You probably didn’t come on this walk because you thought it would be wet . Well rest easy because it was. Relentless rain, pretty much. The odd flash of sun. Blue sky to the north at times. At least boots did not get muddy: the mud all got washed off. Waterproof kit was…tested.

Time was when Saturday Walkers were a hardy lot and would have turned out regardless of the weather. Well, those times are gone. Just 6 at the start of the walk, and one was a car driver who only stayed with us as far as lunch.

Despite the rain, a nice walk, with some good autumn colour. We lingered over lunch in the not at all busy Old Vine. In retrospect, since we were going to fireworks in the evening, most of us should not have had burgers. Some had puddings and coffees.

But the moment could not be put off forever, and eventually it was out into the rain again. A nice walk down to and around Bewl Water. It may have rained plenty lately but the reservoir has a long way to go before it is full.

One wanted to do the long walk, but the others didn’t, so we didn’t. The main walk was enough, getting us to Wadhurst as night fell - as it does surprisingly early these days.

We were in time to have tea in solitary splendour at the Artful Grocers, and then repaired to the White Hart, which was hideously busy. (Note to prospective buyers of the Greyhound: Wadhurst needs more than one pub.) We somehow filled the hour until it was time to go to the fireworks.

These were empty when we arrived and were not, I think, as busy as normal. The fire looked smaller than last year too, but we met the very friendly organiser, who explained that whereas they used to use pallets to make a large but quick burning fire, this year they had used denser material to produce a longer lasting blaze.

It ignited with a loud bang (petrol vapour catching light, apparently: thankfully no one was hurt) and was slow to get going, but made a good strong blaze once it did. We stared into the flames and thought ancient mystical thoughts (at least I did…). Amazingly, it was not raining and there were even some stars.

Then the fireworks, which apparently cost £10,000. Despite a drizzle resuming, they were good value for the money, the bangs echoing atmospherically around the valley. As good as a big city display, but without the packed crowds.

Afterwards, despite the absence of the usual instigators of such actions, we decided to get supplies for the train. We then walked down the back lanes to the station in the deep darkness. I adored this - my favourite bit of the day, out there in the impenetrable night with only the distant flicker of the torch of the walker in front of me for illumination.

I should explain here that in the morning the trains were all ahoo. The specified train left 10 minutes late, went via Redhill, was only bound for Robertsbridge due to a broken rail, then was going to terminate at Tunbridge Wells due to flooding at Stonegate, then ran to Wadhurst after all.

So we were by no means sure of a train home, a confidence decreased by a power cut as we approached the station, which plunged all into darkness. But the power came back on and the 21.04 train was only ten minutes late. We somehow polished off two bottles of wine between four of us on the way home. How did that happen?

I’m going for broke and saying there were29 people on the walk, in cloudy but dry weather and quite muddy in places. A walker had booked 6 places in the Old Vine, and 25 of us turned up for lunch. Although the staff were rather alarmed, they did brilliantly and produced some lovely food for us even though there was only one person at the bar and one chef. For at least an hour, we were the only customers in the pub. I think all in all they were pleased that we all ordered food and drink although they did suggest it may be helpful to ring or even order ahead of arrival next time.

The trees still retained some autumn colour and the ground was covered in gold and green leaves. We passed a maple tree, the ground underneath it carpeted by red and gold leaves.

The group split up as follows: 9 (or more) did the middle distance route, 6 did the short route and 6 did the long route.

A few people stopped in Wadhurst for refreshments, and a small group of 3 walked the country route back to the station where we were met by the 6 who had done the long route and caught the 17.04 back to London.

Thank you to Pete G for posting this lovely walk.

I suspect scientists will be keen to find out how the Wadhurst Bonfire Committee achieved nuclear fusion on their blaze this year!

prob doing short walk, thanks

Two bits of information from the Wadhurst Bonfire

1) They advise you download your tickets as a pdf onto your phone - or print them maybe? - just in case the mobile network is not up to everyone trying to open their emails at once

2) They are trialling a shuttle service to the station this year, presumably a bus. I am not sure how well this will work, but if you don't fancy the walk down the road afterwards (see walk post for details) that might be an option.

16 on this walk. Cloudy weather. There were occasional flashes of sun and some spots of rain. The wind was a bit keen at times. But basically it was signature November grey.

The morning passed pleasantly apart from one woman suggesting we bunch up so as not to scare her horses. Possibly don’t pasture your horses on a public footpath if walkers make your horses nervous, missus? We ignored her and the horses seemed unperturbed.

On to the Old Vine. Most lunched here, two separate tables having been booked and others being available. Despite this, our arrival put them in a pickle. It was not clear if we were to order at the bar or at the table. Some did one, some the other. Food came erratically, some who ordered early getting their food late and vice versa. When two who had ordered 20 minutes before us were still waiting when we had already finished our meals, we suggested to our waitress that they might be given a free drink or some peanuts. This apparently caused the waitress to burst into tears behind the scenes. The manageress then came out to tell us off and inform us that the disorder in the kitchen was due to us all turning up precipitately to occupy tables we had rung to book. At least one early orderer was then served an over cooked beef sandwich on white bread not brown.

