off the cuckoo trail - east sussex€¦ · welcome to circular cycle rides – off the cuckoo...

Off theCuckoo TrailCircular Cycle Rides

Welcome to Circular Cycle Rides – Off theCuckoo Trail, an opportunity to explore bybike the varied landscape and interestinghistory of the heart of East Sussex.

How to use this guideThere is a map for each ride, with notes anddirectional tips marked on it. The rides are circular socan be ridden in either direction, but a recommendeddirection is shown. Some rides overlap so you canlink them up to make longer rides if you wish to bemore energetic. Short cuts are also shown for thosewho have bitten off more than they can chew! Therides are mainly on-road with some off-road sections,generally along bridleways with a good surface; inwinter these sections may not be suitable andalternative on road routes are recommended. Approximate distances and estimated time for eachride are shown, but weather, fitness, speed, mapreading ability and puncture stops must be taken into

account when planning your day.We recommend that you use this guide in conjunctionwith OS Landranger 199; 1:50000, (or you will needfour of the 1:25000 Explorer maps).Please note that there is no specific waymarking ofthe rides on the ground, although some of the ridesdo follow the National Cycle Network (NCN) for somesections. Look out for route 2 and route 21 NCNwaymarks.

Getting therePolegate railway station has good regular services toLondon, Brighton and Hastings and is just a quarterof a mile from the Cuckoo Trail. Buxted station is 21/2

miles from Hadlow Down on Ride 3, and Stonegatestation is 1 mile from Ride 4. Please take advantageof this and leave your car at home. Bikes are carriedfree on trains throughout the Southern region (at thetime of writing).

Cycle hire Bikes are available for hire from Cuckmere CycleCompany, Seven Sisters Country Park, Exceat, Seaford:telephone 01323 870310. They also hire out rear cyclecarriers for cars.

Cycle shopsParts, accessories and repairs available from CycleRevival, Hailsham Rd, Heathfield 01435 866118, M & S Accessories George St, Hailsham 01323 845409and Kontour Cycles, Station Rd, Polegate 01323 482368

Will I make it?The rides are graded Easy, Moderate and Hilly. They havebeen chosen to use safer, quieter roads as far as possiblebut there are certain sections and crossings where extremecaution is required. These are indicated on the maps by ared warning triangle It may be appropriate to get offyour bike and use the footway where available.Use of narrow country lanes – cyclists are advised to ridein single file, plan the ride to avoid poor light or badweather, wear conspicuous clothing and be prepared toavoid oncoming motorists. We recommend that an adultaccompanies children under 16.

Good cycling code• Wear bright clothing• Wear a helmet• Do not race and warn of your approach• Be courteous and considerate to others• Be self-sufficient and make sure your bike

is safe to ride• Off-road give way to walkers and horse riders• Follow the country code

Can I use a “road” bike on the rides?Rides 1 & 2The off-road sections along Ogg’s Lane and HempsteadLane can be muddy.

Rides 3, 4 & 5Some off-road sections that are not suitable for road bikeshave an alternative on-road route (the off-road sectionsare typical bridleways with soft or loose ground in places).

Public Rights of WayBridleways (often waymarked in blue) can be

used by walkers, horseriders and cyclists

Byways (often waymarked in red) can be used

be used by walkers, horseriders, cyclists and

motor vehicles

Footpaths (often waymarked in yellow) can be

used by walkers, but cycling is NOT allowedCuckoo

Trail

Ride 1

Ride 2

Ride 3Ride 4

Ride 5

Ride 6

Polegate

Hailsham

Horam

Heathfield

© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100019601. 2008

Abbots Wood (Forestry Commission)360 hectares of mixed woodlandgifted by Henry I to Battle Abbeyand once overseen by the Abbott(hence its name). Ancient ditchesand banks can still be seen. Thecoppice areas support rare dormiceand pearl-bordered fritillaries. Cyclingis permitted on all surfaced pathsthrough the wood. There is a picnicarea, lake and two waymarkedwalks.

Arlington Bluebell Walk & Farm TrailOnly open during the Bluebellflowering season – normally endApril to mid May. There are eightdifferent walks over three farms andancient woods to enjoy. See thecows milked from 3–5pm daily. Lightrefreshments available. Tel: 01323485152. Admission charge.

Arlington ChurchVery old church dating from Saxontimes, with pieces of a Romanbuilding in the walls. Excavateditems on display inside. Remains ofsunken village site immediatelyadjacent to west.

