Between East Grinstead and Groombridge, via Forest Row and Hartfield, East Sussex

Forest Way Country Park

route · Long-distance trail

Place photograph

6.6

Wildland

1–2 hours for a short out-and-back

Time

Check

Cost

Peaceful

Feel

WoodlandFarmlandHillsVillageWalkersCyclistsFamiliesYoung children

Why it's Wildland

6.6

A former railway line turned into a long, level green corridor through the High Weald, linking villages, fields and woodland between East Grinstead and Groombridge.

The Forest Way earns its place as a useful, wildlife-rich journey rather than a single viewpoint: its flat former-railway track threads through High Weald countryside, with a regenerated pond west of Hartfield and village stops along the way.

Peaceful · Big-sky

Find your way

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Between East Grinstead and Groombridge, via Forest Row and Hartfield, East Sussex

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The experience

Choose a short out-and-back from a suitable access point, or take on the full approximately 10-mile linear route between East Grinstead and Groombridge. The level surfaced track suits walking and cycling; remember it is shared with horse riders.

Things to do

Walk a section of the former railway

Follow the flat, surfaced traffic-free track through fields and wooded High Weald countryside.

Choose your own distance

Cycle the traffic-free route

The level path is described as suitable for families and less experienced or occasional cyclists. Share the route considerately with walkers and horse riders.

Choose your own distance

Look for wildlife at the restored pond

West of Hartfield, watch for damselflies and dragonflies, and possible glimpses of newts, toads and frogs.

Watch and listen for countryside wildlife

Among fields and woodland, look for swallows and badger tracks, and keep watch for deer and foxes.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–2 hours

A short Forest Way out-and-back

01
Choose a convenient access point on the Forest Way and check local access information before setting out.
02
Follow the flat, surfaced track through the countryside, turning back when you have had enough.
03
If starting near Hartfield, consider the stretch west of the village for the restored pond and its wildlife.

Half day · Half day

Make a half day of the Forest Way

01
Walk or cycle a chosen section of the level route rather than attempting the full length.
02
Pause at the restored pond west of Hartfield and look for pond life in warm weather.
03
Use Hartfield or Forest Row as a village stop; check local food and facilities before travelling.

Full Wildland day · Full day

The full Forest Way journey

01
Plan a point-to-point journey of approximately 10 miles between East Grinstead and Groombridge.
02
Arrange transport or a return plan before starting; the route passes through or close to Forest Row, Hartfield and Withyham.
03
Allow time for pauses along the former railway corridor and check current transport and access arrangements.

Verified history

The Forest Way follows a disused railway. The supplied East Sussex County Council page states that the railway opened in 1866 and was closed in 1966. The route now forms a green corridor through the countryside.

Hidden details

A pond returning to wildness — West of Hartfield, a restored pond has been allowed to regenerate naturally. In warm summer weather, the council notes damselflies, dragonflies, amphibians and birdsong.

The old railway beneath the trail — The route follows a railway opened in 1866 and closed in 1966; the former transport corridor now serves as a wildlife green corridor.

When to go

· A warm summer day for pond wildlife; otherwise choose a time that suits your planned distance and check conditions.

The sources describe wildlife activity at the restored pond on hot summer days but do not establish a more precise seasonal peak.

No specific weather guidance is supplied. Check conditions before setting out.

The route

surface: Flat, surfaced track along the route
distance: Approximately 10 miles (16 km), East Grinstead to Groombridge
difficulty: Flat route; suitable for walkers and less experienced or occasional cyclists
route shape: Linear; links with the Worth Way at the western end
start point: East Grinstead end: TQ402 376, Herontye Drive. Groombridge end: TQ528 365, Corseley Road.
parking start: Parking information is not confirmed. Check before visiting.
shorter alternative: Choose a section for an out-and-back walk or ride; exact section distances are not supplied.

Former railway corridor through the High Weald
Restored pond west of Hartfield
Fields, woodland and villages along the route
Link with the Worth Way at East Grinstead

Worth pairing with

Forest Row

A village along or close to the route; toilets are reported there by East Sussex County Council. Check current facilities before visiting.

Worth Way

The western end of the Forest Way links with the Worth Way, extending the route towards Three Bridges.

What to look for

West of Hartfield, look around the restored pond for damselflies and dragonflies, and watch for signs of newts, toads and frogs. Along the route, keep an eye out for birdsong, swallows and badger tracks.

The story

Railway: the line opened in 1866 and was closed in 1966, according to the supplied council source.

Best time to go

Year-round; warm summer days are especially good for observing pond life west of Hartfield.

For pond wildlife, try a hot summer day west of Hartfield. For a longer journey, choose a day with conditions that suit your pace and check the route before setting out.

How long to spend

1–2 hours for a short out-and-back; Full day for the complete route

Perfect for

Walkers · Cyclists · Families · Young children · Dogs · Wildlife lovers

Route at a glance

Duration

1–2 hours for a short out-and-back; Full day for the complete route

Terrain

Woodland, Farmland

Parking / start

Parking details are not confirmed. Check before visiting.

Practical information

Opening & access

A roughly 10-mile, flat, surfaced, traffic-free shared-use route along a former railway. Used for walking, cycling and horse riding. Check current access and route conditions before setting out.

Check before visiting

Parking

Parking details are not confirmed. Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Toilets are reported at Forest Row; check current availability before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dogs should be kept under control and in sight. Keep them on a lead on paths shared with cyclists or horse riders.

Accessibility

A flat, surfaced track runs along the route and the council describes it as accessible for disabled users. Conditions and access needs may vary; check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

A restored pond lies west of Hartfield. No swimming or paddling permission is evidenced.