I did this walk for about the third or fourth time earlier this month (14 November). I think that it's a good mixed walk with plenty to see along the way. The walk to Nyman's is pleasant and Nyman's itself is a lovely spot - but a little to early to stop for lunch. I generally have lunch in Stapleford (twice in the Victory which is friendly and adequate food). Then an easy walk back to Balcombe Station. The tea rooms there are missed (there is no real alternative) but overall a very good and undemanding walk. I've never had a problem with the guidance - all good, for which many thanks.
Jack
Mar-24
Great walk! Lovely and sunny but proper wet weather has created some very muddy (ankle deep!) spots.
The Jolly Tanner closed in September.
marcus perry
Jan-24
Book check and walk update, January 2024. Michael's comments below and others' observations included in this update.
Anonymous
Sep-23
Did a variation of this walk today on a lovely sunny day but in sweltering 30 degree heat. We started by walking from Balcombe to Staplefield and then returning via Borde Hill Gardens, Ardingly Reservoir and the Ouse Valley Viaduct. Despite the very high temperatures it was an extremely enjoyable outing with wonderful views across the Ouse Valley and south towards the South Downs. The section along the High Weald Landscape trail from Brook Street to Borde Hill, although not on the official route, is particularly beautiful, with the impressive viaduct in sight for much of the way. We were approached by cattle near Bigge's Farm although I believe they were just being inquisitive and not aggressive as they did not come too close. All other herds we passed were docile. Otherwise no problems with the route at all - very few overgrown sections despite the time of year, and excellent waymarking as is always the case in West Sussex. We love the High Weald and this is certainly one of the most picturesque parts of it. Would thoroughly recommend walks in the Balcombe/Ardingly area.
Mark Dixon
May-23
Did this one May-23, nice walk although pretty muddy in places. Followed the new route under the main road in the tunnel.
Lunch in the Red Lion was nice, would recommend. We were a little surprised by the length, we clocked up about 12 miles on the GPS, a bit more than the advertised 10.9
Leanne
Jul-22
This has to be one of my less favourite of the TO walks. The paths aren't that well maintained and there was too much road walking for my liking. I was able to do the entire route with the additional of climbing a couple of (fallen) trees along the way. Though I nearly gave up at the second fallen tree and again at Staplefield (if the buses had been running).
Most of the problems Michael mention have been rectified but there are some new fallen trees:
- A fallen tree is blocking the exit in step 19. The new stile which Michael mentioned has been fenced off with barriers, I assume in attempt to get people not to use it but there is no warning as you are coming in the opposite direction. I climbed over the tree and moved the barriers so I could get through (putting them back).
- The walk from here is lovely up to Nyman's Gardens. I have a NT membership so stopped here for lunch.
- Yet another fallen tree in step 38. You can easily climb over this but it is a squeeze next to the fence. There is a temporary closure notice at the top of this path before you hit the motorway but it looks like it's been there for sometime.
- The stile in step 59 is broken. The steps have been removed, leaving only the frame to climb over.
The only other thing, as Michael mentioned, is the overgrown, unloved paths which look like they've hardly seen a walker. Wear long trousers as your legs will get scratched to pieces by brambles and thistles.
Michael
May-22
Notes from May 2022:
- The wood at steps 17 &18 has a lot of tree falls, but it passable with some ducking!
- Style at step 19 has been replaced.
- The boardwalk at step 23 is fully repaired and all signs removed. This is fully passable.
- Step 26 is notable for the beautiful ~40-50 meter high redwood trees.
- Step 35 & 36 has a small path between a hedge and undergrowth that’s becoming very overgrown. It is passable but could use cutting back. Especially where thorny.
- Step 38 is hard to follow. You need to follow the path along the wood, before the path heads to the field boundary. In the corner of this field there is a new style. This brings you into another field where you head straight (feels like a left turn onto the track) heading towards the A23.
- Step 39 you just need to follow the sign. Up the path, turning to the left, and walking with a pond to your left.
Finally advisable to check the bus timetables if you wish to stop at Staplefield. At time of writing the last Saturday bus is only 4:10pm.
Anonymous
Feb-22
Similar to the previous comment on friday 11 Feb 2022 , we did this walk on Monday 14 Feb 2022 the notice about the closure of the path due to the fallen tree was still there. We also continued, to take a look, as the notice said there was no alternative route. The tree had been cleared and the footbridge was being repaired.
Anonymous
Feb-22
Did this walk on a Saturday in late January 2022 and thought it was a good length for a winter day with relatively few daylight hours. Be prepared for muddy sections throughout. We used the book version (Time Out Volume 1) and only had to jump to the online instructions for the crossing of the A23.
The Royal Oak Inn is still closed down, and we hadn't read the online comments about The Heritage restaurant welcoming muddy walkers, so we ended up having a late lunch at the Victory Inn. It was worth the wait - great food and staff were friendly too.
At step [21 - online version], there was a notice from West Sussex County Council that the footpath ahead was closed due the footbridge in [23] being damaged by a fallen tree. The notice was in effect from 11 January 2022, enacting a 21-day closure from that date, "but it is intended to extend it with an order until 30 July 2022, this is to allow the remedial works to be undertaken". It also said "unfortunately, there is no alternative route available using the Rights of Way network." We saw a walker coming from the opposite direction to us so decided to chance it and hope that the bridge had been fixed. The fallen tree had been cleared and the bridge appeared fine to cross so we continued with the walk. This may not be the case next time or there may be health and safety risks, so would suggest planning an alternative route around this section in case you have to divert.
