A carpet of bluebells not only has one of the greatest feel good factors of the year but it is also a sure sign that we’ve made it to spring. Bear in mind, bluebell season is variable but normally occurs in April or early May. With that in mind, here are some of our favourite Sussex bluebell walks:
Townhouse Copse at Clemsfold
First up of our Sussex bluebell walks, this walk near Warnham is a favourite. There are all sorts of variations of this walk, but to see the best bluebells, you want to walk through Townhouse Copse. For a 8 km circular walk from Warnham, head towards Warnham Manor and in front of the large gates, turn right into the woods. Follow the woodland path (here’s your first bluebells) and then take the first footpath to your left. If you keep on this footpath it will take you across fields, over a bridge, across the A29, round the edge of a private garden (yes, it’s still a footpath) and up a hill to Rowhook. As you emerge on to the lane, take the footpath almost directly opposite which leads into Townhouse Copse.
Where you have a choice, follow either the left or right path down through the woods for the most glorious display of blue. Either path eventually leads you to the A281. If you followed the left path, you’ll emerge at the timber yard and need to walk along the road for a short stretch (turn left onto the road) before crossing over and taking the first footpath. If you followed the right hand trail, go straight over the A281. Whichever route you took, you will pass more bluebells before eventually meeting up with the West Sussex Literary Trail which will take you (via a couple more bluebell woods) back to Warnham.
Red House Common, Chailey
Red House Common is north of the A272 and there is parking at Warrs Hill Farm lane. The common is not a large area and you can pretty much walk around it in 3 km but there are lots of lovely bluebells. You really don’t need a map, just have a meander about!
Nymans Woods, Handcross
Nymans Wood is free to visit and an absolute haven for bluebells. Park at the National Trust property and follow the Ouse Valley Way footpath into the woods. There are three different designated walks but if you want a nice 6.5 km circular walk, stick on the Ouse Valley Way until you reach Staplefield, then take the quiet country lane to Slaugham from where there is a footpath that will take you back to Handcross. Alternatively, just stay in Nymans Woods, and follow the various paths.
For more information visit: Nymans Woods, Handcross and Handcross 6 km Circular Route
Ashdown Forest
Ashdown Forest is a great place to enjoy a bluebell walk, and you have lots of options and a number of different car parks on the forest. Chelwood Vachery is beautiful at any time of year but is extra special in bluebell season. From Chelwood Gate it is approximately a 1.5 km walk to the vachery bridge in the valley. If you want to see waterfalls as well as bluebells, try parking at Duddleswell or if it’s bears and bluebells you are after, head over to Five Hundred Acre Wood.
As the name suggests, Bluebell Estate vineyard near Sheffield Park have a bluebell trail so you could combine bluebells and wine, and Sheffield Park also has bluebells.
For more information: Chelwood Vachery
Angmering Park Estate
Park at The Dover car park (just off the A27 at Angmering) and head into the woodlands of the estate. It’s relatively easy to find your way around the woods (there are lots of footpaths). There is a nice 6.5 km walk – head east from the car park for about 1 km then take the first footpath left and follow that for 1.5 km. Turn left where you meet the bridlepath and follow that for about 1 km and then turn left and it will take you back to the car.
Alternatively, you can walk to Patching or even to the pub at Burpham.
Arlington Bluebell Walk
Friston Forest
If you’d rather avoid the crowds, head a little south to Friston Forest. Park at Westdean and walk through the village and up to Snap Hill (3km). Turn right and walk to Friston Place where you turn right onto the lane and then right again and follow the path all the way back to Westdean for a 7.5 km forest walk.
Brede High Wood, Battle
There are two car parks just off the B2089 at Brede High Wood. From there, there are a number of permissive footpaths across the forest. You can walk all the way around the Powdermill Reservoir (following a combination of official and permissive paths) and back to the car in under 5.5 km and there are also information boards at various points.
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