Robertsbridge to Heathfield (optional extension to Uckfield).
Joint with Hampstead R.A.
moderate to fast pace undulating terrain
Route: Robertsbridge - Scadlands - Fullers Arms (long closed) Oxley's Green - The Tower - Mausoleum of Jack Fuller, Brightling - The Rotunda Temple, Brightling Park - The Sugar Loaf - Woods Corner - Glaziers Forge - Watkins Down - Jack Cade's Monument, Old Heathfield - All Saints' Church, Old Heathfield - Heathfield
Option to accompany walk leader onto Uckfield: Waldron - Blackboys - Uckfield, an extra 9 miles walking
Food: Lunch at The Swan Inn, Woods Corner, Heathfield TN21 9LB (01424 838242), after 7 miles, or picnic nearby.
Travel 09:08 London Charing Cross
Start 10:28 Robertsbridge
Ticket £8.80 single to Robertsbridge; 51 bus from Heathfield to Tunbridge Wells £4; £6.70 single Tunbridge Wells to London Charing Cross
This is the 1st stage (of 5) of a walk from Robertsbridge to South Harting, inspired by Hilaire Belloc's walk undertaken in 1902, and detailed in his book The Four Men: A Farrago. Sections of the route taken in 1902 were along "cart tracks" which are now roads. Consequently the route we will take will vary slightly from the 1902 route, but importantly we will pass by sights and villages and pubs detailed in the book.
The full first section is from Robertsbridge to Uckfield, although there is a convenient drop out point at Heathfield.
Thursday 30th October 1902: Belloc set off from The George Inn, Robertsbridge to the Fullers Arms for breakfast, then onto the Oberlisk and onto Heathfield. Journeyed onto BlackBoys and then onto Uckfield and took a cart towards Fletching spending the night in a hut in the forest.