Marcus
Jul-21
Thank you for your comments and corrections, Anonymous. Directions now updated.
Anonymous
Jul-21
Great walk on a beautiful (if hot) day. Hope the following is useful:
26. It might be worth mentioning a short detour (about 20m) from the path takes you to the tallest tree in Sussex.
30. The Royal Oak Inn has closed down and is for sale.
31. “a couple of practice starting gates for horse races”. Unless I missed these, they may have been removed.
39. “pass through a metal farm gate, painted white”. It’s now black.
46/47. Perhaps it’s the time of year but Old Hall and the Roman pillars were completely obscured by trees.
51. The junction appears to be with Cherry Lane rather than Rowhill Lane.
Unknown
Dec-20
A fab walk which we managed to do in the window between lockdowns. The Victory Inn was closed on the day we went, but the Jolly Tanners on the other side of the village green in Staplefield was both open and superb. A really great pub in every respect and much recommended to future walkers! Fading light meant we took the shortcut at 60.
Anonymous
Sep-19
The chequers has now been replaced with a formal restaurant called the Heritage.
Although smart, they did not turn away two casually dressed walkers.
They are in fact planning a more casual menu in the bar
area in future which may suit more walkers.
Food is delicious and worth the treat!
Anonymous
May-19
Did this lovely walk on Friday May 10 using the website version. Bluebells just past their best but seen throughout the walk.
In 19 the metal gate is very rusty and heavy, and hard to open. After cutting my thumb (ouch!) we found the easiest way to open it was for one person to climb over (at the hinge end) and lift the latch while others lifted the gate.
In 50 the footpath signs seem to have vanished. You need to leave the last shed on your left hand side to get to the front of the cottages.
We had a good lunch at the Red Lion in Handcross, but it comes pretty early in the walk, although after the most strenuous uppy downy section. Local gossip suggests The Chequers in Slaugham may be reopening although it is still covered in For Sale signs.
The Japanese pavilion is best seen from the boardwalk just before entering Nyman's grounds (point 23).
Slaugham church is well worth a visit. The wonderful Covert memorial was curiously eclipsed by a range of Andy Warhol style pictures of Bob Dylan!
Marcus
Jan-19
If "Unknown" had been using the latest (website) version of the Walk Directions, he / she would have found details of the underpass under the A23. The 2011 editions of Book 1 and Book 2 are now becoming dated when it comes to the directions and all SWC walkers are advised to use the website editions of the walks. That said, both the TO Books remain very useful for the maps of the walk routes which, in most cases, are not replicated in the website editions of the walks.
Unknown
Jan-19
Followed the guidelines and enjoyed the walk very much. Important to mention a couple of points where the walkers may get confused:
- between 2 and 3, when you leave Peter's Wood (there's a small house and a boat on your right) and reach Westup Farm, you have to walk all the way to the farm buildings as the right turn isn't visible until you get very close
- when you cross A23 after 7 there is a tunnel underneath which makes the crossing very easy
Unfortunately, I couldn't find the Japanese pavillion no matter how hard I tried, so I'd be grateful if someone posts the exact location and some pictures.
Laurie
Oct-18
Did this lovely walk yesterday using the online version of the walk notes which were clear and easy to follow. It was such a beautiful day I took a picnic with me rather than use the lunchtime pubs. Lots of pheasants about, and the autumn colours are really beginning to show.
A couple of observations:
Point 58: There are crops in this field (corn - harvested but the residue has not been cleared) However, the farmer has erected a single wire fence around his crop area (looks electric) so turning left and following the field boundary is the only option.
Point 60: If you want to shorten the walk by continuing ahead on the B2036, turn left as per walk instructions, cross a small grassed area and take the signposted public footpath in front of you. This path runs parallel with the road, and eventually emerges at the entrance to Balcombe station carpark.
Walker
Sep-18
A Thameslink only day return from St Pancras to Balcombe is currently only £9.90 = £6.55 with a Network Card at weekends.
Anonymous
Sep-18
Nymans Gardens was very nice and the pub in Balcombe offered tea in pots and was serving food. Not sure if they had puddings but the home cooked chips were really nice. On the downside, I disliked the motorway crossing and there was too much walking on tarmac for me.
Walker
Sep-18
The Red Lion may be a gastro pub, designed by committee at head office, but those of us who ate there found the food delicious - really mouthwatering. Not over busy either and with cheerful service.
In the afternoon the Victory made an equally nice tea stop. Delicious puds, an outside table in the shade. Tea in pots. Your loss, Balcombe Tea Rooms: you should stay open later.
Unknown
May-18
I used the printed version.
I did the walk about 18 years ago - I couldn't't see the roman pillars in the garden. I remembered that and now there is a tall hedgerow blocking it, which was disappointing.
I also missed the viaduct - how did that happen? I didn't see a mention of it in the directions.
it took me about 5 hours 40 minutes but that included a 10 min lunch stop and I got lost at one point adding 10 minutes. in total I would say 5hrs 10 minutes.
