Isfield is a little village in between Uckfield and Lewes in East Sussex. It is known as being home to the Lavender Line, a heritage railway. Surrounded by fabulous countryside and the Ouse Valley, there are some great walks at Isfield with all sorts of points of interest on the way.
A little about Isfield
Isfield is just to the east of the river Ouse and the route of an old Roman road. Although small, the village dates back to Saxon and Norman times and you’ll pass some historical places on your walks. The village may have been owned by King Harold who stayed on the site of the current Isfield Place on his way to the Battle of Hastings. There are also the remains of a Norman Motte and Bailey near the church. It was built to guard the river and if you’re wondering why the church is so far from the village, it’s because the village moved following the Black Death.
St Margaret of Antioch church dates from the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries. It has a squint but is often locked which is a great shame.
More recently, Isfield was home to a paper and flour mill. Today, apart from the Lavender Line, it has a pub, The Laughing Fish, in a building that may have once been a chapel and a farm shop and butchers.
Logistics
Isfield walk 1
This is a 3.5 km circular walk, starting at the Lavender Line and returning there to finish.
- Set off north west along Station Road and just before the village sign bear left where it indicates a footpath.
- In less than 1/4 km, you turn right off this quiet country lane, following the footpath across a field until it brings you to the village hall.
- At the village hall turn left onto the road. Unfortunately, there is no verge here, but within 1/4 km you take the first footpath you come to on your left.
- You cross the river Uck and as you emerge from the undergrowth, you see a grand house ahead of you. This is Isfield Place and it looks magnificent. It is a 16th century manor house with early 17th and 19th century additions. Built in red brick, it has eight bedrooms, an oast house, a chapel, kennels, a game larder and a well house. It is surrounded by impressive formal gardens and 311 acres of grounds. Unfortunately it is not open to the public, and you only get teasing glances of it.
- You will also see the church to your right here and that is where you are headed. Enjoy the church and the graveyard. The Motte and Bailey remains are just to your left as is the river Ouse but sadly, you can’t access ether.
- When you’re ready, head back up the lane in the direction of Isfield Place and onwards.
- Just before you come to the main road, look out for the WWII pillbox. It’s one of a number in the area.
- Turn right at the road, and pass the very obvious former mill and head back to the start.
Isfield walk 2
This is a 5.5 km circular walk, again starting at the Lavender Line and returning there to finish.
- Set off, north west along Station Road and just before the village sign bear left where it indicates a footpath.
- Follow this small lane all the way to the river Ouse. Just before the bridge across, turn left. This is the Sussex Ouse Valley Way and you’re going to follow it all the way to the Anchor Inn.
- Look out for the sign and information about Jim the Fish. He was a River Bailiff and patrolled the river for 54 years.
- Now just follow the footpath, roughly along the banks of the river for about 1.4 km. This is dreamy and romantic countryside.
- You’ll pass under the disused railway and soon see the Anchor Inn. Stop here for refreshments, or to hire a boat.
- When you’re ready, pass in front of the pub and take Anchor Lane (the only road to and from the pub).
- Take the first footpath to your right and it will lead you back to the bridge at Jim the Fish but from the other side of the river. You’ll pass another WWII pillbox on the way.
- Once back at the bridge, retrace your steps back to the start.
If you wish, from the Anchor, you can walk onwards to Barcombe Mills.
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