Hailsham sits in a quietly remarkable position. To one side lie the wide, open skies of the Pevensey Levels, stretching out towards the coast in a patchwork of water, grazing marsh and big horizons. To the south, the land begins to rise with intent as it becomes the chalk slopes of the South Downs. To the west, woodland gathers around Arlington, its reservoir, and the quieter, more enclosed places like Abbot’s Wood.
What this means, quite simply, is choice. From Hailsham, you can walk out into something broad and expansive, or into something enclosed and intimate. You can follow long-distance trails, soaking up history and landscape that carry centuries of movement, and stories or you can piece together shorter, more local routes that still feel equally rich.
Long-distance walks: following historic routes
Some of the most rewarding walks around Hailsham are those that pass through or near rather than begin or end here.
The Cuckmere Pilgrim Path
The Pilgrim Path is one such trail threading its way via a series of historic churches and villages before reaching up towards Arlington and then turning back down towards Alfriston. It’s a walk that feels both physical and reflective and takes in awe-inducing views and quiet pockets of detail. At 18 km, it is possible to walk it in a day, but for a more leisurely walk, stay overnight in Arlington, maybe even adding an extra day and a deviation to the bluebell woods or gardens at Bate’s Green Farm before heading on.
The Wealdway
The Wealdway is a 134 km trail from Gravesend and the Thames Estuary all the way to Eastbourne via Uckfield and Ashdown Forest. It intersects in various places with the Sussex Border Path, Diamond Way and Vanguard Way. If you don’t fancy the whole walk, join it at Hellingly, just north of Hailsham, and follow to Michelham Priory. From there, head south and then east, across Abbot’s Wood and Wilmington Wood, eventually joining the Cuckoo Trail just south of Hailsham. Follow the Cuckoo Trail back to Hellingly. This walk is approximately 16 km.
The Cuckoo Trail
The Cuckoo Trail is a 22km, largely off-road route from Heathfield to Polegate, via a disused railway line that runs through Hailsham. Great for bikes, join it in Hailsham and head north for Heathfield, enjoy a picnic or stop at a café on route, before turning tail and heading home.
The Pevensey Levels
Pevensy Levels, AKA Pevensey Marshes is a large low lying area of wet grassland spread over 3,500 hectares. Once a bay and under water, it is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to incredible wildlife. Across the levels are a network of paths which give you a variety of walking options. Very distinct and different from walks on the Downs and within the wooded Weald, the Levels feel atmospheric and there are places (as you walk towards Herstmonceux) where you can see where once was bay and now is land. The 1066 Country Walk leads across the Levels as part of a longer, linear walk.
Short and more accessible walks
Not everyone has time or the energy for an epic ramble, so here are some shorter and more accessible walks.
Arlington Reservoir
If you love the idea of the Pilgrim Path or of a little history on your walk but you are limited in time, then a shorter option is just to walk around Arlington Reservoir, detouring briefly to the historic church (set on an old Roman road).
Abbot’s Wood
With a large car park and two short but well signed and maintained routes, Abbot’s Wood is a great option if you want woodland trails but perhaps have children in tow. Try and imagine the monks from Battle Abbey here, who were one responsible for it, or the WWII soldiers stationed here.
Park Wood, Hellingly
If you have been visiting the very pretty hamlet of Hellingly you might want to finish with a walk at Park Wood nearby where there are several clearly marked short trails. The woodland is is designated as a Local Wildlife Site and is also ancient, woodland with a history of coppice management dating back to mediaeval times.
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