Mid Sussex Times June 8 1978

There is a particular pleasure in leaving Cuckfield on foot and finding yourself in countryside almost immediately. The second walk in this series begins at Holy Trinity Church and explores the landscape to the west and south: parkland, woodland edges, streams and working farmland, linked by paths that reveal how closely the village is connected to its rural surroundings.

The original leaflet describes a circuit of approximately three to four miles, taking about an hour and three quarters. Allow longer to enjoy the views and the quieter corners along the way.

From the church into the countryside

Before setting off, spend a few moments in the churchyard. Holy Trinity occupies a lovely position, with views towards the South Downs. It provides a fitting starting point for a walk that repeatedly exchanges enclosed, sheltered places for more open countryside.

The route leaves through the west gate, crosses the road and descends steeply towards a stream and footbridge before climbing into Cuckfield Park. That early dip and rise introduces one of the walk’s defining features: this is an undulating landscape, best appreciated at an unhurried pace.

At the stream, stop briefly and listen. Running water, birdsong and the movement of leaves can bring details into focus that are easily missed when walking and talking. After rain, the crossing may feel quite different from the same spot during a dry summer.

Along the woodland edge

Beyond the parkland, the route skirts the wood labelled “Walks Wood” on the old map, before passing through a thicket and descending to another footbridge.

Woodland margins reward close attention. Notice the change in light beneath the branches, the shapes of the trees and the contrast between shaded ground and the brighter field beyond. Look for small birds moving through the undergrowth, and listen for calls overhead.

Each season offers a different reason to linger. Spring brings fresh leaves and renewed birdsong; summer offers shade and the hum of insects. In autumn, turning foliage and fallen leaves give the path colour and texture, while winter reveals the branching structure of trees and views concealed during the growing season. These are things to watch for, rather than a promise of particular wildlife sightings.

The old directions then follow a hedge towards Wyllies and Deaks Lane. Hedges deserve more than a passing glance: their tangled stems, berries and sheltered recesses provide some of the most interesting details of a country walk.

Towards Ansty

Turning along Deaks Lane, the circuit reaches Ansty, where the original leaflet directs walkers across the road near the Green Man Inn and onto a farm track.

This section brings a change of atmosphere. After the wooded paths and stream crossings, the landscape opens into farmland. Follow the public route carefully, but take time to notice the arrangement of fields, hedges, tracks and farm buildings. Together they give the walk its character as a journey through a working countryside.

The leaflet names Ansty Farm and Mackrell’s Farm, useful reminders that the landscape has its own local vocabulary. Names on an old walking map can encourage us to look more closely at places we might otherwise pass without much thought.

Beyond Ansty Farm, the route turns into fields before heading towards Mackrell’s Farm. Where the outlook opens, pause and look back. A familiar landscape often becomes unexpectedly interesting simply because we are seeing it from another direction.

Across the stream and homewards

Passing Mackrell’s Farm on the right, the old route descends to another stream crossing before climbing towards Court House Farm.

The repeated movement downhill to water and uphill into fields gives this circuit a pleasing rhythm. Each crossing provides a natural stopping place; each climb gradually reveals the next stretch of countryside.

The final approach follows the route towards Court House Farm and then the farm road back towards the church. Watch for the church coming into view as you return. Having begun beside it, you can now appreciate its place in the wider landscape.

Much of this walk’s appeal lies in these modest changes of perspective: a stream below the path, a sheltered woodland edge, an opening between hedges, and the village approached across its surrounding fields.

A note for today’s walkers

This article follows the historic leaflet rather than a recently checked route. Its road labels, landmarks and references to gates, stiles and bridges may have changed. The original even mentions a broken stile—a reminder that it records conditions at a particular time.

Use a current public-rights-of-way map alongside it, follow present-day waymarks and take care at road crossings. Expect uneven ground, some steep slopes and potentially muddy sections beside streams. Keep dogs under close control around livestock.

With those preparations, this promises a rewarding way to explore the countryside on Cuckfield’s doorstep—and to enjoy the small details that make a familiar place worth discovering again.