie to the Wetlands Broadwalk, passing by the Millenium seed bank and the Children’s Heritage Garden, you won’t get bored!
However, no time for us to stop for a stroll around the magnificence of Wakehurst Place. We need to continue our walk.
Ardingly
Walk past Wakehurst and you enter Chiddinglye Wood. This Site of Special Scientific Interest is a show for your eyes with multiple species of flowers and colours.
Then, you are walking towards farmland with livestock and fields until you reach Ardingly.
This village in the High Weald is the home of the impressive Ardingly College, established in 1858. It caters for both Junior and Senior students, aged from 2 and a half to 18 years old, mostly boarders.
Walk across the College ground, walk past a pound and you reach the Ardingly Reservoir. Created in 1978, these 184 acres of the reservoir are fed by the Ouse River. It is a place for water sports such as SUP, windsurfing and kayaking. On the south bank, where we are, the estate around the reservoir is the perfect spot for picnickers and it is time for us to have our lunch break.
Related Content: East Grinstead Circular Walk via Weirdwood Reservoir
Balcombe Viaduct
After lunch, walk in the opposite direction of the Reservoir to join the bank of the River Ouse. Follow the river until you reach a road.
On the opposite side of Haywards Heath Road, you can see the Balcombe Viaduct. Cross the road and follow the pass through the field to get closer.
Also called the Ouse Valley Viaduct, its construction began in 1838 and was part of the London to Brighton Railway project. Composed of 37 arches with a span of 30 feet (9 m), the Viaduct is 96 feet high (29 m). It required 11 million red bricks and limestone to build, most of them being imported from the Netherlands by boat. It opened in 1841.
The Viaducts undertook many repairs since their construction due to concerns regarding their stability. The latest renovation finished in 1999 and involved the balustrade, the 8 pavilions and brickwork across the arches.
Related Content: Otford to Eynsford Walk via Eynsford Viaduct
Borde Hill Garden
Walk back on the same path but this time cross over the Ouse River to enter River Wood. Walk through the woods and on the other you find farmlands with cows peacefully grazing in the meadows.
A quick walk through Flat Wood, but instead of continuing on the footpath through the forest, turn left onto Copyhold Lane.
You soon arrive at Borde Hill Garden where you can visit the garden composed of a variety of plants from all around the world and a house built in 1598 by Sir Stephen Borde.
Video: Play the video to learn more about Bord Hill Garden
Unfortunately, no time to stop for a visit. Maybe another time.
Back to Balcombe
We are back on the tracks, heading towards Whitemans Green, a place north of Cuckfield Village. You might be tempted to walk across the Cuckfield golf course, but beware the golfers! Follow the footpath signposts to make sure you get to the other side safely.
You are almost there!
A gentle stroll by a residential area and a funny bunny and one more hill to walk up before you reach Pilstye Wood. The rock formations in these woods are really similar to what you can see in Tunbridge Wells, though you are 24.5 miles (39.4 km) away from it.
Related content: Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk
As you exit the woods, you come face to face with the train station. It could not have been better located.
Have a safe journey home!
Map of the High Weald Walk via Balcombe Viaduct
Do you want to do the same walk? Download the map by clicking on the button below and upload it to your navigation app. For a step-by-step guide, click here.
Final Thoughts on the High Weald Walk
This walk could be split into a couple of walks if you wanted to take the time to visit the two gardens we passed by:
- Balcombe to Wakehurst Place
- Haywards Heath to Borne Hill Garden
Food for thoughts for the next walk …
And you, what is your favourite place in the High Weald? Let me know in the comments below.
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