St Leonard’s Forest is east of Horsham (in West Sussex) and within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 714 acres of it are open to the public and managed by Forestry England although some parts of the forest remain private. To the west, you’ll find Owlbeech and Leechpool Woods and within the forest, over 200 acres are a Site of Special Scientific Interest. And the good news is that is a stunning area that is criss crossed with bridleways and footpaths, and is perfect for walkers and wildlife spotters of all abilities.
Parking and access
The main car park is at Roosthole close to Mannings Heath Golf Club. Alternatively, you can park in Horsham, Colgate or Faygate and walk from there.
St Leonard’s Forest walks
The High Weald Landscape Trail leads from Horsham across the forest to Handcross and onwards to Rye. The Sussex Ouse Valley Way also crosses the forest from Lower Beeding to Handcross.
Legends, hermits and dragons
The forest is believed to be named after a French nobleman who became St Leonard (AD 485-559). He became a hermit and legend says that he spent his hermitage in the forest. There is also a legend that says it was St. Leonard who was responsible for slaying one of the “Monstrous serpents … seen in the country of the Southern Angles that is called Sussex”. When he killed the dragon, he was injured and where his blood fell, you will now find Lilies of the Valley in an area called The Lily Beds.
A potted history of the forest
After the Norman conquest, St Leonard’s Forest came under the ownership of William de Braose. He established Sele Priory at nearby Upper Beeding and the monks from there were granted the right to pannage their pigs. Back then you might also have come across wild horses and deer and a horse fair was held on St Leonard’s Day in the 15th century.
The Weald has long been an important area for iron ore particularly during the Roman period and during 16th and 17th century. St Leonard’s Forest sat at the very heart of that industry and today, you can still see the hammer ponds. Iron production in the area ceased as a result of the Civil War.
Things to look out for in the forest
- Lilies
- Dragons
- Wallabies escaped from nearby Leonardslee
- Vineyards
- Ghosts – of an Indian princess and a headless rider!
Walk 1. 5 km circular route.
From the Roosthole car park:
- Follow the central path for about 1 km and then turn left onto another wide path.
- Follow that for about 1 km and then turn left onto the High Weald Landscape Trail. You will walk for about .75 km and pass the famous Lily Beds area.
- Turn left as you reach the edge of the footpath and it will take you back to where you very first turned left.
- From there, follow the path back to the car.
Walk 2. 7km circular route
Park at Leechpool Wood and take the footpath south to where it meets the High Weald Landscape Trail (HWLT).
- Follow the HWLT east for 2.5 km and then the follow HWLT where it goes hard right.
- Keep on the HWLT for about .75 km and then at a crossroads take the second right. This will take you down to Roosthole car park.
- At the car park, turn right onto the lane and walk for less than .5 km until you see a bridlepath to your right. Take that and after about .75 km you’ll be back on the HWLT.
- Turn left and retrace your steps back to the car park.
