Forest Way Country Park
The Forest Way is a linear Country Park, situated in the heart of the beautiful East Sussex countryside. It is approximately 10 miles long and is used for walking, cycling, horse riding and the quiet enjoyment of the countryside. It runs from East Grinstead to Groombridge.
A Forest Way Country Park trail
What you will find
The Forest Way follows the route of an old railway line and is an important habitat for wildlife as a ‘green corridor’ running through the Upper Medway valley. Along its length trees have regenerated naturally on the embankments and cuttings.
There are seats and picnic benches along the entire route. West of Hartfield, a restored pond has been allowed to naturally regenerate. On a hot summer’s day, the area buzzes with life, and visitors will be treated to damsel and dragonflies dancing about the water, glimpses of newts, toads and frogs, and an abundance of bird song.
The Park lies within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and passes through or close to East Grinstead, Forest Row, Hartfield, Withyham and Groombridge. There are a number of circular trails leading from the Forest Way, varying in length and difficulty. Walkers may spot swallows, badger tracks deer and foxes, amongst the fields and woodlands.
There are toilet facilities at Forest Row. The Forest Way is accessible for people with disabilities.
For more information see the leaflets:
Walking, cycling and access
The site is easily accessed by all users at various points. The western end of the Forest Way links up with the Worth Way which extends as far as Three Bridges.
A flat, surfaced track runs along the entire length of the Country Park, providing easy access for disabled users and a great place for young children to learn to cycle in a traffic-free environment.
Cyclists are welcome to use the park, but are asked to slow down round bends and pay particular attention to other users, making sure that horse riders and walkers are given plenty of warning of their approach.
Dogs are welcome on site, but owners are requested to clear up after their dogs.
How to get there
The map references for the site are: TQ402 376 (Herontye Drive, East Grinstead) to TQ528 365 (Corseley Road, Groombridge).
Forest Row, Hartfield, Withyham and Groombridge are served by regular bus services. There are train stations at East Grinstead and Eridge.
For more information about getting here, see our public transport pages.
Management and history
The Forest Way Country Park is owned by East Sussex County Council and managed by its Countryside Management Service.
When the railway line was in use, the surrounding trees and vegetation were cut back regularly. After it closed, this stopped andthe trees have grown up. Through coppicing and thinning we are trying to create a more diverse age structure to enhance the biodiversity of the site.
The railway opened in 1866 as an extension of the line from Three Bridges. Although becoming a busy commuter line, it eventually fell under the axe of the Beeching cuts in 1966. Ironically, Dr Beeching lived near Forest Row and regularly travelled up to London on the line when he was Chairman of British Rail.
The disused railway line was bought by East Sussex County Council in 1971 and designated as a Country Park in 1974. Following major improvements to the surfaced track in 2002 the Forest Way became part of the National Cycle Network, a 10,000 mile project designed by Sustrans and chosen by the Millenium Commission as a major project to mark the Millenium.
Volunteering
If you are interested in helping us maintain our countryside sites in East Sussex, you can register to be a volunteer ranger.
Contact us
Contact the Forest Way Country Park ranger.
