WALKING AND CYCLING
There is an abundance of local walks and cycling in the immediate
countryside, including the Cuckoo
trail, that follows the route of the old cuckoo line railway
that used to link Tunbridge Wells and Heathfield with the coast.
Discover the traditional wildflower meadows and iron workings
at Ashburnum, famous for it's iron blast furnace - the last one
in Sussex to be extinguished in 1813, perhaps taking time for
nourishment at The Ash Tree Inn, Brown Bread Street.
From tranquil gardens to the steep ascent of the South Downs,
the East Sussex Countryside has much to offer. The bridleways
of the South Downs offer some of the best walking and off road
cycling in the country. You can walk and cycle in most woods owned
by the Forestry Commission - Abbotts
Wood at Hailsham, Friston
Forest and Bedgebury
Pinetum are accessible.
Explore the shore walks of the Cuckmere Valley Nature Reserve
and the Seven Sisters Country Park where the estuary meanders
before reaching the sea between the chalk cliffs of Seaford Head
and the famous Seven Sisters. An unspoiled haven for cycling,
canoeing and for both serious or relaxed hikers.
The Ouse
Estuary Project has created a nature reserve at Newhaven,
with natural marsh and reed beds at the mouth of the River Ouse
- new cycleways and footpaths cross the area.
Bewl Water
between Wadhurst and Lamberhurst, the largest stretch of water
in the South-East is host to a huge variety of wildlife and also
offers windsurfing, fishing, waterside walking and cycling together
with a look-out restaurant.
Local
Walks and Cycling
East Sussex 2006 gives the detail of many rides and walks
in the locality. Cycles are available for hire at Hailsham and
Heathfield.
SPORTING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
Fishing on
the Coast or at the Trout Farm close by (course fishing,
by prior arrangement) or other local
fisheries.
Golf
Courses at Cooden Beach, Crowborough Beacon, Dale
Hill, Dewlands, East Sussex National,
Eastbourne, Highwoods, Holtye, Horam Park, Piltdown, Rye, Seaford,
Sedlescombe, Wellshurst and Willingdon.
Hang
Gliding & Paragliding on the South Downs.
Hot Air Balloon rides are available, leaving
from Borde Hill Gardens.
Polo at Brightling
and Cowdray
Park
Motor Racing at Goodwood
and Brands
Hatch
Horse Racing at Brighton,
Plumpton,
Lingfield, Fontwell,
Goodwood
and Folkestone
Showjumping and Dressage at
Hickstead
Tennis at Windmill Hill Tennis
Centre
Swimming on the coast or nearby
leisure centres
Water Sports, sailing, jet-skiing and wind-surfing
on the coast and Bewl
Water.
Local Farmers markets
take place in Heathfield, Tunbridge Wells and Hailsham, with 'Pick
Your Own' fruit at Tanyards Farm, Hooe, a 10 minute drive.
For those that wish, serious shopping at Eastbourne, Brighton,
Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tenterden, and outlet shops at Ashford.
Or perhaps, a day trip to Calais via Eurotunnel
or Eurostar
from Ashford to Lille, Brussells or Paris.
