Local Walks
There are many good walking routes in the vicinity
of Dorset House Bed and Breakfast Accommodation near Tunbridge Wells:
- The Forest Way runs from Groombridge to Forest
Row and East Grinstead, along the route of the old railway track. There are
many circular paths leading from this track.
- There are also numerous walks on Ashdown Forest,
which can be accessed by car using one of the many car parks, or on foot from
Dorset House (about 1 mile along a private road).
The High Weald Landscape Trail
The trail crosses the counties of West Sussex, East Sussex and
Kent providing an opportunity to explore the heart of south- east England. Meandering
through the intimate rolling landscape of small fields, hop gardens, orchards,
flower rich meadows, and ancient woodland, studded with ponds and sandstone
outcrops, the 90-mile /145 kilometre Trail links the ridge top villages and
the historic gardens for which the area is famous.
The Trail is suitable for beginners and seasoned walkers and
can be completed in seven to ten days or undertaken in sections. It is accessible
by public transport at a number of points, allowing you to return to your starting
point without retracing your steps. The route is well signposted and waymarked.
Follow the High Weald Landscape Trail logo.
The High Weald is a stunning area to walk as the constantly
changing height and terrain gives ever changing views and variety of walking.
Enjoy the wide vistas as you stride along the ridgetops then pass into the seclusion
of the wooded ghylls with their cool dappled shade.
The walk can be enjoyed at all times of year, each season adds
its own special character. Early spring when the orchards are blossoming and
lambs are newborn or May when woodlands are carpeted with bluebells. Summer
when the hedgerows are scented with honeysuckle and dog rose and the farmers
are busy hay cutting and harvesting. September when the aroma of freshly cut
hops is all pervading in the hop gardens and, in the orchards, the trees are
heavy with fruit. The changing autumnal colours and the hedgerow harvest of
berries and nuts, or a crisp winter's morning with glistening frost and the
smell of woodsmoke. The walk leads through tranquil countryside, quiet save
for the sudden " wing beats of a startled duck, water cascading down from
an old dam, a tractor turning the soil or the intermittent hoot of a steam train
running along one of the reopened lines.
The High Weald Landscape Trail has been created to enable you
to explore the heritage of the High Weald 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'.
The Trail does not always follow the shortest route between two villages but
meanders through the landscape to take in the wonderful views and the distinctive
built and natural features of the area. The Trail follows public rights of way
which largely cross private land. Most landowners along the route welcome walkers
on their land provided that they do not stray from the footpath and abide by
the walkers code. If you are not familiar with the guidelines please take time
to read the code. Route finding should not be a problem given the large scale
route maps and the extensive waymarking and signing on the ground. The Trail
is clearly waymarked with the Trail logo which shows a church tower against
a tree.
The Weald Way
The Wealdway is a dramatic long-distance walk from the chalk
cliffs of Beachy Head to the bustle of the river Thames.
The route climbs the breathtaking South Downs, crosses the Weald
and the North Downs, reaching Gravesend by avoiding the towns and keeping to
the deep, rich countryside. Throughout this 82 mile walk you will encounter
a cross section of the south eastern landscape with open heathland, chalk downland,
woods and river valleys.
Whether youre a long distance walker or just want to explore
the route in short sections, the many superb views, ancient churches, hop gardens
and orchards and timber-framed houses will guarantee a very worthwhile experience.
Walkers code
Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work.
Guard against all risks of fire.
Fasten all gates.
Keep your dogs under close control.
Keep to public paths across farmland.
Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls.
Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone.
Take your litter home.
Help to keep all water clean.
Protect wildlife, plants and trees.
Take special care on country roads.
Make no unnecessary noise.
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