- Distance – 5 miles
- Duration – 2 hours.
- Exertion – Medium, a few climbs.
- Terrain – path and track. Can be wet underfoot.
- Dogs – Be aware of livestock and keep to the countryside code.
- Map – OS Explorer 135 Ashdown Forest
- Start – The Cat Inn
- Refreshments – The Cat Inn
Starting at The Cat Inn, head out the village to the west. Heading off the road onto a small footpath.
As you walk along the field boundary you soon pass two large fields of solar panels. Shortly after you come to Chiddinglye house and farm. This has been used as a film location. Previous shoots include ‘O Fat White Woman’ (1971) and ‘The Alan Clark Diaries’ (2004). When you arrive at a road, go straight across and head for the Old House estate. Ironically being developed into 3 very new, eco friendly and partly sustainable houses (2019).
Follow the footpath through the estate, then heading over a number of fields. Deer are rife here too. Also some white deer, so keep your eyes peeled!
On arriving at the main road, take care as it is very busy and there is no pavement. Take the next track on your left to enter onto National Trust land.
This is Selsfield Common. Within the woodland is an old Roman road.
Exit the common and head up a hill. At the top of the hill head back down to arrive at the western side of Gravestye estate (featured in the West Hoathly walk II). Walk through a large pine woodland, over the small moat and then climb the hill that brought Gravestye back into view. It is a beautiful building but can look rather mystical and a little daunting in the english weather.
Climb up the hill to join a track and back into the village. Follow the road straight ahead to arrive back at The Cat.
