The Forest Way
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Understand
Prepare
Get in
Go/Walk/Drive/...
Stay safe
Go next
- This article is an itinerary.
The Forest Way is in East Sussex.
Understand
The 10 mile (14.5 km) route runs from East Grinstead in West Sussex, through Forest Row just over the border into East Sussex, close to the River Medway in Ashdown Forest towards the Kent village of Groombridge in the east. The path runs along the route of the old East Grinstead to Tunbridge Wells railway. It forms part of National Cycle Route 21, linking up via East Grinstead town centre with the Worth Way to the west. The path passes through many villages, such as Hartfield, from which refreshments are provided in a local pub. Forest Row is a village, with shops and services. Bike hire is also available at Forest Row .
A greater deal of detailed information is available in the form of a PDF from East Sussex County Council;
Prepare
Have a well maintained bike and a puncture repair kit etc; since there are limited bike shops( one in Forest Row, Future Cycles) and at certain times of the day and at certain bits of the route traffic can be a bit sparse.
Get in
- By car - parking is present in Forest Row, Hartfield and semi on-road parking is at Groombridge
- By train - Ashurst Station (on the 'Uckfield Line' from London) is nearby or East Grinstead Station, also from London
- By bus - route 291 passes parallel to the path with route 54 passing through Forest Row Very few (if any) bikes are allowed on buses, horses similarly are excluded
Get in
- By car - parking is present in Forest Row, Hartfield and semi on-road parking is at Groombridge
- By train
- Ashurst Station (on the 'Uckfield Line' from London) is nearby (but is the other side of a hill and not signposted
- Eridge Station (next one down) is signposted to the path and both Forest Row and Groombridge, this part of the route is on (fairly rural roads)
- East Grinstead Station, also from London - the path is signposted from East Grinstead and both the station and the town are around 2 miles (downhill) from Forest Row
- By bus - route 291 passes parallel to the path with route 54 passing through Forest Row Very few (if any) bikes are allowed on buses, horses similarly are excluded
Eat and Drink
After all that exercise you'll likely want some food...
- Forest Row Various restaurants and pubs, two supermarkets and a good deal of cafes
- Hartfield just under half way; plenty of food places, also the home of pooh bear
- Anchor Inn, Church Street, tel: 01892 770 424 - bar meals and snacks
- Gallipot Inn, Gallipot Street, tel: 01892 770 268 - bar meals and snacks
- Haywaggon Inn, High Street, tel: 01892 770 252 - restaurant
- Groombridge
- The Crown The Green, Groombridge tel: 01892 864742
- The Junction Inn Station Road, Groombridge Tel: 01892 864275
Please be aware that too much alcohol and bikes don't always mix
Stay safe
The path is suitable for walkers and horse riders too, but it is recommended that you follow the following points:
- cyclists should give way to walkers, horses and people with disabilities. Please use a bell but be aware that people may not hear or see you.
- horse riders – no galloping please
- take care crossing nearby roads
- keep a reasonable speed, and slow down at junctions and bends.
Get out
The route also links up with the Cuckoo Trail and forms part fo the cycle route from London to Paris via Newhaven (National Cycle Path route 21)