Arlington ReservoirThe peaceful area surroundingArlington Reservoir has beenmanaged with conservation in mindsince it was built 30 years ago. It isnow an award winning Local NatureReserve. Its tranquillity is preservedby allowing only fishing, walking,birdwatching and picnicking asrecreational activities. The 4kmOsprey Trail around the perimeterhas waymarkers providing facts andinformation about the surroundinghabitat and wildlife.

Charleston Farmhouse (between Firleand Selmeston)Home of Vanessa Bell (sister toVirginia Woolf ) and Duncan Grantfrom 1916 until Grant’s death in1978. This farmhouse was frequentedby their friends, who came to beknown as The Bloomsbury Set.These artists, writers andintellectuals created their ownceramics and textiles and decoratedthe farmhouse with their owndesigns, influenced by Italian frescopainting and post-impressionist art.Tel: 01323 811265. Admission charge.

Berwick Church – has murals by theBloomsbury Set.

Drusillas Park – (Alfriston)Award-winning and highly acclaimedDrusillas is widely regarded as thebest small zoo in Britain. A fun dayout for all the family with low-levelviewing and disabled accessthroughout. Zoolympics trail, Panningfor gold, Thomas & Friends™ trainrides, Wacky Workshop, JungleAdventure Golf and AdventurePlaygrounds. Tel: 01323 874100.Admission charge.

English Wine Centre – (Alfriston)Historic Barn and Wine Museum andshop stocking a large range ofEnglish wine, fruit wines and ciders.Also sells ‘Taste of Sussex’ regionalproduce. Tastings available. Tel: 01323 870164. Free admission.

Old Loom MillSee Ride 6.

Ride 1 – Abbots Wood and Arlington

Arlington Reservoir

To start the ride, leave the Cuckoo Trail at Hawks Road bridge. Turn right attop of ramp, then straight on at mini roundabout into Hempstead Lane.

PolegateStn

ArlingtonReservoir

DrusillasZoo Park

English WineCentre

BerwickChurch

ArlingtonChurch

ToCharlestonFarmhouse

FarmTrail

MichelhamPriory

AbbotsWood

WC

WCWC

Polegate

Hailsham

Selmeston

Chalvington

UpperDicker

Ripe

Wickstreet

Arlington

BerwickStn

Cuck

oo

Trail

Langtye

Lane

Common Lane

A27

A22

A27

A22

Hemps

tead

Lane

Robin

Post

Lane

Old LoomMill

Ogg's Lane

Polegate by-pass

A2

67

B2104

Layby

S o u t hD o w n s

Dismount anduse pavement

Followto

Cuckoo Trail

Ride 1

Map not drawn to scale

18 miles (about 3 hours) – Easy

2

2

2

The off-road sectionsalong Ogg’s Lane andHempstead Lane canbe muddy.

Attraction

ToiletsWC

Route of Ride

Off-road section

Alternative route

National Cycle Network (NCN)

Ride follows NCN Route

2

Pub

ShopTouristInformation

Car park

ChurchCaution Tea shop

Leave the trail atHawks Road bridge.Turn right at top oframp, straight on atmini roundabout intoHempstead Lane.

TheLamb

Yew TreeInn

BarleyMow

BerwickInn Yew Tree

InnTurn right atfarm crossingtowardsLakeside Farm

Turn left intobridleway atfarm

P

P

P

P

Old OakInn


Michelham PrioryEngland’s longest water-filled moatguarded by a 14th-century gatehouseencloses the remains of an AugustinianPriory. The Priory incorporates a Tudormansion, gardens, working watermill,physic herb and cloister gardens,smithy, rope museum and anElizabethan Great Barn. Special eventsand children’s workshops. Restaurant.Open Easter to October Wed – Sunfrom 10.30 am. Tel: 01323 844224.Admission charge.

Chiddingly ChurchMarvellous memorial to the Jefferayfamily, important nationally for itsquality of carving and in a uniquestyle. 130 feet high stone spire saidto be the best in Wealden.

Mohair Centre – (Brickfield Farm,Laughton Road, Golden Cross)Children’s farm with Angora goatsand other farm animals. There is aholiday club and adult craft classes.Tel: 07901 595789

Leave the Cuckoo Trail at Horam High Street. The ride passes through somelovely villages (with excellent pubs!) and undulating hills between Chiddinglyand Horam.

