By the Bluebell Railway at Horsted Keynes
"Recapture the golden age of steam from a classic Wealden village on this fascinating walk beside the Bluebell Railway."
Walk directions
Opposite the village sign by the Crown Inn, go down Church Lane, bearing right downhill at the next junction and turning left immediately beyond a tile hung cottage called Timbers, on a path between fences. Go through a gate and into the trees, past a pond.
Beyond a kissing gate, reach a junction with a path and continue ahead up a path that immediately drops to a junction by a signpost. Go straight over, past an angling club sign, and pass along the left side of a lake.
Just after a weir keep left at the fork, over plank footbridges. Carry on in this direction past a public footpath sign, emerge into a field and carry on to reach a road. Turn right on the road for 80yds (73m), then go left opposite a house on a signposted path between fences, skirting paddocks. Emerge on grass above Horsted Keynes station, and turn left to look at the station.
With the station on your left, walk up the track, keeping the railway line on your left. Just after the track veers left, cross the footbridge, turning right on the opposite side of the track. Follow the path as it heads away from the Bluebell Railway before quickly returning to the line. Turn left and walk alongside it.
At a footpath sign, cross the track to a stile, now keeping the railway on your left. Go over a minor lane (which goes over a bridge to your left), and keep alongside the right-hand edge of two fields to a gate. Follow the path across the pasture to the next stile and follow the path beyond.
Turn left on the road for about 60yds (54m) to a signposted gate on the right. Follow the path down the field and into some woodland, crossing a narrow walkway (care needed) along the rim of a pond. Turn left on the other side, up through the trees to a field, turn left and follow the path right, around the field-edge, and down to a gap in the vegetation and trees. Descend to a footbridge and go up to a kissing gate and field. Bear left and skirt the pasture to a stile and gate. Exit to the road, turn right along it, then left at the next junction into Broadhurst Manor Road.
Bear right at the West Sussex Border Path sign and walk along to the entrance to Broadhurst Manor. Veer right at the pond, still on the waymarked trail, which bends left, and follow the signposted track past a series of ponds to Broadhurst Lake on the left.
Continue into Church Lane to reach the church of St Giles. When the lane veers right into Leighton Road, go straight on to return to Horsted Keynes village centre and the green.
Additional information
Terrain
- Field and woodland paths and tracks, stretches of quiet road, several stiles
Landscape
- Peaceful woodland and farmland with views
Dog friendliness
- Off lead on parts of West Sussex Border Path (not allowed in ponds); under control in vicinity of Horsted Keynes and railway station
Parking
- Horsted Keynes rural car park, off Chapel Lane, by Horsted Club in village centre
Toilets en route
- On Station Road in village and Horsted Keynes station (seasonal)
About the walk
There is something wonderfully evocative about the sound of an approaching steam train. Even standing on the platform of a restored station and gazing at the livery, the bookstalls and the adverts for seaside holidays can rekindle a host of cherished memories. Horsted Keynes station is just such a... place, a railway enthusiast’s dream come true. The station lies on the famous Bluebell Railway, a popular attraction since it came in to private ownership in 1960, with a section of line reopening within two years of its closure by British Rail. Volunteers and dedicated members of its preservation society have played a crucial role in establishing, restoring and maintaining the railway. Being the first heritage railway to open in Britain, it managed to obtain an impressive number of railway-related items, including some wonderful period carriages that include a 1913 observation car, locomotives, old signs and station furnishings. The intention is to recreate a sleepy Sussex junction in the years before World War II. Over the years the railway has featured in several television adverts, dramas and films. Its numerous appearances have included the films Room with a View and Miss Potter, as well as appearing as Downton station in the TV series Downton Abbey. The other stations on the line also have an enchanting period setting: Kingscote evokes the 1950s, while Sheffield Park, with its old station lamps and vintage enamel advertisements, recreates a country railway station of the 1880s. For years the restorers’ dream was to link the Bluebell Railway with the main network at East Grinstead once again. In the way, however was a mountain of household rubbish dumped by the council. After much money and volunteer effort that has now been removed and the line has been reopened. In 2013, the dream became a reality.
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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
View all (8)
Hotel
Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club
★★★★
"Classic luxury in the heart of the Ashdown Forest...."
- Family rooms: 12
- Free TV
- WiFi available
Nearby places to stay
The Nest
The Nest is a beautifully designed, self-contained holiday cottage with a private garden and wonderful uninterrupted views to the woodland beyond. Ideally situated off a quiet country l...
★★★★ Rating
The Nest
The Nest is a beautifully designed, self-contained holiday cottage with a private garden and wonderful uninterrupted views to the woodland beyond. Ideally situated off a quiet country l...
★★★★ Rating
Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club
Ashdown Park Hotel is set in 186 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland at the heart of Ashdown Forest. Bedrooms are individually styled and decorated. Public rooms include a restored...
★★★★ Rating
Gravetye Manor Hotel
Gravetye Manor is a beautiful Elizabethan mansion, built in 1598 and enjoying a tranquil setting. One of the first country house hotels in Britain, it remains an excellent example of it...
★★★★ Rating
Mallingdown Oast
Beautiful converted Oast House in quiet rural location. Sleeps four in two bedrooms; one twin, one double. Large kitchen/diner, galleried living area. Wi-Fi and Sky TV. Private gard...
★★★★ Rating
Mallingdown Oast
Beautiful converted Oast House in quiet rural location. Sleeps four in two bedrooms; one twin, one double. Large kitchen/diner, galleried living area. Wi-Fi and Sky TV. Private gard...
★★★★ Rating
Alexander House & Utopia Spa
Set in 175 acres of parkland and landscaped gardens, Alexander House dates back to the 17th century. Most of the bedrooms are very spacious and all have luxurious bathrooms; the rooms i...
★★★★★ Rating
Buxted Park Hotel
Buxted Park Hotel is an attractive Grade II listed Georgian mansion dating back to the 17th century, set amidst 300 acres of beautiful countryside and landscaped gardens. The stylish, t...
★★★★ Rating
Places to eat nearby View all
Places to eat nearby
The Anderida Restaurant
AA Rosette Award
Gravetye Manor Hotel
AA Rosette Award
AG's Restaurant at Alexander House Hotel
AA Rosette Award
Reflections at Alexander House
AA Rosette Award
Buxted Park Hotel
AA Rosette Award
Horsted Place
AA Rosette Award
The Jolly Sportsman
AA Rosette Award
The Pavilion Restaurant
AA Rosette Award






