For the first Pathfinder walk, and also first of our Autumn walks, we have gone with an already tried-and-tested route; a 7-mile circular starting at the picturesque East Sussex village of Ticehurst, passing along the edge of the popular Bewl Water reservoir. We set off at just gone half-eleven, with the day was mostly overcast, but with highs of 18°C it was still a hot one!
Parking in the village centre is free (bonus!), although there are limited spaces – alternatively there is a larger car park sign posted behind the pub. After a short walk along the high street, it’s up an alleyway and on out into the farmer’s fields beyond. Underfoot conditions were still nice and firm, with Autumn yet to completely settle in.
Following the yellow Way-Marker over the farmland, they will eventually bring you out onto a country lane, for the first bit of road walking. Thankfully, on both occasions we have walked it, this road seems nice and quiet, with plenty of fancy houses to look at along the way, before returning to a solid, gravel track.
This will then lead you to a footpath which takes you into the Bewl Water reservoir. Of course, you do not immediately see the water, but are instead greeted with a short spell of woodland-walking. It is here where we could first really appreciate the delights specific to autumn; the crunching of leaves beneath our feet, the earthy smells filling our nostrils and the bright red berries decorating the foliage, provided us with a seasonal treat!
Even on an overcast day, the reservoir still proved popular, with plenty of people riding bikes and walking dogs (one of which very politely came up to say hello). This stretch of the walk was very easy to follow, sticking to the main track around the water’s edge, with plenty of places to stop and take in the view, with a handful of boats and plenty of waterfowl to see.
Once you reach the end of the reservoir and wave bye-bye to the water, it’s a quick hop across the road to another clearly marked footpath. This leads you into a wooded area, which is a little dark at first but soon opens up into a light and airy forest, highlighting the colourful leaves present in September, with the path lined with bracken, its wonderful smell filling the air. However, you soon find that these colours and smells have distracted you from the fact that the path has been leading you uphill, and it was at this point that we first felt the heat of the day!
At the top, the path turns stony as the trees start to fade and be replaced with a few houses. This track leads you to the road, which you cross to find what looks like a driveway on the other side. It continues to feel like you’re on a driveway for some time, but I promise you’re not (unless you’ve gone the wrong way, and you actually are). Eventually, after passing several houses you reach the end of the drive, and if you’re anything like we were the first time, you’ll now be wondering where the footpath goes – I promise, it’s there! It is just well hidden, and runs along behind the last house.
After a minute or so, this path will bring you out onto a golf course, and this is where it gets a little tricky. The footpath is not clear, but it is there, and to begin with, all you need to do is stick to the line of trees. However, from there the problems might begin, as the footpath points vaguely across the golf course toward the woodland on the other side. On both occasions, we wandered up and down the treeline looking for the path, which is well hidden. Fortunately, the course wasn’t busy and those that were present there were quite understanding! Fortunately on both occasions we did eventually find it – along the treeline, there is a protruding Oak tree standing alone. Aim for that, and then walk along the tree line and the path will eventually appear on the right (look for the comforting yellow Way Markers!).
However, we weren’t out of the woods (pun intended) yet, and this tricky section of the walk continued to throw up problems, this time of our own making. Walking along, I suddenly noticed that my back was wet, and not in a sweaty way! Upon inspection, we found that one of the drinks bottles had leaked and the inside of the bag smelt of summer fruits. Once the bottle cap had been screwed on properly, we found the path led us to another short, but muddy section. After carefully ascending, we came out onto another farmer’s field, which felt like a good opportunity to stop for lunch after a slightly difficult mile.
This was actually the same place we had stopped to eat previously, and is a perfect, picturesque meadow in the summer months, however still provided a comfortable place to rest and take in the countryside of autumn. After a classic Co-op lunch of a sandwich and crisps, and a stretch out in the grass watching branches dance in the breeze above, we felt re-energised and ready to go!
The footpath then takes you across a large farmer’s field and into a small wooded area, before once again reaching the road. For me, this is the biggest drawback of this particular walk, as it is approximately a 500-yard stretch along a relatively fast country road. Fortunately, there is enough space to stop for passing cars, although in a couple of places the hedgerow makes this difficult.
Once this has been navigated, a footpath will appear on the right to lead you away from the road, down a short hill and along the edge of the field. It was at this point that I wrongly accused my fiancé of farting, which turned out to actually be the creaking of branches (sorry babe!). This then leads you back to the other end of the golf course, only this time it is a nice and easy straight over and out the other side. From here, the remainder of the route goes along the road, which apart from the first 50 yards, has a pavement alongside. It is also a much slower road that leads back into the centre of Ticehurst.
This last bit of road walking feels a little long after six and a half miles, however before you know it, you’re back at the car park, and suddenly before you, is The Bell; here of course, is the real treat! The Bell is one of our favourite pubs and we have visited a few times, providing a pleasant Mediterranean garden out back, and a comfortable, cosy space with an open fire inside. On this particular occasion, we chose the garden, determined to enjoy the final warm days before the weather turns, and rounded off the walk with a pint and a half of Somersby cider, and another pint of Hobgoblin IPA.
Overall, this is a fairly easy walk, and took us roughly three hours, with clear instructions to follow – except of course the golf course! It provides a nice range of scenery, although the amount of road walking is a drawback. However, having The Bell as a nice finishing spot, more than makes up for it.
Original route was provided by the East Sussex Council, with full instructions and map available at https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/media/01ilosaj/ticehurst.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1xkNxiuw_GhVLTR86DMGCcgyCpD0CATxao0BMjQuFaAjp_uNMo4LU_Ez8
Matthew G. Huggins 