It was quite a relief to get out into the open air. Lots of us then did the long walk around the tranquil, two thirds-full Bewl Water Reservoir. Some presumably did the main walk.

We got Wadhurst by 4.45pm. Some ensconced themselves in the Greyhound but when two more of us tried to join then there were no more chairs, though plenty of free tables. The barman shrugged when we asked if we might source some other chairs (eg from the nearly empty restaurant) so we went elsewhere.

I was glad we did. It turns out a lovely new grocery shop cum tea room has opened on the corner, and there we found other walkers. Across the road there is also a friendly French wine bar to which the pubbers later decanted for wine and cheese. In general Wadhurst has gone remarkably upmarket since I was last there - due to COVID and working from home? The other pub, the White Hart, which went upmarket several years ago, was heaving. The Greyhound needs to ditch the rural rudeness and up its game maybe?

So on to the bonfire. Ten of us went. There were unfortunately some rain showers (not forecasted!!) and the organisers had this year shifted the bonfire to the bottom of the field. It was cute, though - a Viking longship on a stack of pallets which was lit by attendants in horned helmets. Unfortunately a quite brisk wind was blowing straight up the field, so that the fire turned into a horizontal sheet of flame that looked a bit like a NASA rocket engine test. (The stewards managed this well, however, using a rope to push us back out of danger.) Starring into the flames as the rain fell was a bit surreal, but still nice.

Thanks to having someone planted cunningly at the front of the enormous food queue, we then had delicious sausages in buns - real quality produce. There was then a spectacular fireworks display - Washington DC on the Fourth of July could not have done better.

Afterwards six of us walked down the back lanes in the profound dark, as magical an experience as it always is. We unexpectedly arrived in time for the 9pm train and joined the other four bonfirers there, and we consumed pre-purchased “supplies” and generally made too much noise on the journey home.

Were tables prebooked for the pub? We understood there were no bookings made.

As it was only 3.5 miles to pub, and we were generally together this made it difficult for the pub it seemed, about thirteen of us turned up at once.

My meal was excellent.

The firework field was pretty packed this year, with about three thousand people, about four times usual crowd!

One table for six and another for four. Both had “Reserved” signs on them.

Ok, thank you Peter. The understanding I had at our table is that the leading lady, land lady, who spoke with us suggested, indeed more or less said that we hadnt booked. So, good job we weren't in too much of a hurry as we wouldnt have finished by dark time.

And then wouldnt have enjoyed the great coffee and cakes in the newly opened cafe shop, which closes at 5 (the other cafes close about 4) in increasingly upmarket Wadhurst. Lovely place though and a great day.

Although, apart from my old peculiar on the train home, the ales were not that exciting.

Arriving in Wadhurst from a short nature walk around the reservoir, the SWC Walks Inspector met 8 walkers who'd completed the morning section on another very hot day. They'd immediately ordered drinks in an almost-deserted White Hart but been told there was a long wait for food, so some went on to the Greyhound while others opted for a light lunch at the Cottage Tea Room. The group dispersed in the afternoon: some headed straight for the station but at least two took the longer afternoon route out to Bewl Water. Contrary to expectation the reservoir looked quite full, whereas in previous years it might almost have been possible to take a short cut across it to the other side.

13 on this walk. Mainly just grey , despite a forecast of rain: we had a tiny bit of precipitation at the beginning and, surprisingly, also in the early evening after the skies had looked to be clearing. But never anything worth worrying about. Just as well, as it was weirdly mild for early November - too warm for wearing waterproofs really.

The walk was pleasant, not too muddy and with all trees now showing some autumn tints (I still predict next weekend for peak colours). Nearly all of us, I think, did the long version of the walk, which gave us lots of opportunities to wonder at the astonishingly low water levels in Bewl Water Reservoir. Large portions of it were green valleys, with lush grass growing for some way below the high watermark, suggesting it has not been full for a long time.

We got to Wadhurst just as it was getting dark, which was just too late for Jempson’s tea room. The White Hart did tea, but not in pots alas, and tasty, though overpriced puds. Nine went to the Wadhurst Bonfire, which was as delightful as ever: a massive great blaze - “the last sunbathe of the year” - and fireworks that would not disgrace a city event.

By the time it was over the full moon was emerging from the cloud. Six of us walked the back lanes in the magical moonlight and deep November night, serenaded by lots of hooting owls. We met the other three bonfirers, who had walked the main road route, on the 20.49 train, and polished off two bottles of red wine on the journey home.

I might make it on Wednesday. And I Think I did the Walk recently.

1 gps and 1 map coming along; maybe, maybe with instructions on my phone (still thinking about it).

