Belying his well-deserved reputation as a fair-weather walker (and tricked by some early morning sunshine) the walk poster ventured out to Wadhurst. Everyone else had taken heed of the cloudy breezy drizzly forecast so it was a solo trudge for 1 around the paths of the High Weald, where every short downhill stretch seemed to be followed by a long uphill one. There didn't seem much point in lingering in Wadhurst village or seeking out the charms of Bewl Water, so I completed the Short Circular walk along the lanes to the station and caught the 2pm train back.

12 at the start of this walk, but two others soon joined us, so 14 in all. Unexpectedly the morning was largely sunny and so was the second half of the afternoon, with cloud only around lunchtime. So mostly sunny , shall we say.

This is a lovely walk in glorious terrain, but oh, the hills! Long ascents followed by long descents. Then repeat. Quite a lot of mud too. It may only be twelve miles (ten to Wadhurst village) but it felt a lot longer. The walk poster sensibly responded to this by doing the short walk (she had an evening engagement): the rest of us (as far as I know) did the main route.

Lots of nature to see as we trudged along. Some bluebells, loads of celandines, primroses, dandelions. Great pink drifts of cuckoo flower and occasional clumps of the local speciality - coralroot. One wood anemone wood in the afternoon still largely in flower, and carpets of violets on more than one occasion. All that was missing from my point of view were butterflies. Where are all the butterflies this year? But five orange tips (one female) provided some compensation in the afternoon.

At lunch I had the odd experience for a Saturday walk of sitting in solitary splendour outside the Rose and Crown having my chilli and nachos. Eventually five others joined me. Two had pub lunches, three drinks. A contingent of picknickers came past with sheepish looks on their faces, which indicated that they were planning to slink off and leave us behind. Which they did.

In the afternoon we encountered a large footbridge tipped on its side. Four crossed this like sailors edging out along a spar. One did a diversion. I splashed across the river (it was not deep).

Approaching the Shining City on the Hill (Wadhurst village), we got fragmented. Two went to the Greyhound, two to the White Hart and I got a takeaway tea from Jempsons and took it to the sunny churchyard. Two of us then had a golden evening walk down the back lanes and got the 18.51 train. The rest got the 18.00 bus and the 18.25 train, presumably.

I've just added the GPX - if you look at the walk's map page, its the red line from Etchingham to Ticehurst (lunch) and Bewl Water path. Then the blue line (the long walk). The long walk continues to Robertsbridge, or you can pick up the red line back to Etchingham.

Perhaps it was the earlyish start or the lack of a GPX file, but only 4 explorers gathered at Etchingham Station in bright sunshine for an adventure through the High Weald in an old-fashioned manner -- using written instructions! A real pity that so many missed out on such a grand day along a grand route -- it was really lovely. The instructions provide ample guidance along an interesting and varied route with plenty of excellent views. A somewhat less trod area of the weald, we did not encounter many others -- but did see a magnificent stag galloping across a field in the morning and two further roe deer later in the afternoon. Most of the day we were accompanied by a lovely background of birdsong as the fading snowdrops seemed to be passing the baton of Spring onto eager and early daffodils. The lunch pub was very good and the afternoon refreshment options not as dire as described in the walk notes. The Orchard Farm shop passed on the way has been transformed into Planters -- a garden center, licensed cafe, Spar and farm shop all rolled into one. Although they close at 4pm on Sunday, they did not mind yours truly popping in about 10 past 4 to buy a couple of beers for the train -- even better Monday-Saturday, they appear open until 8pm -- with just a 45-minute walk on to Etchingham Station, this would make a fine tea/drinks stop near the end of the walk. Needless to say, we comfortably arrived in time for the 17:18 enjoying the soft evening light on the final approach to the station. A fine day out!

3 of us on the walk, two chose to take the shorter 7 mile walk option. Given time of year and recent bouts of rain the terrain was quite muddy in certain sections.

