Set in the High Weald AONB this walk begins by heading to Pooh Bridge, made famous by A.A. Milne who lived at nearby Cotchford Farm. Look out for Winnie the Pooh and friends’ houses.
The walk through the countryside is peaceful and the forest is a stunning mix of heathland and woods. Gils Lap provides wide views across the South East.
The first section of the walk near the bridge can be popular, but once you turn away from Upper Hartfield the route is much quieter – apart from the paths around Gils Lap which is a popular viewpoint. The route comes close to houses at Newbridge Mill, please pass through here respectfully.
The route is mostly tracks and rough paths with some trodden paths across fields. Some sections can be quite muddy after extended periods of wet weather. There are a few short road sections which are mostly quiet, but pay extra attention on the road sections through Newbridge and Neaves Farm, as these can be a little busier at times.
There are no toilets on route, you can pop into the Ashdown Forest Visitor Centre (TQ 43211 32362), Wych Cross Garden Centre (TQ 42041 32040) or Morrisons in Crowborough (TQ 51489 31099) before you start, depending on which way you are approaching the route from.
There is no public transport to this route.
There is usually a food van at Gils Lap car park and sometimes at the Pooh Bridge car park. Lovely pubs a short detour away in Gallipot Street (TQ 47032 35021) or Coleman’s Hatch (TQ 45225 33420). Or pubs and other places to eat in Hartfield, Crowborough and Forest Row which you can travel to once you’ve completed the walk.