Anonymous
Feb-18
We did the winter walk as described on your website. It’s a lovely walk that we’ve done a number of times- it was however more like bog-snorkelling than walking all around Ardlington reservoir despite being recommended as a winter walk.
We saw a red admiral in the village going down the hill towards the train station which may help with the comments made in the nature blog about a glimpse of a butterfly.
Keep up the wonderful work - your walks have been transformative for us and make the working week bearable.
John and Suzie
Marcus
Aug-17
Closure (once again) of the Chequers Inn in Slaugham (May 2017) noted in the Directions.
Le
Jun-17
I did this walk on a lovely sunny Saturday. It was delightful and very very peaceful (except around Nymans where there were cars queueing to get into the car park). Good for nature spotting too - a stoat, deer, vole and a grass snake basking in the shade! Excellent and very clear directions - I didn't get par once, which is impressive for someone with as little directional ability as myself!
Unknown
Jun-17
We did this walk on 1st June 2017. Chequers pub was closed and looked abandoned. Lovely walk. We ate at the Jolly Tanner. Should have eaten at the Victory.
Anonymous
May-17
We did this walk on 21/05/17.
It is a really enjoyable walk with a lot of variety in it: fields, forests, streams, roads, gardens etc
We had our lunch at the Red Lion. I would highly recommend this place. Their Sunday roast and desserts are very good.
Anonymous
Apr-17
We completed this walk on 1 April 2017.
This is a lovely and peaceful walk (but still with a lot of interest). The description that "the second half of this walk is less interesting in some ways" really does it a disservice. The whole route was delightful.
We ate at The Victory in Staplefield (The Chequers was closed and looked abandoned...). The Victory was great - traditional ales, proper, good value pub food and a great setting. It's about 3 hours into the walk so perfect timing for lunch if you follow the suggested travel times.
Unless it's wintertime, you don't need to leave as early as the instructions suggest, especially if you're planning on eating at The Red Lion.
Kitako
Oct-16
A note about the walking options.
The Metrobus 271 near Victory Inn (shortcut to cut off the last bit of the walk) has it's last run at 4.43pm on saturday/sundays.
We tried to get it because it was already dark to finish the walk, but we had to take a taxi instead.
Mind the bus times if you're planning to use it.
Anonymous
Sep-16
Excellent walk, the food andservice was great at the newly re-opened chequers Inn at Slaugham. If you want to shorten the walk at the road to go back to the station (point 60 in the online directions) then there is a path to the left which runs parallel to the road and takes you back to the station car park, better than walking up the road. There was plenty of parking spaces at the station, however it was still the school holidays
Unknown
Apr-16
A really good varied walk with only the odd gentle hill, but very muddy at beginning of April this year. A little too muddy for ordinary walking shoes! We plan to go again in Summer when it's dried out a bit.
Nymans has increased its prices and was ~£25 for two adults. You can reduce that by requesting not to give gift aid ( a shame but cuts a good couple of quids off!) and asking to remove the 'voluntary' additional 10% added for maintenance of the site. You still get the free tea/coffee if you travelled by public transport but you have to request the voucher at the entrance. You will get hard sell for membership of the National Trust!
The section leading to the A23 underpass is a little confusing. I think the field boundaries have been changed?! At the private road you go through kissing gate (no longer a stile) beside a metal pole with no sign. Then diagonally uphill across the field to a stile, over that then half right across next field (or straight on across field then turn right at field boundary) to new-looking wooden pedestrian swing gate. There are the steps down to the cycle path. Don't miss the opportunity to open the (not locked!) wooden door at the bottom for a close up of the A23 traffic :-).
Also when you come out of the tunnel and head off to the right up the path you turn right through the metal field/car gate, head along the grassy path with the pond on your left, through another gate, then diagonally across a paddock to top right hand corner, along the left hand edge of the next field, through the metal fieldgate, then you're at Stanbridge Grange's Farm buildings.
The Jolly Tanners does some lovely filling pies and home cooking all day til 7pm. The Victory in Staplefield, prior to the Jolly Tanners and on the walk route, though not recommended by the book(??), also looks cosy and does food all day til 7pm. Both quality old pubs!
We ducked out at Staplefield due to impending thunderstorm and jumped on the bus to Burgess Hill - ~£4 per adult!!! Might do better getting a cab for 2 or more walkers). Last bus at 17:00 on a Sunday. There is a handy Railway Tavern at BH right opposite (obv.) the station if you have a bit of a wait for your train.
Marcus
Mar-16
The Chequers Inn, Slaugham - closed since mid 2015 - is being refurbished and is due to re-open, as a pub, in May 2016.
The Half Moon pub, Balcombe, at walk-end, has reduced opening hours and no food pending the owners finding a new tenant.
Directions have been updated to use the new A23 underpass
MG
Mar-15
The new underpass under the A23 is indeed open but to use it means not following the 2011 edition version to the letter so I don't understand the previous comment by Anonymous. Instead, at para 38, turn right up the footpath marked by sign saying 'to the A23, no through path'. It is well signposted through some fields to reach steps to a tarmac path where you turn right & take the right fork which leads to the underpass. On the other side, steps up & a tarmac path lead to footpaths across a couple of fields, coming out at a lane where you turn left past a couple of cottages to reach the road & turn left. This I assume is the road in the current version at para 39 and it leads to the Staplefield Green to go past the Victory Inn as in para 40. This needs writing up properly and there may be a better route than I found after going through the underpass but I hope that this note will help in the meantime.
