High Weald Walking Festival 2026

The programme for this year’s High Weald Walking Festival is now live, offering nine days
of wonderful walking in one of England's finest protected landscapes.
Between 12 and 20 September there will be 80 guided and self-guided walks taking place
all across the High Weald. Whether you are new to countryside walking, looking for a family-
friendly nature walk or a rewarding 13-mile hike, there's something to suit every age, interest
and ability. It’s also a great way to learn more about the history and wildlife of the High
Weald and meet new friends along the way.
All of the walks are free. Many operate on a turn up on the day; basis, while some require
advance booking via the Walking Festival website.
Discover places few people get to see
The festival is a chance to experience the High Weald from a fresh perspective, with walks
led by local experts, historians, ecologists, archaeologists and countryside specialists.
This year's programme includes:
 Walks from railway stations, making it easy to leave the car behind, with routes
starting from East Grinstead, Balcombe and Robertsbridge stations.
 Nature and wildlife walks, exploring everything from the South East's newest
nature reserve at Ironhurst Valley and the rare mosses of Fairlight Glen to Rye
Harbour Nature Reserve, valley bogs, glow-worm habitats and the story of the pine
marten.
 History and archaeology walks, following ancient routeways, forgotten railways
and iron industry sites, or joining archaeologists to search for evidence of prehistoric
hunter-gatherers who lived in the High Weald more than 8,000 years ago.
 Exclusive access walks, including guided visits to Wadhurst Park and Gravetye
Estate, where you'll hear first-hand about landscape restoration, wildlife and
conservation.
 Evening and dark skies experiences, with a special guided walk beneath the stars
at Bewl Water to explore the constellations and the importance of protecting our dark
skies.
 Wellbeing walks, offering a gentler pace through some of the High Weald's most
beautiful landscapes, with opportunities to relax, connect with nature and meet new
people.
 Walks for all abilities, from easy one-mile introductions to walking and family-
friendly heritage trails through to challenging 13½-mile hikes across some of the High
Weald's most spectacular countryside.

A landscape made for walking
With more than 2,500km of public rights of way, the High Weald is one of the South East's
finest walking landscapes. Ancient woodland, sandstone outcrops, hidden gill streams,
rolling farmland, historic routeways and picturesque villages combine to create a landscape
where every walk tells a different story.
Now in its ninth year, the much-loved walking festival brings together the High Weald
National Landscape team, local Ramblers groups and a wide range of partners, including
Forestry England, RSPB, Kent and Sussex Wildlife Trusts, Ashdown Forest Conservators,
Groundwork South, the William Robinson Gravetye Charity, Wadhurst Park and many
others.
The festival is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy and celebrate the stunning High Weald.
Everyone is welcome, and we’d love you to join us!
Browse the full programme and book your walks at www.highwealdwalks.org