Walks you can reach from Haywards Heath by train
Sussex · South East England | Walks by foot
MapA day hike is just a simple train journey away — plan your next day of green.
East Grinstead Station to Wivelsfield Station (Sussex)
4m direct from Haywards Heath.
31km. 7h30.
Hills, streams, ponds, heaths, mixed woodland rich in bluebells and wood anemones, pastures, and heathery commons with South Downs views. Mud and flood prone.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Burgess Hill Station to Hassocks Station (Sussex)
5m direct from Haywards Heath.
26km. 7h.
Rolling farmland, chalky downland, wooded copses, open hilltops, golf courses, picturesque villages, and panoramic South Downs ridge. Can be very muddy.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Balcombe Station Circular via Nymans (Sussex)
6m direct from Haywards Heath.
15km. Moderate ascents. 4h30–7h30.
A rambler favourite! Fields, woods, stream valleys, grassy hillsides, estate parkland, a fine old village, and stately home. Mostly secluded. Can be muddy.
Highlights: Nymans and the Ruins of Slaugham Place.
Lunch stops in Handcross (2h–3h in): Nymans café, the Red Lion, or JO.CO cafe.
End-of-walk reward: the Victory.
Balcombe Station Circular via Ardingly Reservoir (Sussex)
6m direct from Haywards Heath.
11km. Moderate ascents. 3h–5h30.
Highlights: Ardingley Reservoir.
Lunch stop: Ardingly Reservoir Activity Centre Café (1h30–3h in).
Balcombe Station to East Grinstead Station (Sussex)
6m direct from Haywards Heath.
17km. 5h.
Gentle wooded hills, muddy farm tracks, landscaped gardens, reservoir shoreline, open fields, and woodland paths. Can be very muddy.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Balcombe Station to Horsham Station (Sussex)
6m direct from Haywards Heath.
27km.
Wealden woods, farmland fields, streams, ponds, riverside nature reserve, and old market town. Can be very overgrown.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Uckfield Station to Balcombe Station (Sussex)
6m direct from Haywards Heath.
29km.
Linear walk through East Sussex countryside, villages, and farmland ending at Balcombe station.
A shorter variant of Uckfield to Pease Pottage – documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Hassocks Station Circular via Ditchling Beacon (Sussex)
9m direct from Haywards Heath.
Tough: steep ascents. 17km. 5h–8h30.
Quaint village, woods, and hilly. Can be muddy.
Highlights: Ditchling.
Lunch stops in Ditchling (1h–1h30 in): the White Horse, the Nutmeg Tree, or Ditchling Village. Other lunch stop: the Jack & Jill (3h–5h in).
End-of-walk reward: the Hassocks.
Fishersgate Station to Hassocks Station (Sussex)
9m direct from Haywards Heath.
Tough: steep ascents. 19km. 5h30.
Hill and moorland paths and with substantial climbs. Can be very muddy or boggy; Sections can be overgrown.
Documented by Railwalks — download GPX route
Hassocks Station to Lewes Station (Sussex)
9m direct from Haywards Heath.
17km. 5h30.
South Downs chalk grassland ridge, panoramic views to sea and inland, dew ponds, Iron Age fort, wooded climbs, riverside embankment, and historic town. Can be slippery.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Hassocks Station to Brighton Station (Sussex)
9m direct from Haywards Heath.
22km. 6h.
South Downs valleys, open chalk downland, ancient woods, parkland, university campus, suburban streets, and seafront. Can be muddy.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Hassocks Station to Plumpton Station (Sussex)
9m direct from Haywards Heath.
13km.
South Downs chalk grassland ridge, dew ponds, wooded descent, farmland paths, and racecourse. Can be muddy.
A shorter variant of Hassocks to Lewes – documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.