MG
Anonymous
Mar-15
Both the underpass under the A23 and the new railway bridge crossing are fully open and useable. We were able to use the 2011 edition of the book to the letter - no problems at all. Though note that there are a number of very muddy sections to this walk at the moment!
Andrew
Jan-15
The original version of this walk crossed the A23 (now a motorway). The current version of the walk has a road-detour to cross it via a bridge.
As part of the (finished?) widening work, there was to be a new pedestrian underpass on the route of the old footpath, so it might be possible to reinstate the original route.
Updates on the situation welcome!
Sean
Jan-15
After being closed for over a year the footpath at Kemps Farm (near the end of the walk) finally reopened on 19 December 2014. A footbridge over the railway line has replaced the dangerous level crossing.
Sean
Jun-14
The footpath level crossing near the end of this walk is still closed. According to this <a href="http://balcombeparishcouncil.com/2014/06/11/kemps-farm-rail-crossing/" rel="nofollow">report</a> from Balcombe Parish Council, Network Rail are planning to construct a footbridge over the tracks by Jan 2015. In the meantime walkers have to take the pathway alongside the B2036 to the station and village.
Anonymous
Oct-13
Home made cakes and tea now available at the pub in Balcombe.
Anonymous
Oct-13
In my opinion, the afternoon section of this walk is as nice as the morning section. Just do the last 500m of the walk along the road to avoid the the now closed railway crossing.
Anonymous
Sep-13
<b>Forget the last section of this walk</b>, the railway crossing is
closed, blocked with a wire fence.
There is a sign about a £1000 fine
for trespassing.
When you get the chance to skip the last section:
<i>"You can shorten the walk here by continuing ahead on the
B2036, reaching Balcombe Station's
approach road in 500 metres."</i>
just DO SO. There is no way of crossing
the railway anymore, unless you have a
wire-cutter and act against the law.
Anonymous
Aug-13
I did part of this walk at the weekend. As an alternative, I started the walk from Horsham, following the High Weald Landscape Trail (which starts at Horsham station), to the Red Lion at Handcross. I then followed the walk directions to Balcolmbe via the first part of the walk. It was a lovely walk and ended up at about 10 miles. You can also pick up the HWLT from Slaugham too.
Anonymous
Jan-12
I did this walk recently. It's an excellent walk and the directions are more or less perfect. But beware, just out of interest, some of the stiles mentioned have either been removed or are now gates (i think stile at point 22 after crossing the stream was a gate).
Also, at point 24, after crossing the stream and turning right, do NOT turn left up the hill but continue straight on or right keeping the lake on your right, as this is not as clearly indicated in the instructions as it could have been.
I am not sure about all the fuss over crossing the A23 as the new diversion suggested is an excellent alternative.
St Mark's Church in Staplefield was open and is open from sometime around 11 i think until 4. Well worth a stop as the path exits further up the road anyway.
The Chequers looks like the best pub but pricey! (open to interpretation?)
When you get to Kemps House, yes do open their gate and walk past the house, it is part of the route believe it or not.
Happy walking.
Anonymous
May-11
Car park at the station is now £1 for the day on week ends and bank holidays (though on bank holiday the meter is not working properly as probably not aware it's bank holiday, so asking for the full £3.60... we did not get fine though).
Sue Briquet
Jul-10
If using maps: Please note you will need OS Explorer 134 and 135 for this walk, not just 135 as stated in the walk directions
Anonymous
Mar-09
Yo, sup?
Great walk, thanks. We did cross the A23 but it was very very scary and we had to wait a long while for a safe window.
In your corrections you say:
<I>"p 131, col 2, para 3: Delete " (the one with a pale green gas storage tank)". [Not present.]"</I>
In fact, this green tank is present, and was a welcome landmark.
Anonymous
Oct-07
To reiterate: TO AVOID THE A23 CROSSING, YOU NEED TO DIVERT BEFORE THE BOOK MENTIONS IT. Otherwise, you turn a page, and find the book directing you along a car lane which is a quarter of a mile behind you.
Anonymous
Sep-07
In September 2007 the Highways Agency confirmed that a pedestrian crossing of the A23 will be provided by means of an underpass, not a footbridge, when the A23 widening project starts in 2011/2012. The underpass will be midway between the footpaths that terminate at the A23, from east and west, 200 meters apart, and will be linked to both footpaths. The underpass will also provide a crossing point for wildlife.
DAC
Sep-07
A safe crossing of the A23 should be addressed by putting up a footbridge as part of the <A HREF="http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/projects/3998.aspx" REL="nofollow">Highways Agency project to widen the A23 Trunk Road between Handcross and Warninglid.</A> So when this work is completed then the original walk route (crossing of the A23) may be restored. However the bad news is that the start date for this project has now been delayed from 2008/9 to 2011/12.
Anonymous
Sep-07
Could I just say that the paragraph about the diversion to avoid the A23 comes too late in the text. Even though we were aware there was an alternative, we were over the stiles and down to the A23 before we realised we'd missed the turn. We thought it was still ahead.
The reference should be just after the "bridge ahead" sign.
