Arlington's lakeside trail
Recommended by
Our view
"Combine this delightful walk with a little birding as you explore the banks of a reservoir by the Cuckmere River."
Walk directions
From the car park walk towards the information board and map. Pass this and turn right on the circular walk by the reservoir, soon passing a small picnic area, and ignoring a fork to the right. Carry on until eventually the path reaches a driveway, with a gate to the left signed ‘No entry farm access only’; here cross over, following the footpath and bridleway signs.
Skirt the buildings of Polhill’s Farm and return to the tarmac lane. Turn right and walk along to a kissing gate on your left and a ‘circular walk’ sign. Ignore the gate and keep on the lane. Continue for about 50yds (46m) and then branch left over a stile into a field. Swing half right and look for two stiles tucked away in a fence corner. Ignore the first one you come to and cross the second, passing an overgrown pond to your left. Cross a third stile and go across a pasture to a fourth stile.
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Additional information
Terrain
- Field paths and trails, some brief road walking, many stiles
Landscape
- Level lakeside terrain and gentle farmland
Dog friendliness
- Mostly on lead, as requested by signs on route
Parking
- Car park at Arlington Reservoir, Station Road, off A27
Toilets en route
- At car park
About the walk
In 1971 Arlington’s landscape changed irrevocably when a vital new reservoir was opened, supplying water to Eastbourne, Hailsham, Polegate and Heathfield. The 120-acre (46ha) reservoir was formed by cleverly cutting off a meander in the Cuckmere River, and it’s now an established site for wintering...
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Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
East Sussex is a land of stately homes, castles and the South Downs, with miles of chalk cliffs overlooking the English Channel. For history buffs, there are a great many historic landmarks within Sussex, such as the battlefield where the Battle of Hastings took place, or visitors can enjoy pretty towns such as Lewes, Rye and Uckfield and the city of Brighton.
Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Golden Cross Holiday Park
Situated in the East Sussex countryside, Golden Cross Holiday Park offers luxury self-catering holiday lodges with each one having its own private hot tub. A great location for visiting...
Broadacres
Broadacres is a beautiful property located very near Lewes, and has a single, spacious, self-contained suite for guest use. The richly decorated suite is well equipped – the bedroom fea...
Warren Wood Country Park
Situated in the heart of the East Sussex countryside, Warren Wood offers luxury woodland or lake side self-catering lodges, all with private hot tubs. Near to the seaside town of Eastbo...
Cedar Cottage
Awaiting description...
Chestnut Cottage
Awaiting description...
White Lion Farm Cottages
White Lion Farm is a 16th-century former coaching inn that has been adapted to create two one-bedroom self-catering cottages. Each has a separate bedroom and bathroom, with well-equippe...
2 Kingsway Court
A delightful holiday cottage, close to Seaford town centre, the seafront and the South Downs National Park. On the ground-floor there’s a large lounge/diner, large kitchen/breakfast roo...
2 Kingsway Court
A delightful holiday cottage, close to Seaford town centre, the seafront and the South Downs National Park. On the ground-floor there’s a large lounge/diner, large kitchen/breakfast roo...
Places to eat nearby View all
