The best walks and hikes around Forest Row

Yes, many trails in the area are loops. For a shorter, easy walk that includes some local history, the Brambletye House loop is an excellent choice, taking you past the ruins of a 17th-century manor.

Ashdown Forest offers a unique hiking experience on a large expanse of open heathland and ancient woodland. You can expect varied terrain with rolling hills and breathtaking views. The area is famous for being the setting of the Winnie-the-Pooh stories, and you can visit iconic spots from the books. Be aware that you may need to pay for parking in most car parks within the forest.

The Forest Way Country Park is perfect for families. It's a flat, traffic-free path that follows a disused railway line, making it safe and accessible for walkers of all ages and abilities. There are picnic benches along the route for breaks.

Forest Row is very dog-friendly. The wide-open spaces of Ashdown Forest and the paths along the Forest Way Country Park are particularly well-suited for walking with dogs. As always, please keep your dog under control, especially near wildlife and livestock.

Yes, for those seeking a more strenuous day out, there are several challenging routes. The Brambletye House Ruins – Brambletye Bridge loop is a difficult, 12.4-mile (20 km) hike that explores the wider countryside with significant elevation gain.

The landscape is classic High Weald countryside, known for being one of the best-surviving medieval landscapes in Northern Europe. Expect a picturesque mix of rolling hills, ancient woodlands, open heathland, and paths alongside the Weir Wood Reservoir. The views are particularly expansive from the higher ground in Ashdown Forest.

Many routes pass through or near villages with traditional pubs. A great option is the Gravetye Manor – Kingscote Wine Estate loop, which starts near Saint Hill Manor and takes you through beautiful Wealden countryside, with opportunities for refreshments nearby.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the beautiful mix of woodland and open heath, the well-maintained paths, and the peaceful atmosphere of the High Weald.

Ashdown Forest is the real-life Hundred Acre Wood. You can find several 'Pooh Walks' that lead to places like the 'Enchanted Place' and the real Poohsticks Bridge. These trails offer a magical experience for fans of the books. In 2026, the forest will host special events for the centenary of the first book's publication.

For an easy and rewarding walk, consider the Bluebell Railway – Kingscote Wine Estate loop from Sharpthorne. This short trail offers a chance to see the historic steam trains of the Bluebell Railway while enjoying the local scenery.

The terrain is varied. You'll find everything from flat, easy paths like the Forest Way to muddy tracks through woodlands and across fields. Some routes in Ashdown Forest involve steeper climbs on open heathland. It's always a good idea to wear sturdy, waterproof footwear.

While the region features beautiful waterways like the River Medway and Weir Wood Reservoir, prominent waterfalls are not a key feature of the hiking trails directly around Forest Row. The beauty of the area lies more in its rolling hills, forests, and heathland.