Anonymous
Aug-07
I was on the same walk and would like to add that although this is indeed an excellent walk, the A23 crossing is extremely dangerous as it is a busy dual carriagway with no crossing place. The possible detour shopuld be more clearly signposted on the instructions in large letters very early on. Also crossing a reailway line with no gates is not suitable for children, or a school party,
Anonymous
Aug-07
We did this walk on Sunday 5 August 2007. It is a lovely walk BUT we all felt it would be helpful if there were a note AT THE BEGINNING of the itinerary pointing out that there is AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS road crossing at the A23 as well as a railway line to be crossed later on. Clearly this makes the walk ABSOLUTELY UNSUITABLE for children.
I did this walk for about the third or fourth time earlier this month (14 November). I think that it's a good mixed walk with plenty to see along the way. The walk to Nyman's is pleasant and Nyman's itself is a lovely spot - but a little to early to stop for lunch. I generally have lunch in Stapleford (twice in the Victory which is friendly and adequate food). Then an easy walk back to Balcombe Station. The tea rooms there are missed (there is no real alternative) but overall a very good and undemanding walk. I've never had a problem with the guidance - all good, for which many thanks.
Great walk! Lovely and sunny but proper wet weather has created some very muddy (ankle deep!) spots.
The Jolly Tanner closed in September.
Book check and walk update, January 2024. Michael's comments below and others' observations included in this update.
Did a variation of this walk today on a lovely sunny day but in sweltering 30 degree heat. We started by walking from Balcombe to Staplefield and then returning via Borde Hill Gardens, Ardingly Reservoir and the Ouse Valley Viaduct. Despite the very high temperatures it was an extremely enjoyable outing with wonderful views across the Ouse Valley and south towards the South Downs. The section along the High Weald Landscape trail from Brook Street to Borde Hill, although not on the official route, is particularly beautiful, with the impressive viaduct in sight for much of the way. We were approached by cattle near Bigge's Farm although I believe they were just being inquisitive and not aggressive as they did not come too close. All other herds we passed were docile. Otherwise no problems with the route at all - very few overgrown sections despite the time of year, and excellent waymarking as is always the case in West Sussex. We love the High Weald and this is certainly one of the most picturesque parts of it. Would thoroughly recommend walks in the Balcombe/Ardingly area.
Did this one May-23, nice walk although pretty muddy in places. Followed the new route under the main road in the tunnel.
Lunch in the Red Lion was nice, would recommend. We were a little surprised by the length, we clocked up about 12 miles on the GPS, a bit more than the advertised 10.9
This has to be one of my less favourite of the TO walks. The paths aren't that well maintained and there was too much road walking for my liking. I was able to do the entire route with the additional of climbing a couple of (fallen) trees along the way. Though I nearly gave up at the second fallen tree and again at Staplefield (if the buses had been running).
Most of the problems Michael mention have been rectified but there are some new fallen trees:
- A fallen tree is blocking the exit in step 19. The new stile which Michael mentioned has been fenced off with barriers, I assume in attempt to get people not to use it but there is no warning as you are coming in the opposite direction. I climbed over the tree and moved the barriers so I could get through (putting them back).
- The walk from here is lovely up to Nyman's Gardens. I have a NT membership so stopped here for lunch.
- Yet another fallen tree in step 38. You can easily climb over this but it is a squeeze next to the fence. There is a temporary closure notice at the top of this path before you hit the motorway but it looks like it's been there for sometime.
- The stile in step 59 is broken. The steps have been removed, leaving only the frame to climb over.
The only other thing, as Michael mentioned, is the overgrown, unloved paths which look like they've hardly seen a walker. Wear long trousers as your legs will get scratched to pieces by brambles and thistles.
Notes from May 2022:
- The wood at steps 17 &18 has a lot of tree falls, but it passable with some ducking!
- Style at step 19 has been replaced.
- The boardwalk at step 23 is fully repaired and all signs removed. This is fully passable.
- Step 26 is notable for the beautiful ~40-50 meter high redwood trees.
- Step 35 & 36 has a small path between a hedge and undergrowth that’s becoming very overgrown. It is passable but could use cutting back. Especially where thorny.
- Step 38 is hard to follow. You need to follow the path along the wood, before the path heads to the field boundary. In the corner of this field there is a new style. This brings you into another field where you head straight (feels like a left turn onto the track) heading towards the A23.
- Step 39 you just need to follow the sign. Up the path, turning to the left, and walking with a pond to your left.
Finally advisable to check the bus timetables if you wish to stop at Staplefield. At time of writing the last Saturday bus is only 4:10pm.
Similar to the previous comment on friday 11 Feb 2022 , we did this walk on Monday 14 Feb 2022 the notice about the closure of the path due to the fallen tree was still there. We also continued, to take a look, as the notice said there was no alternative route. The tree had been cleared and the footbridge was being repaired.
Did this walk on a Saturday in late January 2022 and thought it was a good length for a winter day with relatively few daylight hours. Be prepared for muddy sections throughout. We used the book version (Time Out Volume 1) and only had to jump to the online instructions for the crossing of the A23.
The Royal Oak Inn is still closed down, and we hadn't read the online comments about The Heritage restaurant welcoming muddy walkers, so we ended up having a late lunch at the Victory Inn. It was worth the wait - great food and staff were friendly too.