Comment moved from the midweek Wendover walk:

Andy J, Thu 22 Oct 20, 13:27

Sorry to post this on this blog but I cannot see how to set up a comment otherwise. Tthis is commenting on the Wadhurst Circular walk which I waS DOING ON THE 11.10.20. Hi - I wonder if you can help. I really enjoy the country walks (Time Out) vol 1&2. I bought vol 1 last December from Foyles and was looking forward to using the guide in 2020. After a late start on the book for obvious reasons I have enjoyed 16 walks and although out of date((I did not notice the edition date till after I had bought it) I have enjoyed the challenge of working out the next step when needed, which was not often. However, yesterday I was on this walk using your updated version and on schedule to complete before dark.(please see page 5 and read from , alternative ending to Stonegate)I continued on the walk to Wadhurst and up through the fields as stated continuing to the style in the distance. then I turned left across the field to Coombe wood and was faced with a fence and no sign of a field gate to enter the woods. I searched all around and no sign of entry or even a car wide track in the woods. I eventually , due to time, had to find my way back another way to Wadhurst station using lanes. I saw a local who said that he though Coombe Wood had been shut off. If so then the signage should have changed by now. I still enjoyed the day as being in the countryside is the main thing. Can anyone help me with this . Thanks Andy J

The current Rights of Way map for East Sussex does not show any closure of this route. I'm planning on going on this walk on Saturday. I may bring wire cutters......

It can be tricky finding the way into Coom e wood. Gavin

Minority report: There was quite a crowd on this walk, most of whom did the main walk, as far as I can tell: hopefully they will add their own account. Five did the short walk, lunching outside under the awning at the White Hart in Wadhurst and getting the 4pm train. Two improvised a longer short walk, if you see what I mean, one to get back to London early for an online meeting, and the other (me) joining the Wadhurst lunchers on their walk to the station. Except 4pm seemed too early to finish on the last day of BST, so I went for an extra loop, enjoying the autumnal trees swaying in the wind, and getting the 5pm.

Excellent leaf colour on this walk, with yellow and gold hornbeams the biggest attraction, and all shades from yellow to gold to maroon on Norway maple. Sweet chestnuts were also golden, and the ground was covered with their nuts in places. Ashes were nearly bare, and some larches turning gold. The weather was damp and breezy , but the rain held off (at least while I was walking)

Andy J. and Brian.

Re Combe Wood. There is no issue here but the signpost pointing towards the wood is not at the correct angle. For anyone else doing the route-once you hit the wire fence round the wood, turn right and follow it to the corner where you will find a footpath post and metal field gate. Here turn left.

I am an experienced walker and thought that the degree of difficulty was more 5/6 out of ten.

Our little group did the full walk, briefly trying for a drink at lunch, but feeling the weather (after a picnic stop) pressed on. A tea-time stop at the White Hart set us up for the last two miles, getting the 5.30 complete with supplies & an empty carriage. Very enjoyable walk & day out.

The full walk (minus the bit round Wadhurst Park) was a beautiful, if occasionally damp, walk through Autumn's best red, russet and gold with occasional very long views across the High Weald. A substantial turnout, (20? although no-one counted) quickly split up, with 6 going 180 degrees the wrong way but presumably righting themselves to reach Mayfield in time for lunch taken variously at the Rose & Crown (good reports,) the Middle House, and the porch of St Dunstan's church. Our socially-distanced group of 5 reached Wadhurst just as the bus for Wadhurst station arrived and 4 lept gratefully on. The threatened torrential rain held off. A locked gate in Tidebrook has been reported to East Sussex Rights of Way team, and the entrance to Combe Wood was right where it should have been (although not as well signposted as it might be - sorry, Andy.) As always with SWC, a good day in very convivial company.

25

8 of us ate at The Middle House and the restaurant was fairly empty whilst we were there from 1 to 3.

Service was by an excellent waitress who knew the menu and the wines and though the food delivery was fairly slow it was delightful

I had Steak and ale pie with a shortcrust pastry and a very good selection of vegetables including peas , broccoli, carrots, dauphinoise potatoes and curried chipped parsnips. £14

Others had

Lamb Rump, Grilled Courgette, Aubergine, Goats Cheese, Tomato & Basil Bon Bons, Black Olives, Crispy Rosti Potatoes & Tomato Jus 17.5

Duo of venison, venison steak and venison pie with a selection of vegetables £21

Linguine with courgette in cream sauce £14

Soup of the day £5

and a selection of deserts at £6 each.

