Beyond the Church: A Quiet Walk through Cuckfield’s Countryside

Mid Sussex Times June 1 1978

Some of the pleasures of living in Cuckfield lie just beyond its streets. Starting at Holy Trinity Church, this short circular walk leads past a pond, across hedged fields and down into a sheltered hollow before returning to the church. In two or three miles, it offers a pleasing sample of the countryside on the village’s doorstep.

The churchyard makes an atmospheric starting point. The church’s tall spire, the old gravestones and the views towards the South Downs invite a pause before setting off. Here, the village’s history and its landscape sit comfortably together.

Leaving through the south gate into Newbury Lane, the route turns towards Newbury Pond. Water brings a different quality to a walk: reflections, movement and a reason to stop and look. Depending on the season and the weather, the pond might catch a bright patch of sky or lie quietly beneath the surrounding greenery.

Beyond it, the path follows a hedge across the fields. These boundaries reward a little attention. In autumn, berries and turning leaves bring colour, while robins and blackbirds may make their presence known from the undergrowth. Even close to the village, there is room to slow down and become absorbed in small things.

The route reaches Copyhold Lane and continues towards Lodge Farm. From here, a track drops into a hollow before rising on the far side. This change of level gives the walk much of its character. Open ground gives way to a more enclosed setting, and the climb brings a fresh perspective on the countryside.

The old leaflet then directs walkers along an enclosed path across land marked as the former golf course. It is a reminder that the landscape has its own history of changing uses. Fields, paths and boundaries can retain traces of earlier lives long after their original purpose has passed.

A further field leads to a belt of trees and a descent towards a stream, crossed by a small concrete bridge. This is a natural place to linger: to listen for running water after rain, watch the leaves stirring overhead or simply enjoy the shelter of the hollow.

The return passes the sewage works and farm buildings, bringing the everyday working landscape into view. The final climb leads back towards Holy Trinity, where the church spire provides a satisfying sense of arrival.

The pleasure of this walk lies in its succession of modest discoveries. There is no need to cover a great distance to experience changing views, water, trees, open fields and the quiet rhythm of walking. In autumn sunshine, with leaves colouring the hedges and a coolness in the air, it could make a particularly rewarding hour or two.

The original leaflet suggests about an hour, although allowing longer would leave time to enjoy the surroundings. It describes several stiles and some uneven ground, and the lower paths may be muddy after rain. As the leaflet appears to be an older guide, walkers should check the route against a current map and follow present-day public footpath signs.

Mid Sussex Times June 1 1978