Horam ManorFarm Museum houses fascinatingfarming bygones. Tearoom, horseriding, fishing and four marked naturetrails between 1 and 2.5 miles.Tents/caravans welcome, 90 pitches.Open March 1st to October 31st. Tel: 01435 813662. Admission charge.

Hidden Spring Vineyard – (Horam) Organic orchard walk and vineyardshop. Picnics welcome. Saturdaysonly April to September. Caravanpitches. Tel: 01435 812640. Free admission.

Michelham Priory

Ride 2 – Michelham Priory and Low Weald

ArlingtonReservoir

MichelhamPriory

HoramManor

HiddenSpring

ChiddinglyChurch

MohairCentre

WC

Hailsham

Horam

Chalvington

GoldenCross

MuddlesGreen

HaleGreen

Chiddingly

UpperDicker

Lower Dicker

Ripe

Wickstreet

Arlington

A22

A267

Cuckoo

Trail

Hemps

tead

Lane

Layby

A22

A271

B2124

B2

203

Ride 2 18 miles (about 3 hours) – Moderate


Ride 2 P

P

P

HoramInn

MayGarland

SixBells

Yew TreeInn

The GoldenCross

ThePlough

Old OakInn

Off-roadsection canbe muddy.

Leave the Trailat Horam High

Street.

Dismountand use

pavement

Attraction

ToiletsWC

Route of Ride

Off-road section

Alternative route



2

Pub


Car park

Church

Caution

Tea shopP

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Selwyns Wood – Sussex Wildlife Trust,11 hectaresFollow a sign at the entrance to thetrack off Fir Grove Road, (leave bikeshere as only access on foot ispermitted). At this nature reservemuch of the woodland is sweetchestnut coppice, typical of EastSussex. In open areas, acid soil lovingflowers including heather, tormentil,goldenrod and broom can be found.Areas of oak, hazel, hornbeam andcherry were planted after the 1987storm; here dormice scamper throughthe understorey looking forhoneysuckle – a favourite food.

Wilderness Wood – (Hadlow Down)25 hectares of beautiful workingwoodland with walking trails,exhibition, childrens’ play area, shop& teas. Tel: 01825 830509. Admissioncharged to woodland.

Cabbages and Kings – (Hadlow Down)Contemporary garden developed bydesigner Ryl Nowell to demonstratethe art of garden design and torealise the full potential of their owngardens. Tel: 01825 830552.Admission charge.

Ride 3 – Wilderness Wood and High WealdLeave the Cuckoo Trail at Heathfield car park. The High Weald rides areconsiderably hillier than the Low Weald. This ride passes through leafy lanesand right past two woods open to the public.

MayfieldThis charming village is set in thebeautiful High Weald and is one ofthe most ancient in Sussex. It offersa good range of tearooms, shopsand pubs.

Lane near Maynard’s Green

SelwynsWood

HeathfieldLeisureCentre

MarklyWood

WildernessWoodCabbages

and KingsA267

B2203

A265

A272

A267

Nursery L ane

Horam

Mayfield

Heathfield

LionsGreen

Roser'sCross

BeaconDown

Hadlow Down

Five Ashes

ButchersCross

Waldron

Maynard'sGreen

Nort

hSt

Cuck

oo

Trail

Wilderne

ssLa

ne

Marklye

Lane

Newick

Lane

Fir Grov

e Road

BuxtedStn

Uckfield

London

Fir Toll Close

Fir Toll Road

Riverside

Warren

Lane

TubwellLane

WestSt

La

Hanging

Birch Lane

B2192

Ride 3 15 miles (about 3 hours) – Hilly


21

21

Off-road section.

P

NewInn

TheStar

Rose & CrownCarpenters ArmsMiddle House Hotel

Prince ofWales

TheCrown

Runt-in-Tun

FiveAshes

Attraction

ToiletsWC

Route of Ride

Off-road section

Alternative route



2

Pub


Car park

Church

Caution

Tea shopP

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Heathfield Town (Market Chartergranted by Edward II in 1316)Old Heathfield was the originallocation of the village, which becamewell known in 16th and 17thcenturies for its iron industry. Thenew town developed with therailway in the 19th century. Banks,shops, antiquities, supermarkets,tearooms, public houses andrestaurants are all available. Twice-weekly market Tuesday andSaturday. Cuckoo Fair (April), Tour deHeathfield Cycle event (June/July) andLe Marche (the Anglo-French streetmarket August Bank HolidayMonday).

