The Forest Way: High Weald Railway Path
High Weald AONB, Ashdown Forest edges, and Groombridge Place
Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles) | Estimated Duration: 1.25 hours | Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: East Grinstead Station | Finishing Point: Groombridge
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Ride Overview & Terrain
The Forest Way (NCN 21) runs along the disused line from East Grinstead to Groombridge. Passing through the High Weald AONB along the northern boundary of Ashdown Forest (the real Hundred Acre Wood of Winnie-the-Pooh), you'll ride through Forest Row and Hartfield, finishing near the 17th-century moated manor house of Groombridge Place.
A peaceful, traffic-free tree-lined railway trail through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty from East Grinstead to Groombridge.
Travel & Getting There with Your Bike
By Train: Direct Southern train from London Victoria to East Grinstead. Return with bike from East Grinstead (or cycle 3km from Groombridge to Eridge for direct train to London Bridge). (Nearest station: East Grinstead Station (Start) / Eridge Station (nearby Groombridge), travel time: 55 mins from London Victoria to East Grinstead).
By Car & Parking: Cycle-friendly parking available near the start point.
Cyclist Coffee Stops, Cafes & Pubs
Recommended cyclist-friendly cafes and refreshment stops along The Forest Way: High Weald Railway Path:
- ☕ Java & Jazz, Forest Row: Popular refreshment stop for cyclists.
- ☕ The Crown Inn, Groombridge: Popular refreshment stop for cyclists.
Cycling Tips & Route Advice
- Hard-surfaced and traffic-free; great for road bikes, hybrids, and families with young riders.
- Can be linked directly with the Worth Way in East Grinstead to extend the ride to Three Bridges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance, duration, and difficulty of The Forest Way: High Weald Railway Path?
The Forest Way: High Weald Railway Path is a 17 km (10.5 miles) taking approximately 1.25 hours, graded Easy. Starts at East Grinstead Station and finishes at Groombridge.
How do I get to The Forest Way: High Weald Railway Path by train?
Direct Southern train from London Victoria to East Grinstead. Return with bike from East Grinstead (or cycle 3km from Groombridge to Eridge for direct train to London Bridge). (Nearest station: East Grinstead Station (Start) / Eridge Station (nearby Groombridge), travel time: 55 mins from London Victoria to East Grinstead).
Where can I park near the start of The Forest Way: High Weald Railway Path?
Cycle-friendly parking available near the start point.
More Scenic UK Cycle Rides
Olympic Box Hill Loop • The Crab and Winkle Way • The Windsor Castle Ride • The Kent Castles Loop