Horam to Heathfield
This section of the trail is my least favourite. Perhaps that's because it's always been dull when I've ridden it and things never seem so good when the sun isn't out! Like the Polegate to Hailsham section, this too is about 2½ miles long each way. Again there's mostly a gentle climb from South to North, i.e. Horam to Heathfield and again I would describe it as easy. Again the surface is good, being compacted cinders. Initially it's very attractive, you're on an embankment, looking down, with trees lining the trail, but gets a little less attractive as you approach Heathfield.
If joining at Horam by car, aim for the free car park at map reference TQ 578174 (OS Landranger Series No. 199), which is off the B2203 in Horam, just before it joins the A267.
If joining at Heathfield by car, from the A265, turn South into Station Road (opposite Barclays Bank) and find the free car park at TQ 583211.
From the car park at Horam, the Cuckoo Trail signposts will take you for a hundred yards or so, East towards the housing estate and then North, signposted Heathfield where you go under the bridge which carries the B2203. A gentle incline takes you onto a short stretch of embankment after which the climb becomes a little steeper.
Shortly there's a lane to cross, preceded by the usual barrier and CAUTION: there's a steep descent which can be muddy. The reason for the steep descent and climb up the other side here is that the bridge which would have crossed over this road when the railway was here, has been demolished.
Continue gently climbing on cinders and the noise of dogs barking will be a kennels on your left. Shortly after this at TQ 579197 there are steps up on your right, over a stile and you can find refreshments at the Runt In Tun pub. I haven't tried this pub but it's a Free House which advertises lunches between 12:00 and 14:00 and a large garden and play area.
The trail opens out a little now and you shortly cross a quiet lane (which might actually be someone's driveway!), before encountering a reasonably busy road which CAUTION, is blind when crossing from the Heathfield direction. My best guess is that this is TQ 582204 but my map shows this as a bridge over a road. Odd, that!
You now follow a path and look down on small industrial units to your left before crossing Old Ghyll Road, a Cul de Sac. This is definitely suburbia!
The trail finishes in Heathfield at a free car park, ref TQ 583211, opposite the Vauxhall car dealers in Newnham Way.
If you venture up this road into Heathfield (quite steep) you'll find all the normal small town stuff - shops, restaurants, phone boxes, etc.
Click on this bike for the Polegate to Hailsham ride.................
.......or this one for the Hailsham to Horam ride....................
Animated cyclist image Copyright Microsoft Design Gallery
Page last updated 26/04/2002