Robertsbridge to Uckfield Walk

38km (23.6 miles)

OS Landranger 199, 198 (small west section Uckfield); Explorer OL25 (was 123), 124

3 out of 10.

A linear walk

This walk is recommended only for those who are (or are accompanied by someone) reasonably proficient at map reading.

In summer certain sections of the route past Wood's Corner can become fairly overgrown.

This is the first walk of a series of 5 walks from east to west Sussex. The others are:

432. Uckfield to Pease Pottage
433. Pease Pottage to Steyning
434. Steyning to Cocking
435. Cocking to South Harting

This is the first stage (of 5) of a walk from Robertsbridge to South Harting, inspired by Hilaire Belloc's walk undertaken in 1902 and detailed in his book The Four Men: A Farrago. Sections of the route taken in 1902 were along "cart tracks" which are now roads. Consequently the route varies from the 1902 route, but passes by sights and villages and pubs detailed in the book.

This initial full section is from Robertsbridge to Uckfield, although there is a convenient drop out point at Heathfield.

Thursday 30th October 1902: Belloc set off from The George Inn, Robertsbridge to the Fullers Arms for breakfast, to then pass by the Oberlisk and onto Heathfield. Continued to BlackBoys and then onto Uckfield to take a cart towards Fletching spending the night in a hut in the forest.

It is fairly straightforward to split the main walk into two sections.

• First section: From Robertsbridge to The Runt In Tun PH, Heathfield (23½km)
• Second section: From The Runt In Tun PH, Heathfield to Uckfield (14.6km)

Starting at Heathfield

Catch the 51 bus from Tunbridge Wells station* to The Runt-In-Tun PH to pick up the main walk to Uckfield (14½km)

Ending at Heathfield

A convenient ending just over half way (23½km) into the walk at The Runt-In-Tun PH for the 51 bus to Tunbridge Wells

Ending at Blackboys

Finish 6½km from the end of the walk at Uckfield. 29A bus from Framfield Road, Blackboys TN22 5LR to Uckfield.

Trains go from London Charing Cross to Robertsbridge, journey time just over an hour.

Suggested Train: Take the train nearest to 9.10am.

Return train from Uckfield to London Bridge, journey time just over an hour.

Starting at Heathfield: Catch the 51 bus from the main entrance to Tunbridge Wells station on Mount Pleasant Road to The Runt In Tun PH, Heathfield TN21 0DJ. (45 mins)

Finishing at Heathfield after 23½km: 51 bus from The Runt In Tun, Heathfield to Tunbridge Wells (45 mins) to connect with the train to London Charing Cross. (The bus stop is Maynard’s Green, opposite to the Runt In Tun PH)

Finishing at Blackboys after 31½km: 29A bus from Framfield Road, Blackboys to Uckfield (20 mins). (The bus stop is on the south side of Framfield Road, west of Gun Road / School Lane cross road.)

The Swan Inn, Wood's Corner, Heathfield TN21 9LB 01424 838242. Located 11.7km from the start of the walk.

The Half Moon Inn, Cade Street, Heathfield TN21 9BS 01435 868646. Located 20.6km from the start of the walk. (300m off route. On crossing of B2096 at TQ 607 209, turn right for 300m.)

The Star Inn, Church St, Old Heathfield, Heathfield TN21 9AH 01435 863570. Located 21.6km from the start of the walk.

The Runt In Tun, Heathfield TN21 0DJ 01435 864284. Located 23.7km from the start of the walk.

The Star Inn, Whitehouse Ln, Waldron, Heathfield TN21 0RA 01435 812495. Located 27.6km from the start of the walk.

The Blackboys Inn, Lewes Road, Blackboys, Uckfield TN22 5LG 01825 890283. Located 6.9km from the end of the walk. (7.5km from the Runt In Tun PH)

After the walk, please leave a comment, it really helps. Thanks!

You can also upload photos to the SWC Group on Flickr (upload your photos) and videos to Youtube. This walk's tags are:

National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 • Traveline (bus times): 0871 200 22 33 (12p/min) • TFL (London) : 0343 222 1234

Nov-24 DAC