Waddling around Wadhurst

The Greyhound Pub

Just over the border of Kent into West Sussex is the village of Wadhurst, a place I do not remember passing through although I must have done at one time.  The change from Kent to Sussex was apparent when not so much by the county sign as the change in building style and the countryside becoming more wooded, the hedgerows less battered by indiscriminate slashing and the road signposts.  Sussex likes black and white finger posts, a different style of footpath sign and in general seems to be a little more spruce.  We like it.

With the borrowed dog asleep in the back of the car we drifted through Wadhurst to look for what we thought might be a more interesting place but we turned around instead and went back to park in the village. Note the car park was free.  Kent charge like a wou


nded bull yet here we were with plenty of room and a chance to stay all day.  Bonus, a good pub on the corner that welcomed the dog.  Good food and Harvey's ale too.  I think it was called The Greyhound but it was the one opposite Blacksmith's Lane.

Cook's Sign

We went for a walk around the village for a couple of hours and discovered a peculiar trait with the tall chimney stacks - they curved!  In fact the place was a veritable forest of chimney stacks,  most attractive and some rather odd but worth a look. Excellent brickwork and typical of what we have seen in Sussex.

The spired church dominates the village acting as a focal point for the walker and although the trip was to Wadhurst there is Durgates and Sparrows Green to take into account as worth exploring.  One attractive sight is the sign above the local Game and Butcher's shop.  Close by is Wadhurst Castle where it appears that weddings and wedding receptions are carried out as we discovered upon meeting a well dressed and groomed couple on their way just such an event.

On the way to Bewl Water

Lunch of sandwiches over we set off with dog to explore the approach to the village Ticehurst end and it was there we saw the ornate chimneys.  We also discovered from a friendly resident that we could get to the Bewl Water reservoir by walking along Blacksmiths Lane - so we did.

Mostly Wadhurst is on a hill so you will not only walk down roads and pathways but you will also have to walk back up them but the effort is worth it for the magnificent views of the surrounding countryside especially in Spring.  The path led through a farm that gave the appearance of being well managed with healthy looking animals, flourishing hop crops and tidy yards with a well cared for garden. A treat.

Shops in Wadhurst

The walk down to Bewl Water was delightful and as a bonus when we arrived within the boundaries we saw the woodland floor covered in bluebells.  We walked down as far as Cousley Wood and returned to Wadhurst  stopping beside the water for a rest and a snack watching a fisherman catch a fish.


The Spring weather this year is wonderful and as usual with bright sunshine and fresh growth everything seems to be pristine, sparkling clean and wonderfully alive.  It is a time for young animals to discover the world and for flowers to burst forth, meadows to show their stuff and for us to get off our butts and enjoy it.

Lambs and mother

As semi-intrepid walkers we see the countryside in all its moods and we can be lifted by the beauty of new growth that England can offer.  Mush, but meaningful mush.  It means that we do not want to miss out so our casual walking (all right hardly intrepid) must last as long as we need it.

Wadhurst Chimney Stack

I mentioned chimneys in Wadhurst.  The complex brickwork and the shapes would have pleased our bricklayer father who could no doubt have told us much about how it was done and what sort of work it was.  I have no doubt also that it would have been very interesting but I realise that unless you see them you have no idea what they can be like.

Bent Stack

Also look for the curved stacks throughout the village and the odd double round brick stack on one of the buildings.  If you are curious, go visit the place and enjoy lunch at the Greyhound and a walk down to Bewl Water and of course a stroll around the village.