MayfieldSee Ride 3.

Bateman’s – (Burwash)Home of writer Rudyard Kipling, this17th century Ironmaster’s housecontains many manuscripts andpersonal possessions of the author.A restored watermill sits at thebottom of the beautiful garden. Lightrefreshments available. Tel: 01435882302. Admission charge.

Ride 4 – Brightling and High Weald Hills Leave the Cuckoo Trail at Heathfield car park. The longest of our rides takesyou along some lovely long narrow lanes. But beware as the route is hilly andthere are no pubs or shops on the section between Heathfield and Burwash.

Brightling NeedleOne of Fuller’s follies, constructedduring the early 19 Century by JohnFuller, squire of Brightling. TheNeedle is 65 feet high and standsat one of the highest points in EastSussex at 646 feet above sea level.It is believed it was built tocelebrate Wellington’s victory overNapoleon in 1815. As the Needle ison private land, please view onlyfrom the roadside.

Hidden Spring Vineyard – (Horam) Organic orchard walk and vineyardshop. Picnics welcome. Saturdaysonly April to September. Caravanpitches. Tel: 01435 812640. Free admission.

Warbleton Church – 13th to 15thcentury. Ironwork by and monumentto Richard Woodman, later burnt atthe stake at Lewes. ExcellentSquire’s Pew on pillars above rest ofchurch.

Sugar Loaf – Another of Fuller’sfollies. Reputedly built one night towin a drunken wager that Fullercould see Dallington church fromhis lawn, the Sugar Loaf replicatesthe spire of the church.

The Sugar Loaf, Brightling

StonegateStn

Hastings

London,Tunbridge Wells

Bateman's

BrightlingNeedle

HeathfieldLeisureCentre

HiddenSpring Old

pump

The SugarLoaf

Old MillFarm

Mar

klye

Lane

Old MillFarm

HawksdenPark Wood

DudwellBridge

WC

Wood'sCorner

Churches Green

RushlakeGreen

BinsFarm

MaynardsGreen

OldHeathfield

VinesCross

Warbleton

Dallington

NettlesworthPlace

WarbletonChurch

Cuck

oo

Trai

l

B2096

Horam

Heathfield

Mayfield

Burwash

BurwashWeald

WitherendenHill

A265

New

ick

Lane

Picc a

dilly

Lane

WC

Spring Lane

Furnace

Lane

Ride 4 24 miles (about 5 hours) – Hilly


21

21

Off-roadsection.

TheSwan

Horseand

Groom

Warblein Tun

TheStarRunt-

in-Tun

TheCrown

TheBellRose &

Crown

TheBear

BrewersArms

Attraction

ToiletsWC

Route of Ride

Off-road section

Alternative route



2

Pub


Car park


PP


Herstmonceux Castle This breathtaking 15th-century moatedcastle is set within 500 acres ofparkland and gardens (including anElizabethan Garden) and is ideal forpicnics and woodland walks. Giftshop and tearooms. Tel: 01323833816. Open April to November.Admission charge.

Observatory Science CentreWith more than 100 indoor andoutdoor exhibits, Herstmonceux’s

hands-on approach puts theemphasis on doing and finding outfor yourself and is one of thecountry’s leading science centres. Itis located in the grounds ofHerstmonceux Castle and is theformer home of the GreenwichObservatory. Holiday and half-termactivities for children and viewingevenings. Tel: 01323 832731. Opendaily. Admission charge.

Herstmonceux church – Impressivechurch with splendid views throughtrees to Pevensey Levels.

Ride 5 – Herstmonceux and Cowbeech Leave the Cuckoo Trail at Horebeech Lane, Horam. This ride follows somelovely lanes to Herstmonceux with its castle and Science Centre.

Herstmonceux trug makers – Viewthe craftsmen at work making thesefamous trugs. Unique to Sussex,these unusual boat shaped basketscome in a range of designs. Theworkshops are usually open forviewing. The Truggery tel: 01323832314.

Park Wood – (Hellingly)A peaceful, semi-natural woodlandcovering 60 hectares, this beautifulwood offers something of interest allyear round: bluebells in the spring, a sheltered haven in the summerand a feast of fungi in the autumn.Woodland walks. Tel: 01273 482670.

Hellingly Church – Large church oncircular ancient mound towering oversurroundings. Fine roof.

