High Weald Landscape Trail

High Weald Landscape Trail

Through West Sussex, East Sussex and Kent to Rye on the South Coast

The High Weald Landscape Trail passes through Horsmonden and a small detour is required to see the Village centre and green.

High Weald Landscape Trail through Horsmonden

From Brenchley the trail enters Horsmonden from the Orchards of Hononton Farm. You will see Furnace Pond, the only visible remnant of Horsmonden Furnace, the head of water from this 16 acre lake once powered the giant hammer of John Browne's forge, the flames of which could be 'seen about the country at 10 miles distance'.You will cross a bridge over the spillway where there is a waterfall and below the site of the furnace.

Detour: A short road walk along Furnace Lane will take you into the village centre if you want to visit.

Next you will pass through the pleasant parkland of Shirrenden before crossing the Brenchley Road into Sprivers woodland. You will arrive at 17th Century Sprivers House. The trail along the drive where there are some huge chestnut trees and pleasant views.

You pick up the footpath across the Lamberhurst Road where thetrail passes through Hop Gardens and Apple Orchards on its way to Lewes Heath. From Lewes Heath the path heads south where there is some very pleasant scenery through pasture with lake views and on towards Rectory Park Farm.

You pass by Rectory Park Farm which is the former residence of the former Rectors of Horsmonden. A short road walk takes you to 14th Century Saint Margaret's Church which was built for a congregation on scattered farms before the village focussed on the Horsmonden Furnace. You'll see some mounting steps for horses outside.

A short road walk to Smallbridge where you will see the site of Smallbridge level crossing on the Hawkhurst Branchline.

Further on you will arrive at a bridge over the River Teise and there you will leave Horsmonden and enter Goudhurst.

About the High Weald Landscape Trail

The trail crosses West Sussex, East Sussex and Kent giving walkers the chance to explore the very heart of south-east England.

Wandering through an intimate rolling landscape of small fields, hop gardens, orchards, flower-rich meadows and ancient woodlands, studded with ponds and sandstone outcrops, the Trail links ridge top villages and famous historic gardens.

It is suitable for both the beginner and the more experienced walker. The entire route can be completed in seven to ten days, or undertaken in sections. Public transport links allow you to return to your starting point without retracing your steps.

Highlights

Historic gardens open to the public – Borde Hill, Wakehurst Place, Standen House and Gardens and Groombridge Gardens are on the route. The distinctive sandstone villages dominate in the west and white weatherboarded villages are found in the east.

Famous Associations

Jane Austen, John Browne, William Morris, Siegried Sassoon, Henry James

Access

The Trail passes through or close to Horsham, Haywards Heath, East Grinstead and Royal Tunbridge Wells train stations all of which are accessible by train from London within 60 minutes. Rye can be accessed by train from Ashford and the South Coast.