At step [21 - online version], there was a notice from West Sussex County Council that the footpath ahead was closed due the footbridge in [23] being damaged by a fallen tree. The notice was in effect from 11 January 2022, enacting a 21-day closure from that date, "but it is intended to extend it with an order until 30 July 2022, this is to allow the remedial works to be undertaken". It also said "unfortunately, there is no alternative route available using the Rights of Way network." We saw a walker coming from the opposite direction to us so decided to chance it and hope that the bridge had been fixed. The fallen tree had been cleared and the bridge appeared fine to cross so we continued with the walk. This may not be the case next time or there may be health and safety risks, so would suggest planning an alternative route around this section in case you have to divert.
Thank you for your comments and corrections, Anonymous. Directions now updated.
Great walk on a beautiful (if hot) day. Hope the following is useful:
26. It might be worth mentioning a short detour (about 20m) from the path takes you to the tallest tree in Sussex.
30. The Royal Oak Inn has closed down and is for sale.
31. “a couple of practice starting gates for horse races”. Unless I missed these, they may have been removed.
39. “pass through a metal farm gate, painted white”. It’s now black.
46/47. Perhaps it’s the time of year but Old Hall and the Roman pillars were completely obscured by trees.
51. The junction appears to be with Cherry Lane rather than Rowhill Lane.
A fab walk which we managed to do in the window between lockdowns. The Victory Inn was closed on the day we went, but the Jolly Tanners on the other side of the village green in Staplefield was both open and superb. A really great pub in every respect and much recommended to future walkers! Fading light meant we took the shortcut at 60.
The chequers has now been replaced with a formal restaurant called the Heritage.
Although smart, they did not turn away two casually dressed walkers.
They are in fact planning a more casual menu in the bar
area in future which may suit more walkers.
Food is delicious and worth the treat!
Did this lovely walk on Friday May 10 using the website version. Bluebells just past their best but seen throughout the walk.
In 19 the metal gate is very rusty and heavy, and hard to open. After cutting my thumb (ouch!) we found the easiest way to open it was for one person to climb over (at the hinge end) and lift the latch while others lifted the gate.
In 50 the footpath signs seem to have vanished. You need to leave the last shed on your left hand side to get to the front of the cottages.
We had a good lunch at the Red Lion in Handcross, but it comes pretty early in the walk, although after the most strenuous uppy downy section. Local gossip suggests The Chequers in Slaugham may be reopening although it is still covered in For Sale signs.
The Japanese pavilion is best seen from the boardwalk just before entering Nyman's grounds (point 23).
Slaugham church is well worth a visit. The wonderful Covert memorial was curiously eclipsed by a range of Andy Warhol style pictures of Bob Dylan!
If "Unknown" had been using the latest (website) version of the Walk Directions, he / she would have found details of the underpass under the A23. The 2011 editions of Book 1 and Book 2 are now becoming dated when it comes to the directions and all SWC walkers are advised to use the website editions of the walks. That said, both the TO Books remain very useful for the maps of the walk routes which, in most cases, are not replicated in the website editions of the walks.
Followed the guidelines and enjoyed the walk very much. Important to mention a couple of points where the walkers may get confused:
- between 2 and 3, when you leave Peter's Wood (there's a small house and a boat on your right) and reach Westup Farm, you have to walk all the way to the farm buildings as the right turn isn't visible until you get very close
- when you cross A23 after 7 there is a tunnel underneath which makes the crossing very easy
Unfortunately, I couldn't find the Japanese pavillion no matter how hard I tried, so I'd be grateful if someone posts the exact location and some pictures.
Did this lovely walk yesterday using the online version of the walk notes which were clear and easy to follow. It was such a beautiful day I took a picnic with me rather than use the lunchtime pubs. Lots of pheasants about, and the autumn colours are really beginning to show.
A couple of observations:
Point 58: There are crops in this field (corn - harvested but the residue has not been cleared) However, the farmer has erected a single wire fence around his crop area (looks electric) so turning left and following the field boundary is the only option.
Point 60: If you want to shorten the walk by continuing ahead on the B2036, turn left as per walk instructions, cross a small grassed area and take the signposted public footpath in front of you. This path runs parallel with the road, and eventually emerges at the entrance to Balcombe station carpark.
A Thameslink only day return from St Pancras to Balcombe is currently only £9.90 = £6.55 with a Network Card at weekends.
Nymans Gardens was very nice and the pub in Balcombe offered tea in pots and was serving food. Not sure if they had puddings but the home cooked chips were really nice. On the downside, I disliked the motorway crossing and there was too much walking on tarmac for me.
The Red Lion may be a gastro pub, designed by committee at head office, but those of us who ate there found the food delicious - really mouthwatering. Not over busy either and with cheerful service.
In the afternoon the Victory made an equally nice tea stop. Delicious puds, an outside table in the shade. Tea in pots. Your loss, Balcombe Tea Rooms: you should stay open later.
I used the printed version.
I did the walk about 18 years ago - I couldn't't see the roman pillars in the garden. I remembered that and now there is a tall hedgerow blocking it, which was disappointing.
I also missed the viaduct - how did that happen? I didn't see a mention of it in the directions.
it took me about 5 hours 40 minutes but that included a 10 min lunch stop and I got lost at one point adding 10 minutes. in total I would say 5hrs 10 minutes.
We did the winter walk as described on your website. It’s a lovely walk that we’ve done a number of times- it was however more like bog-snorkelling than walking all around Ardlington reservoir despite being recommended as a winter walk.
