Hike the medieval heart of the South East — High Weald Landscape Trail

The High Weald Landscape Trail is a long-distance hike that explores ancient woodlands, rolling pastures, orchards, vineyards, sandstone crags, medieval farmsteads and historic villages in the rural heart of South East England.

Crossing the counties of West Sussex, East Sussex, and Kent, the route visits some of the most picturesque parts of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). You can expect varied walking, ever-changing views, abundant wildlife, captivating history and a real sense of solitude throughout.

The trail begins in the market town of Horsham and meanders southeast through St Leonard's Forest, Cuckfield, East Grinstead, Groombridge, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Cranbrook, and Tenterden to finish in the historic town of Rye. The official route is 95 miles (153 km). However, with a couple of detours to some worthy sites, this Collection totals 99 miles (159 km).

The High Weald is an area that has been sculpted by humans throughout the ages. Its first inhabitants were Mesolithic hunter gatherers some 10,000 years ago. All the subsequent civilisations — Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman, Saxon — have left their mark, too.

During the medieval period, the population of England increased three-fold and the High Weald became a vital food source. The temporary settlements created by seasonal pig herders became permanent farmsteads, the likes of which can still be seen today. Whilst the area went on to have a booming iron industry, the Weald is still considered to be a medieval landscape.

Highlights along the way include: St Leonard's Forest, a historic woodland packed with wildlife and legend; Stone Farm Rocks; a sandstone crag formed 140 million years ago; East Grinstead, a market town with one of the longest stretches of 14th-century timber-framed buildings in England; Eridge Rocks, an ancient crag with unique plant life; Cranbrook, the ‘Capital of the Weald’; Union Mill, a working smock mill from the 1800s; Smallhythe Place, a stunning 16th-century house; and Rye, which boasts an abundance of historic sites.

The geology along the trail switches between sandstone and clay, the latter of which can be muddy in wet conditions. As such, sturdy, waterproof boots are recommended in all but the driest weather. Other than that, the walking is generally leisurely throughout, owing to the gently-undulating nature of the landscape. Paths are well-maintained and waymarked, making the route a good choice for all abilities.

In this Collection, I split the route into seven stages, averaging 14 miles (23 km), heading west to east. As Stage 2 is above average distance, I suggest how you can split the hike. Of course, you can divide the Collection into as many days as you are comfortable with or walk any single stage. Public transport links are generally good along the trail. The choice of which direction to walk is entirely yours.

You are reasonably well-served by accommodation throughout. However, places to stay are not always abundant so it is worth planning in advance and booking ahead. Places for food and drink are plentiful en route, too.

Getting to the start and finish of the trail is easy as Horsham and Rye both have railway stations, good public transport links and are served by arterial roads