Walks from Crawley

Recommended: Lovely walk through the various landscapes of the High Weald; really nice walk, varied in environment and rich in nature. A really nice, varied walk through the landscapes of the High Weald, crossing the Sussex Ouse Valley and skirting Ardingly Reservoir, through the bluebell woods of Cowdray and Tilgate Forests. Starts on main roads out of Crawley, then woodland, open farmland and some lane walking; the walking gets quite steep in places and with a holloway whose banks steepen. Easy to follow and quite direct. Crosses the Sussex Ouse Valley and the High Weald. Balcombe, roughly midway, has a high street with shops and a pub.

Woodland: half under tree cover.

Time: 5h–9h30

Lunch: Balcombe, roughly midway, offers a high street of shops and a pub.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A varied walk on footpaths and wide bridle paths and with a fine section crossing the wooded St Leonard's Forest. Generally well-traced and easy to follow. Can be shortened by catching the train from Ifield station.

Woodland: half under tree cover.

St Leonard's Forest: An expansive forest of ancient woodland between Horsham and Crawley.

Time: 4h–7h30

1 lunch spot: the Dragon

Warnings: Short sections into and out of Colgate village follow a narrow verge along a road that is busy at times.

Walk details: Slow Ways.