Itineraries:
Countryside
Day one
As you cross the Romney Marshes, you will enjoy the sight of thousands of sheep grazing the salt marshes (even more delightful in early spring after lambing). Around Appledore the fruit orchards are spectacular in blossom-time. If you approach Hastings from the direction of Newhaven, you will find yourselves travelling through the rolling South Downs, the turf-covered chalk hills which form the backbone of East Sussex.
At the eastern end of Hastings lies the Country Park: 300 acres of unspoilt countryside running along the cliffs. The valleys ('glens') that run down to the sea are clothed in ancient woodland, giving a tremendous display of woodland flowers in spring. There is an excellent interpretive centre at the entrance near Fairlight Church.
For a complete change of scene, spend the afternoon at Eastbourne's Beachy Head Countryside Centre and discover the fascinating flora, fauna and geology of the South Downs. Or join the Downland Ranger on one of his informative guided walks, and discover an intriguing world of nature beneath the rocks or in the skies. After your walk, you can quench your thirst and enjoy a hearty meal in the comfortable surroundings of the pub and restaurant at the top of Beachy Head. The famous white chalk cliffs rise majestically to more than 535ft above sea level.
Day two
Park near Polegate and follow the traffic-free route 'The Cuckoo Trail'. This route is an ideal choice for walking, cycling or horse-riding. It winds through 16 kilometres of beautiful Wealden countryside, following what was once a railway line linking Polegate, Hailsham, Horam and Heathfield. (Bike hire possible.)
Lovers of steam engines are recommended to take the A272/ A275 to Sheffield Park Station, from where the Bluebell Railway operates throughout the year. There is no better way to enjoy a leisurely journey through the heart of the Sussex Weald - and not only in bluebell time.
Day three
Spend a day by Bewl Water, the South East's largest lake, near Lamberhurst. The peaceful rural landscape of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers miles of lakeside walks - or you can take a cruise aboard the beautiful 1922 wooden passenger ferry. Enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch or snack at The Look-Out Restaurant with panoramic views across the lake. Also available here: trout fishing, sailing, wind-surfing and cycling.
See also:
Seaford Head Nature Reserve, Brighton : a coastal nature reserve.
Stoneywish Country Park, Lewes.
Ditchling Common, Lewes :a South Downs nature trail.
Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down: a working woodland, with trails that explain how the wood is grown and used.
1066 Country Walk: a well signposted walk that runs from Pevensey to Rye, with spurs to Bexhill and Hastings.
The Museum of Rural Life at Robertsbridge.