No charge for the coffees ( she forgot to put them on our bill and when we told her she said no matter) nor soda water

There was no Service Charge though we left a circa 10% tip

These prices seem very reasonable and for the comfort of sitting and eating and relaxing in a spacious dinging room by a log fire it strikes me that The Middle House should be the preferred eating establishment in Mayfield

Regards

Bridie

30 on this walk. Variable sun and cloud is how I would describe the weather. Very mild. No mud to speak of yet.

This made a very enjoyable walk in the deep deep depths of the wooded Weald. At times it was like being in some lost enchanted fairy tale land. The leaf colour was fairly good but not yet at its best. Maybe next week?

About half of us lunched in the Rose and Crown, which got in a panic at our massed arrival but produced food fairly speedily. Some others went to the other pub. I realised that despite doing this walk half a dozen times I have never seen the centre of Mayfield village.

After lunch some thought they encountered a naked walking group putting on its clothes in a field. Others may have seen said group fully clothed. We got to Wadhurst village in daylight without much difficulty. Some got the bus here. Some had a drink and then got the bus.

Fifteen went on to the bonfire, a wonderful great blaze whose heat forced us back towards the beer tent. Truly the last sunbathe of the year. Then spectacular fireworks. Afterwards ten walked the back lanes in the deep deep dark (only punctuated by some annoying teens larking around with torches) under a sky of sparkling stars (I could see dozens: younger eyes claimed hundreds).

We got the 9.29 train home and had wine on it.

A top notch day.

Five of us walked back from Wadhurst before tea and just missed the 4.59 train. Pedant's corner - perhaps the directions should be updated with the distances posted here (my map says it's 21.3 km) especially the advice to leave an hour for the walk back to the station on the main route and the detail that the main road has a pavement all the way. In particular, the final zigzag to the station (last para of directions) is more like half a mile than the 335m described.

Thanks for a nice walk by the way, and I'm glad you enjoyed the fireworks.

From memory, the pub has a nice garden and does tea in pots. There's also the Cottage Tea Room but i'm not sure what time it stays open til http://www.cottage-tearoom.com/

Hi Guys I am attending walk and hope to see some of you at Wadhurst station. Shall be boarding train at London Bridge. Weather still okay a bit cooler.

Monica.

How does this differ from Wadhurst figure of 8 of two or three weeks ago?

I think we were 10 or 11 on this walk today. The weather was warm and dry with sunny spells . It was nice to do this walk with conditions dry underfoot. This varied has undulating countryside and beautiful open views as well as some delightful woodland sections. Once away from the station, there were no road crossings, no road noise, no planes, and lots and lots of blackberries. In Mayfield some lunched well at The Rose and Crown and others equally well at 16th century Inn, The Middle House, in the village. Arriving back at Wadhurst after the tea shop had closed, we had the unexpected bonus of tea and delicious home made cakes in the Village Hall, where the art society were hosting an exhibition.

13 in fact, 12 on scheduled train and one on the train 30mins later. 6-7 ate at Rose and Crown, excellent food and a lot of vegatarian options. The pub is quite small though. I think they will struggle to cope with us if we have a large group in the winter. The Middle House in Mayfield town centre is worth considering as the alternative. It is big and very atmospheric with beamed ceilings and old charms. This walk is definitely longer than stated in the document, off by approx 2 miles. So be warned if you are not betting walking 13-14 miles.

Walking this weekend - taking the 9:45am train from london.

Am thinking of possibly walking to Etchingham rather than Robertsbridge. Trains back to London are: 16.18, 17.18, 17.48, 18.18, 18.48.

