Ashurst To Eridge Walk

As the season turns and we enter autumn we asked Robert Veitch for something a little different, so he took our Editor, Adele Trathan, for a wonderful walk encapsulating rivers, railways and rocks

Leave Ashurst Station in Kent via platform two, through the car park then down Station Road to the junction with Ashurst Hill. Cross over to the pavement then walk downhill for 50m before crossing back, towards the fingerpost.

The narrow path leads back under the railway, then to a footbridge across the River Medway and from Kent into Sussex. On the far side of the footbridge is a gate.

Once through it, bear right to enjoy the brief distraction of the glorious weir pool below the footbridge.

But our walk bears left, along the left side of the field, snaking it’s way to the southern end and through an open gate. Keep left in the next field, and follow the periphery again, alongside the ditch lined with willow trees to another open gateway.

Once through it, turn left, and continue between the stock proof fence and hedge as the path arcs around to the right, to a secluded footbridge on the left at the far end. Once across the footbridge, the path eases to the right. Ignore the path on the left and continue through the avenue of trees to the driveway.

Turn left and up the concrete track, which evolves into a sleeper walkway. At the junction, bear right and continue in the same general direction, past Tim Calcutt’s

A footbridge across the River Medway and from Kent into Sussex

Tim Calcutt’s bench at Lyewood Common remarkable arboreal bench at Lyewood Common, which is the highest point of the day at 85m (279 feet). “What a wonderful creation,” noted Adele as we paused. Keep walking to the pond and junction with Beech Green Lane.

Bear left and downhill, walking on the right towards the traffic. At the bottom of the hill, by the telegraph pole, pass through the metal gate on the left, and into the field.

Keep left, along the edge of the field, past a redundant stile to the point where the River Medway caresses the edge of the path. Adele noticed ripe hawthorn berries here, indicative of the season turning, and became enthralled by a community of long tailed tits for a few minutes.

It’s by a footbridge but will you spot it?

The Forest Way at Groombridge

Ashurst weir pool

The route continues in the same general direction, following the brown line in the grass towards a footbridge at the far end of the field. Another footbridge lies among the trees another 30m further on, and once through the gate on the far side of this footbridge, continue along the left periphery of the adjacent field to the next footbridge, cloaked in Himalayan balsam. Continue along the left side of the next field as far as the footbridge on the left.

Here, veer right, diagonally towards the telegraph pole, concrete bridge and final crossing of the River Medway. Across the adjacent meadow, follow the power lines to another concrete bridge over the Mottsmill Stream.

Continue past the concrete block, then aim towards the farmhouse and follow the power lines to the metal gate, with a stepped gate inserted within it, then take the track to the junction with Withyham Road.

Turn right towards the chevron, and walk with great care along the verge and around the corner for 100m, before crossing over

Adele caught between a rock and a hard place

to the blue sign for Groombridge and Eridge, to enter the Forest Way.

Walk through the wooded highway, then along the edge of the field with wide-open views, to the junction with Hendal Hill. Cross over with care and continue along the Forest Way, through a chicane beneath the railway, to the junction with Corseley Road.

Harrison’s Rocks Adele noticed ripe hawthorn berries and became enthralled by a community of long tailed tits

Turn left, and walk uphill, the only real climb of the day, easing around to the right at the top and walking as far as Groombridge St Thomas C.E. Primary School.

Take the footpath to the right of the school, through the kissing gate, down the steps, across the footbridge over the Spa Valley Railway, then up the other side and past the redundant kissing gate. Follow the path to the next gate, and then a gate that immediately precedes the junction with the drive.

Turn right and follow the drive downhill to the bottom of the car park. Turn left here, connect to the track, then turn right and follow the track into the meadow, over the small footbridge and as far as the kissing gate by the Harrison’s Rocks sign.

Once through the kissing gate, follow the path to the right, past sandstone

outcrops, beech trees with gnarled roots welded to the rock, and climbers testing their skills. 150m beyond the totemic pine, by the Copper beech, pass through the wooden 5-bar gate and rejoin the main path.

Turn left and walk gently downhill, around a wooden 5-bar gate, to the tarmac. Turn right and continue to the level crossing, crossing with care, when appropriate.

Once over the concrete bridge and Eridge Stream, turn left onto Forge Road and enjoy the solitude of the quiet lane for almost a mile, to the junction with the old A26, Groombridge Lane. Turn left and after a few steps Eridge Station reappears.

Time to head home? Maybe there’s time for quick one in the adjacent pub as Adele and I did. Happy rambling. l

Robert has tested the route personally, making sure it is suitable for walking. However, even he cannot guarantee the effects of the weather, or roadworks, or any other factors outside of his control. If you would like to send your feedback about a local walk, please email editorial@sussexliving.com

Distance: 7¼ miles Walk Time: 3-3¼ hours Stiles: 0 Kissing Gates: 1 Heritage Railways: 1 Sandstone Outcrops: Several Footwear: Trainers should be ok, but walking shoes or boots might be better Top Tip: We parked at Eridge Station and took the train to Ashurst Elevation Gain: 117m (387 feet) Calorie Burn: Approximately 720 kcal Map: O/S Explorer 135 Parking: Pay parking is available at Eridge and Ashurst stations www.apcoa.com Trains: See southernrailway.com

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