Haywards Heath Circular

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Clinging mud, commuter railways, golf courses, bluebell woods and fine public gardens: typical Sussex Weald. Not much happens in Haywards Heath but there has recently been the rare opportunity to observe the planting and development of a large, brand-new wood adjacent to an old-established coppiced wood. This walk starts at Paiges Wood and takes in the local landmarks of the Ouse Valley Viaduct and Ardingly Reservoir.

The famous bluebells are out in early May and are a stunning sight. Before starting the walk, consider taking some time to enjoy Blunts and Paiges Wood Nature Reserve. Although our way is to the right, the wood is more open and accessible to the left. Up and over the opposite bank of the stream is an area which only a few years ago I recall as waving with hip-high wheat. Now it is the newly planted wood with hip-high trees, possibly not as interesting as the old wood but a fine prospect for the future.

You can link this walk to Walk 3011.

Note: several years on and the new wood is pretty mature. As predicted there's no requirement to take the route at the end from Waymark 21, unless you want to go to the pub. You can just wander down through the wood instead. This has proved to be a fine bit of planting. However, I'll keep the instructions unchanged.

England - South England - West Sussex - Coast

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Industrial Archaeology, Lake/Loch, Mostly Flat, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Wildlife, Woodland
10/29/2014 - Paul and Tracy Dawson

Had a problem finding point 2, as the guide doesn't mention crossing back over the stream? Though once we figured that out, it's a super walk. Heavy under foot in places but with reservoir and The Ouse Valley viaduct you can get some fantastic photo's. Thanks Ian

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6.8 Miles
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