12 walkers set out from Wadhurst on an overcast and increasingly wet day. Progress was slow over the muddy, slippery terrain and it took the best part of 2½ hours to cover the five miles to the Rose & Crown at Mayfield, the recommended lunch stop. With a further six miles to walk after lunch, and the rain starting to set in, I decided to press on alone after I'd eaten my sandwiches, so I'll leave it to other walkers to provide lunch and tea information. Fortunately, the afternoon terrain was easier going, though it still took me three hours to get back to Wadhurst station. One of the other walkers made it back in time to catch the same train as me back to London. At a drier, warmer time of year, this would be an excellent walk to build up stamina, since there are plenty of ups and downs.

2 slower walkers stopped briefly at the Rose and Crown to replenish fluids but did not eat. Made it to Wadhurst Station for 5:45, having skipped the tea stop. No sign of the Middle House massive.

Five went to the Middle House for lunch and were seen boarding a bus for RTW mid-afternoon. Lunch was good.

7 of us met on the platform at Wadhurst and then met up with another 2 close to the pub in Mayfield so 9 altogether.

Lovely warm autumn day, a bit muddy underfoot in places and plenty of stops to try to interpret the directions. Some updates necessary we thought. Those who lunched in the sunshine outside The Rose and Crown were very satisfied with the food and the beer drinkers inspired envy among at least one. At that point the group began to fragment with 3 rushing off perhaps to catch the 16.58 train. The rest of us added an unintentional loop to the walk making it feel more like 14 miles altogether by the end. Caught sight of some deer endowed with very impressive antlers in Wadhurst Park, followed by the further pleasure of collecting chestnuts and blackberries. Arrived at Wadhurst too late for tea and after an interminable walk to the station with yet more climbing 2 of us then caught the 17.59 train, delayed by 10 minutes due to 'disruptive passengers' - not us.

A beautiful walk through autumn sunshine with frequent stops to admire the vistas and autumnal colours. Rose & Crown in Mayfield a lovely old village pub. I ate my packed lunch on a convenient bench on the green outside, but pub food reported as good.

On the return leg, us two old(er) codgers took a direct route to Wadhurst after Lodge Hill Farm, leaving Wadhurst Park for another day, and enjoyed a couple of pints in the White Hart while waiting for the bus to the station.

9

Intend going.

This looks devilishly complicated! In what sense is it an option for Walk 2/18, i.e. does it overlap with the walk in the printed book?

All you need is the pdf walk option described above pages 6-12. The Wadhurst Long Walk option contains the complete directions for an Etchingham to Robertsbridge walk or an Etchingham circular walk and does not require the CW2 Walk 18. The Wadhurst long walk option to Robertsbridge was originally intended to be included in the printed book, but was not completed in time and was subsequently posted on the website soon after the 1st CW2 print edition as a downloadable option. If starting from Wadhurst then yes you would need the CW2 Walk 18 instructions. However the Etchingham start is included in the referenced pdf document.

hoping to take the shorter option, is anyone else doing this please?

I'm going on the shorter option finishing at Etchingham

http://www.walkingclub.org.uk/book_3/walk_208/ Etchingham to Wadhurst may cover some of the same paths as it also takes you to Ticehurst for lunch in the same pubs.

6 of us on a glorious warm and sunny day . A couple did wonder why so few on such a day, but as some of us suspected out enjoying themselves elsewhere at Lewes and Haslemere.

The directions from the east of Bewl Water to Robertsbridge which had not been checked for 12 years held up very well. A plus was finding a tea shop at Orchard Farm not too far from the end of the walk.

(One or two thought the 25km advertised was longer, IMO more due to lunch being about 30% of the way into the walk which makes for a long afternoon. The distance was recorded on the gps as 26km. )

Saturday 9 May: Walk 1 = 7/10; Walk 2 = 7/10; Walk 3 = 10/10. Oh dear. Beyond me, I'm afraid.

The Lewes walk has three climbs up onto the downs - both fairly substantial, but not of long duration - and is otherwise quite flat, so I would not let the 7/10 rating put you off. Wadhurst is up and down, but never horrifically so.

Thank you Walker for your comment but you and the others have put the walks but this anonymous expects you to hold his/her hand as well

Anonymous it would be best if you did a little work for yourself