View from Tilley Lane

HellinglyChurch

TilleyBridge

TheTruggery

Science Centre

Park Wood

Hospital

Herstmonceux Castle

A271A271

Church RoadHailsham

Hellingly Herstmonceux

Horam

MarleGreen

Cowbeech

Bodle Street Green

WindmillHill

GoldenCross

GingersGreen

StuntsGreen

Cowbeech Hill

Cucko

oTrail

HorebeechLane

Ham

mer Lane

WC

Tille

yLa

ne

New Road

Cowd

en Hall Lane

Crick

etin

gLa

ne

Ride 5 19 miles (about 3 hours) – Moderate

Caution alongmain road

Off-road sectionwith steps – not

suitable for road bikes.

WhiteHorse

MerrieHarriers

HorseshoeInn

Leave the trailat Horebeech

LaneBridleway toNorth Corner

Attraction

ToiletsWC

Route of Ride

Off-road section

Alternative route



2

Pub


Car park


P

Follow the 1066Country Walk from theold car park beyondthe turn off to thecastle. A bridlewaywith steps and roughin places can befollowed for 1km tothe church where yourejoin the road.

P

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Pevensey LevelsThis area was formed by a build up ofshingle across a wide bay, which wasreclaimed in the Middle Ages to createa broad plain of pasture land withdykes and isolated farms. Now aninternationally important wetland forwildlife.

Old Mint HouseA 14th-century mint house, on the siteof which coins were minted as longago as 1076. Now an antiques show-room. Open all year Mon-Fri 9.30-5.Sat 10.30-3.30. Tel: 01323 762337.Guided tours. Admission charge.

Pevensey CastleRemains of a large Roman Saxonshore fort within which the Normansbuilt a castle. Extensive remainsincluding the towers, dungeon, keepand chapel remain. Special events areorganised in the summer. Tel: 01323 762604. Free admissionexcept to the Keep.

Old Loom Mill – HailshamSituated on the B2104 just outsideHailsham and on the Cuckoo Trailmidway between Hailsham andPolegate, the mill offers wool andmaterial for sale all year round.There is also a craft hall. Teashopopen seven days 10-4.30. Tel: 01323 848007.

Chilley Farm, Farm Shop – Rickney.See the pigs, lambs and wildfowl.Local produce and cafe. Toilets.Open Tues-Sat 10-4, Sun 10-1. Tel 01323 768836.

Hailsham Town (Market Chartergranted by Henry III in 1252)Small, prosperous market townfamous for its rope industry. Farmersproduce and craft market held on2nd Saturday of each month.Livestock Market every Monday &Tuesday 9am-1pm. (One of the fewremaining livestock markets in thesouth). General market Fridays. Allmajor banks and building societies,shops, public houses, tearooms.Award winning Hailsham OldPavilion, restored cinema andtheatre.

Freedom Leisure Centre – HailshamSituated near the town centre, theleisure centre offers a variety ofactivities including leisure pool andwaterslide, aerobics classes, bowling,soft play and fitness centre. Thereare also activities for children of allages and a holiday club. Tel: 01323 846755.

Hellingly Church and Park Wood –see route 5.

Ride 6 – Pevensey and the Levels Leave the Cuckoo Trail at Station Road, Hellingly. This ride crosses thelevels to Pevensey where the castle is well worth a visit.

Pevensey Castle

PolegateStn

HellinglyChurch

GlyndleyManor

ChilleyFarm

Old LoomMill

WC

WC

WC

Park Wood

LeisureCentre

Old MintHouse

PevenseyCastle

Polegate

Hailsham

Hellingly

Pevensey

PevenseyBay

MaghamDown

Rickney

Westham

Hankham

NewBridgeCucko

o Trail

P e v e n s e y L e v e l s

A271A2

95

A22

A27

A259

Polegate by-pass

B2191

Peelings Lane

B2104

Shepham La

ne

New Road

Hospital

Ride 6 19 miles (about 3 hours) – Easy


Dismount anduse pavement

2

2

21

The SmugglersThe Royal Oak & Castle

The Pevensey CastlePriory Court Hotel

Attraction

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Car park

Church

Caution

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View from Wood’s Corner

Cuckoo Trail Ranger01273 [email protected]

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If you would like ourinformation in large print, inbraille, on audio tape or inanother language, pleasecontact 01273 481654 or visiteastsussex.gov.uk

off the cuckoo trail - east sussex€¦ · welcome to circular cycle rides – off the cuckoo...

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