Walking in Crowborough
Although a bustling and thriving town centre, Crowborough is blessed with many nature reserves, parks and open spaces as well as being on the doorstep of the Ashdown Forest. If you want to make the most of the countryside, why not try some of these suggested walks? Whatever your fitness level, walking is one of the easiest ways to build fitness and boost mental health.
Visit the Parks and Open Spaces section on this website to find out more about the green spaces managed by Crowborough Town Council. This includes two outstanding nature reserves which are perfect for everything from a brisk stroll to a leisurely afternoon amble.
Crowborough Country Park (car park off Osborne Road, TN6 2HN)
This 7.15-hectare (18 acre) site is a former clay quarry which fed Crowborough brickworks until it closed in 1980. Evidence of the site’s industrial history can be seen by the many steep banks. The site’s circular trail takes in many features including two small bridges and pond with dipping platform. In addition, en-route you will pass a mosaic of different habitats for which the Country Park was designated a Site of Nature Conservation Interest.
The Ghyll (car park off either Silver Jubilee Recreation Ground or Burdett Road, TN6 2EG)
This 25-hectare (62 acre) site is just made for woodland walks. Formed of natural ghyll valleys with steep slopes and hidden streams. Take a walk through magical glades and tree-lined pathways, all the way to the open meadow at Silver Jubilee Recreation Ground. The Ghyll is made for adventuring and is perfect for viewing the many different insects and animals which make their home in this Local Nature Reserve.
Community Walking
Walking with a group can help you meet new people, build friendships, and provide a sense of community. When you commit to meeting up with a group, you’ll have the support of fellow walkers who can offer encouragement and motivation to keep you going. In addition, it’s helpful to be part of a local group who will explore various different local walks with a walk leader who will be able to guide and advise on each outing.
With a membership of around 250 in Crowborough area, the High Weald Walkers organise local walks of differing lengths during the week, all year round. To find out more visit their website.
TCV The Conservation Volunteers is a national conservation charity that has been connecting people and nature for 65 years. The Sussex office organise East Sussex Health Walks and 123 Walks which are free walking activities across the county.
123 Walks is also set up by The Conservation Volunteers. These are 1, 2 or 3 mile walks that are great for people who want to get into walking gradually. They are also suitable for families with small children with little legs who prefer a shorter route.
Another group of walkers meet in the south of Crowborough, every Monday from 9.30am at Adam Close culdesac for a walk around Walshes Park. Everyone is welcome, including dogs (children under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult).
Ashdown Forest
The Ashdown Forest inspired the Hundred Acre Wood that Winnie the Pooh and his friends live in. The stories of Winnie the Pooh are known globally, and if you go on an Ashdown Forest walk, you can see where it all began.
Ashdown Forest itself is actually much bigger than one hundred acres, closer to six and a half thousand acres in fact! It is the largest public open space in South East England. Perfect for a walk with the dog, an adventure with the kids, or just an enjoyable day out to get some fresh air.
If you don’t know the Forest, it is recommended to follow a mapped route or join a guided group. There are ten walks of 2-3 miles to choose from and, for the more adventurous hikers, there is a 14 mile circular route which visits the iconic Scots Pine clumps across the Forest. The walks leaflets and Forest map are available from the Forest Centre or Pine Grove in Crowborough or can be downloaded here. To enjoy a forest walk with the added interest of finding Pooh Bridge, you might like to follow this Ashdown Forest Walk.
East Sussex Circular Walks
East Sussex County Council have a selection of East Sussex circular walk information on their website which have Maps and route guidance. To help you find a local walk to follow, we have linked to the walks that are local to Crowborough below.
1-3 Mile Circular Walks
5-7 Mile Circular Walks
7-9 Mile Circular Walks
Longer Routes
For a longer (15 mile) walk across two counties, you might like to try the Sussex loop which has been mapped out by explorekent.org. This walk begins and ends in Tunbridge Wells, taking in Eridge and Groombridge on the way. Download the map and guidance here.
Online rights of way map
East Sussex County Council have an interactive map to view public rights of way in East Sussex and report any issues.
The map shows all of the public rights of way in the county, as well as the bridges, stiles, gates, steps and waymarks on those routes.