Some walks reveal how quickly a village can give way to countryside. This circuit, beginning beside Cuckfield’s church, promises just that: a journey through parkland, along woodland edges, across brooks and over fields, before the church comes into view again to guide the walker home.

The original leaflet suggests allowing three to four hours for its six-to-seven-mile route. That makes it a walk to enjoy at an unhurried pace, with time to notice the landscape rather than simply cover the distance.

Its opening is particularly appealing. Leaving the churchyard and crossing the A272, the walker descends to a brook before climbing into Cuckfield Park. There is something satisfying about this early change of surroundings: the village is still close, yet a footbridge, a rising path and the shelter of trees introduce a different rhythm.

The route skirts woodland, passes through a thicket and crosses another footbridge before reaching Wyllies in Deaks Lane. This succession of enclosed paths and more open ground is one of its pleasures. Woodland draws the attention towards small details—leaves, bark, roots and birdsong—while the fields offer space to look up and appreciate the lie of the land.

Beyond Deaks Lane, the walk continues towards Butlers Farm, Bishopstone and Leigh Manor. The names themselves give the leaflet much of its character. They describe a countryside organised around farms, houses, lanes and the paths connecting them. Following such a route encourages us to see the landscape as somewhere people have lived and worked, as well as somewhere to take exercise.

Towards Moonhill, the directions lead across fields, beside a small wood and towards Upper Ridges. Here, the repeated changes of level add interest. A climb brings a fresh perspective; a descent leads towards cottages or another stream crossing. There is always a new stretch of countryside unfolding ahead.

The walk would have a different atmosphere in every season. Spring invites attention to fresh growth along hedges and woodland margins. Summer offers contrasts between shaded paths and sunny fields. Autumn brings colour, fallen leaves and the earthy scent of damp woods, while winter reveals more of the landscape through bare branches.

The return provides a fitting ending. After passing towards Mackerell’s Cottage, the path descends to a footbridge and climbs towards the church, visible ahead. That familiar landmark gives the circuit a satisfying sense of completion: the walker returns to the village having discovered how much variety lies just beyond it.

Walk No. 10 celebrates the quieter attractions of the Sussex countryside. Its pleasures are the brook beneath a bridge, the shelter of a wood, the opening of a field and the sight of the church drawing nearer.

This article follows the historic leaflet. Paths, landmarks and road conditions may have changed; check a current rights-of-way map before walking. The original directions mention wet and muddy ground, and the route includes road crossings