16 walkers off the train (incl. 3 first-timers), 1 more on the next one, so 17 in drizzly or rainy weather. The morning route: tarmac-heavy, with some of the grassy footpaths along fields being quite muddy and/or slippy, all leaves now having turned to dark mulch, and a couple of ploughed fields to cross with some very sticky mud: some might call it bleak.

The booking of a table at the only lunch pub en route proved to be a good idea on a day with a surprisingly high turnout (for the weather): The Old Vine was chokka, every table booked and the bar area and all nooks and crannies filled by a funeral party. As it was impossible to find any extra seats on top of the pre-booked ones, everyone with contingency sandwiches (and a few others without) stayed outside, shared what was shareable and marched on to Wadhurst, in hope of tea and cake.

The afternoon route is much more pleasant, with the reservoir the star of the show, and more rolling hills to view and cross, but - again - quite tarmac-heavy (at least that meant: no mud).

The 5 fast sandwichers walked the extended version (but were later spotted passing the Wealden Wholefood Cafe, so were short-cutting in Wadhurst, to catch the 16.00 train we presumed). The other sandwichers (bar 1) walked the normal version and paused at the Cafe to then catch the 16.25, where we met the lunchers who had walked the short version, I believe. Several walkers had been on the figure-of-8 version of this walk just 7 weeks ago, so well done to them for turning up again!

30

cloudy and chilly

Lovely autumn colours.

Very nice lunch at The White Hart in Wadhurst at a reasonable price.

30 Hugely enjoyable walk. The group got split up around The White Heart, The Greyhound and cafes in Wadhurst. After lunch a group of us set off with to do the extended walk around Bewl Water getting more fragmented on the way. Six of us going to the bonfire arrived back in Wadhurst at dusk, filling in an hour at the Greyhound. The Bonfire was spectacular, as were the fireworks. We only saw two others at the event. Deciding not to rush we headed down the back lanes for the 2149 via The White Hart. A great day out!

At least 5 from White Hart pub went home after lunch perhaps for even more spectacular firework displays elsewhere. Five of us did the short version in the afternoon, met one walker who was wondering in the woods aimlessly. Two more walkers who did the longer version caught up with us just before Wadhurst. After a quick visit to Paramor outdoor shop, we decided to catch 5:19pm train with take away tea from a grocery shop as some of us had other bonfire parties to go to. Nice autumn colours with occasional slippery path, an enjoyable walk.

At last I can get my connecting train to join the Waterloo East departure. Anyone interested in the short walk to experience the unusual cakes on offer from the owner of the whole foods cafe? He did stay open later than the advertised 3,30pm when I was last there on a Wednesday but only because I promised him some trade from the late walkers.

Hope to walk jfk

Richmond Boro Commander suspended for alleged mis conduct .alleluia at last.

If you go from London Bridge then you need to change at Orpington. Train departs from London Bridge at 10:07am.

If you go from London Bridge then you need to change at Orpington. Train departs from London Bridge at 10:07am.

8 on walk-Sunny all day. Great route. No mud and a fab lunch served with record speed by the really efficient staff managed by Sarah the new owner. We did book however for 6 and were glad we did . A large party of vintage car owners were also present but did not impede the service. Excellent prices too. Does B and B too.

The whole food cafe was open til 4.30pm where 4 of us spent a sunny sojourn in the garden with homemade cakes and leaf tea. One walker spent £20 on provisions here. Another having walked the short cut bought a Paramo jacket at the shop across the road from the cafe so Wadworth did quite well today. The cottage cafe closed at 3,30pm instead of staying open til 4pm as advertised on the door! Another sampled 2 pints in the pub and we all travelled back on the 5.28 train. Arthur Dent and our lunch monitor stayed on the longer walk and were not seen again!

8 sunny

This truly was a delightful day out. The recent cold wind had subsided and it was sunny all day .

8 of the train at Wadhurst, peeling off layers as the temperature rose.

The Sussex Border Path was adorned with blossom and the whole countryside had become decidedly verdant.

The Old Vine at Cousely Wood (under new management since late 2015) had copious dining space, were well organised, unflustered, efficient and cheerful, bliss!

Car enthusiasts would have enjoyed the MG car club cars in the car park. (Overlooked by the owners who had tucked themselves on a corner to keep an eye on them!)

One walker disappeared after lunch (did she join the MG enthusiasts?) and the remaining 7 headed off to Bewl Water for the afternoon leg. One took the short cut back to Wadhurst to sample Wealden Wholefoods Café's finest cuisine and the remaining six continued alongside the waters of Bewl. Two dallied behind to enjoy the vistas and chose the longer route back to Wadhurst enjoying further stretches of Bewl Water, soft fruit orchards and fields of blackcurrants. All in all a great day out for everyone.

Intend going on the Wadhurst to Robertsbridge walk (34km)

Like to do the 10.9mls version. Anyone else planning the same?