A moderate- to fast-paced linear walk to Horsted Keynes (bus to East Grinstead) over undulating terrain led by David C (Mobile No: 07747 187036). Route: Uckfield –Fairhazel – Piltdown – Fletching – Furner’s Green – Latchett’s – Horsted Keynes. Lunch stop after 4½ miles at ‘The Griffin Inn’, Fletching TN22 3SS (Tel: 01825 722 890), or picnic nearby. Joint walk with Hammersmith, Fulham & Wandsworth Group. Map: E135, L199.
This is the first part of 'In the footsteps of Hilaire Belloc, Stage 2'. See separate entry for full 21 mile Stage 2 from Uckfield to Pease Pottage .
Check trains the day before. Buy Cheap Day Return to Uckfield (£22.90).
NOTE: This is the 2nd 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 second section is from Uckfield to Pease Pottage, although there is a convenient drop out point at Horsted Keynes.
Belloc took four days to complete the walk from Robertsbridge to South Harting, so we are already behind.
“Friday 31st October 1902: Set off early for Ardingly and then onto Tilgate to stop at the (Black) Swan Inn, Pease Pottage for some ale. Then onto St. Leonards Forest and Shelley Plain, Leonards Lee, Crabtree Inn, Crabtree to arrive just after 3pm at Little Cowfold. South towards Henfield to stop at an inn for a meal. After which took the Ashurst Road to spend the night in a barn. (Sent out to the Fountain Inn, Ashurst for bread, cheese and Steyning ale.)”