High Weald Walk leg 3

East Grinstead to Groombridge

This was a great section to do and on a wonderful walking day - high cloud with sunny spells and a cool-ish breeze. It was also a more respectable 13.5 miles in length so we didn't ache quite as much as last weeks epic trip. We parked up at Groombridge and caught the bus out to East Grinstead. The initial 4 miles was supposed to be along the Forest Way disused railway line walk but we quickly met the "Elf & Safety" people who said we couldn't walk that way because tree lopping was being done and the path was closed for two miles. Fortunately the detour wasn't difficult and we looped around and met up with the trail two miles further on.

To early for the Pub in Forest Row (it was only 11-30 when we passed through the village) we strode on knowing that the path took us to Hartfield and passed directly in front of one of our favourite watering holes.

The High Weald scenery with its big rolling hills showed up well and it was a very nice section to do with a mixture of pasture and woodland. The last week of warm weather had certainly had its effect as the woodland flowers and trees were all bursting into life.  Primroses were at their best and in sheltered spots bluebells were just starting to flower.

Typical rolling countryside of the High Weald

We could spot the spire of Hartfield Church (Remember that in the UK you always find a pub next to the village church!) from 3 or 4 miles away but the trail kept looping around until it emerged directly across from the Anchor Inn.


Hartfield Church

The Anchor Inn - a great traditional pub

The old house at the entrance to Hartfield Church

Wise men leaving the Anchor!

Why is there always a big hill to climb after we have stopped for a beer and lunch! Finally the legs got going again and we heard our first Cuckoo of the year, which is a few days earlier than last year.  Also heard a Skylark also the first of the year.

Ivan and Trevor after a few beers in the Pub!

First sign of Bluebells

Primroses are everywhere and in their prime now.

Today we started out in West Sussex; walked across East Sussex - Crossing "The Wealdway" which was last years long walk and runs North to South across The Weald - and ended up reaching the Kent border. We are now not far off half-way through the "Long Trek" along the High Weald Trail.



Stats for the day were ...

Date	Steps	Distance (mi)	Time (Hr)	Calories	Average speed (mph)	Elevation gain (feet)	Elevation lost (feet)
29/04/2013	26,334	13.5	5:01	1,598	2.7	2,099	2,433