We saw a red admiral in the village going down the hill towards the train station which may help with the comments made in the nature blog about a glimpse of a butterfly.
Keep up the wonderful work - your walks have been transformative for us and make the working week bearable.
John and Suzie
Closure (once again) of the Chequers Inn in Slaugham (May 2017) noted in the Directions.
I did this walk on a lovely sunny Saturday. It was delightful and very very peaceful (except around Nymans where there were cars queueing to get into the car park). Good for nature spotting too - a stoat, deer, vole and a grass snake basking in the shade! Excellent and very clear directions - I didn't get par once, which is impressive for someone with as little directional ability as myself!
We did this walk on 1st June 2017. Chequers pub was closed and looked abandoned. Lovely walk. We ate at the Jolly Tanner. Should have eaten at the Victory.
We did this walk on 21/05/17.
It is a really enjoyable walk with a lot of variety in it: fields, forests, streams, roads, gardens etc
We had our lunch at the Red Lion. I would highly recommend this place. Their Sunday roast and desserts are very good.
We completed this walk on 1 April 2017.
This is a lovely and peaceful walk (but still with a lot of interest). The description that "the second half of this walk is less interesting in some ways" really does it a disservice. The whole route was delightful.
We ate at The Victory in Staplefield (The Chequers was closed and looked abandoned...). The Victory was great - traditional ales, proper, good value pub food and a great setting. It's about 3 hours into the walk so perfect timing for lunch if you follow the suggested travel times.
Unless it's wintertime, you don't need to leave as early as the instructions suggest, especially if you're planning on eating at The Red Lion.
A note about the walking options.
The Metrobus 271 near Victory Inn (shortcut to cut off the last bit of the walk) has it's last run at 4.43pm on saturday/sundays.
We tried to get it because it was already dark to finish the walk, but we had to take a taxi instead.
Mind the bus times if you're planning to use it.
Excellent walk, the food andservice was great at the newly re-opened chequers Inn at Slaugham. If you want to shorten the walk at the road to go back to the station (point 60 in the online directions) then there is a path to the left which runs parallel to the road and takes you back to the station car park, better than walking up the road. There was plenty of parking spaces at the station, however it was still the school holidays
A really good varied walk with only the odd gentle hill, but very muddy at beginning of April this year. A little too muddy for ordinary walking shoes! We plan to go again in Summer when it's dried out a bit.
Nymans has increased its prices and was ~£25 for two adults. You can reduce that by requesting not to give gift aid ( a shame but cuts a good couple of quids off!) and asking to remove the 'voluntary' additional 10% added for maintenance of the site. You still get the free tea/coffee if you travelled by public transport but you have to request the voucher at the entrance. You will get hard sell for membership of the National Trust!
The section leading to the A23 underpass is a little confusing. I think the field boundaries have been changed?! At the private road you go through kissing gate (no longer a stile) beside a metal pole with no sign. Then diagonally uphill across the field to a stile, over that then half right across next field (or straight on across field then turn right at field boundary) to new-looking wooden pedestrian swing gate. There are the steps down to the cycle path. Don't miss the opportunity to open the (not locked!) wooden door at the bottom for a close up of the A23 traffic :-).
Also when you come out of the tunnel and head off to the right up the path you turn right through the metal field/car gate, head along the grassy path with the pond on your left, through another gate, then diagonally across a paddock to top right hand corner, along the left hand edge of the next field, through the metal fieldgate, then you're at Stanbridge Grange's Farm buildings.
The Jolly Tanners does some lovely filling pies and home cooking all day til 7pm. The Victory in Staplefield, prior to the Jolly Tanners and on the walk route, though not recommended by the book(??), also looks cosy and does food all day til 7pm. Both quality old pubs!
We ducked out at Staplefield due to impending thunderstorm and jumped on the bus to Burgess Hill - ~£4 per adult!!! Might do better getting a cab for 2 or more walkers). Last bus at 17:00 on a Sunday. There is a handy Railway Tavern at BH right opposite (obv.) the station if you have a bit of a wait for your train.
The Chequers Inn, Slaugham - closed since mid 2015 - is being refurbished and is due to re-open, as a pub, in May 2016.
The Half Moon pub, Balcombe, at walk-end, has reduced opening hours and no food pending the owners finding a new tenant.
Looks like the recommended lunch spot (The Chequers) has closed as of April? http://www.midsussextimes.co.uk/news/local/slaugham-country-pub-on-the-market-1-6691341
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g504221-d666449-r299655313-The_Chequers_at_Slaugham-Haywards_Heath_West_Sussex_England.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT
Directions have been updated to use the new A23 underpass
The new underpass under the A23 is indeed open but to use it means not following the 2011 edition version to the letter so I don't understand the previous comment by Anonymous. Instead, at para 38, turn right up the footpath marked by sign saying 'to the A23, no through path'. It is well signposted through some fields to reach steps to a tarmac path where you turn right & take the right fork which leads to the underpass. On the other side, steps up & a tarmac path lead to footpaths across a couple of fields, coming out at a lane where you turn left past a couple of cottages to reach the road & turn left. This I assume is the road in the current version at para 39 and it leads to the Staplefield Green to go past the Victory Inn as in para 40. This needs writing up properly and there may be a better route than I found after going through the underpass but I hope that this note will help in the meantime.
MG
Both the underpass under the A23 and the new railway bridge crossing are fully open and useable. We were able to use the 2011 edition of the book to the letter - no problems at all. Though note that there are a number of very muddy sections to this walk at the moment!
The original version of this walk crossed the A23 (now a motorway). The current version of the walk has a road-detour to cross it via a bridge.
As part of the (finished?) widening work, there was to be a new pedestrian underpass on the route of the old footpath, so it might be possible to reinstate the original route.
Updates on the situation welcome!
After being closed for over a year the footpath at Kemps Farm (near the end of the walk) finally reopened on 19 December 2014. A footbridge over the railway line has replaced the dangerous level crossing.
The footpath level crossing near the end of this walk is still closed. According to this <a href="http://balcombeparishcouncil.com/2014/06/11/kemps-farm-rail-crossing/" rel="nofollow">report</a> from Balcombe Parish Council, Network Rail are planning to construct a footbridge over the tracks by Jan 2015. In the meantime walkers have to take the pathway alongside the B2036 to the station and village.
Home made cakes and tea now available at the pub in Balcombe.
In my opinion, the afternoon section of this walk is as nice as the morning section. Just do the last 500m of the walk along the road to avoid the the now closed railway crossing.
<b>Forget the last section of this walk</b>, the railway crossing is
closed, blocked with a wire fence.
There is a sign about a £1000 fine
for trespassing.
When you get the chance to skip the last section:
<i>"You can shorten the walk here by continuing ahead on the
B2036, reaching Balcombe Station's
approach road in 500 metres."</i>
just DO SO. There is no way of crossing
the railway anymore, unless you have a
wire-cutter and act against the law.
I did part of this walk at the weekend. As an alternative, I started the walk from Horsham, following the High Weald Landscape Trail (which starts at Horsham station), to the Red Lion at Handcross. I then followed the walk directions to Balcolmbe via the first part of the walk. It was a lovely walk and ended up at about 10 miles. You can also pick up the HWLT from Slaugham too.
I did this walk recently. It's an excellent walk and the directions are more or less perfect. But beware, just out of interest, some of the stiles mentioned have either been removed or are now gates (i think stile at point 22 after crossing the stream was a gate).
Also, at point 24, after crossing the stream and turning right, do NOT turn left up the hill but continue straight on or right keeping the lake on your right, as this is not as clearly indicated in the instructions as it could have been.
I am not sure about all the fuss over crossing the A23 as the new diversion suggested is an excellent alternative.
St Mark's Church in Staplefield was open and is open from sometime around 11 i think until 4. Well worth a stop as the path exits further up the road anyway.
The Chequers looks like the best pub but pricey! (open to interpretation?)
When you get to Kemps House, yes do open their gate and walk past the house, it is part of the route believe it or not.
Happy walking.
Car park at the station is now £1 for the day on week ends and bank holidays (though on bank holiday the meter is not working properly as probably not aware it's bank holiday, so asking for the full £3.60... we did not get fine though).
If using maps: Please note you will need OS Explorer 134 and 135 for this walk, not just 135 as stated in the walk directions
Yo, sup?
Great walk, thanks. We did cross the A23 but it was very very scary and we had to wait a long while for a safe window.
In your corrections you say:
<I>"p 131, col 2, para 3: Delete " (the one with a pale green gas storage tank)". [Not present.]"</I>
In fact, this green tank is present, and was a welcome landmark.
To reiterate: TO AVOID THE A23 CROSSING, YOU NEED TO DIVERT BEFORE THE BOOK MENTIONS IT. Otherwise, you turn a page, and find the book directing you along a car lane which is a quarter of a mile behind you.
In September 2007 the Highways Agency confirmed that a pedestrian crossing of the A23 will be provided by means of an underpass, not a footbridge, when the A23 widening project starts in 2011/2012. The underpass will be midway between the footpaths that terminate at the A23, from east and west, 200 meters apart, and will be linked to both footpaths. The underpass will also provide a crossing point for wildlife.
A safe crossing of the A23 should be addressed by putting up a footbridge as part of the <A HREF="http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/projects/3998.aspx" REL="nofollow">Highways Agency project to widen the A23 Trunk Road between Handcross and Warninglid.</A> So when this work is completed then the original walk route (crossing of the A23) may be restored. However the bad news is that the start date for this project has now been delayed from 2008/9 to 2011/12.
Could I just say that the paragraph about the diversion to avoid the A23 comes too late in the text. Even though we were aware there was an alternative, we were over the stiles and down to the A23 before we realised we'd missed the turn. We thought it was still ahead.
The reference should be just after the "bridge ahead" sign.
I was on the same walk and would like to add that although this is indeed an excellent walk, the A23 crossing is extremely dangerous as it is a busy dual carriagway with no crossing place. The possible detour shopuld be more clearly signposted on the instructions in large letters very early on. Also crossing a reailway line with no gates is not suitable for children, or a school party,
We did this walk on Sunday 5 August 2007. It is a lovely walk BUT we all felt it would be helpful if there were a note AT THE BEGINNING of the itinerary pointing out that there is AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS road crossing at the A23 as well as a railway line to be crossed later on. Clearly this makes the walk ABSOLUTELY UNSUITABLE for children.