Sharpthorne to Horsted Keynes station

Highlights

• The Bluebell Railway
• Woodland walk
• Sussex countryside

This walk takes in many views of The Bluebell Railway and ends at its best known station.

The Route

This section of the route begins at the side of Sharpthorne Club, which is next to Sharpthorne Garage (OS ref: 372325). Walk through the yard at the side of the club, bearing left behind the club building, and follow the enclosed footpath, through a spinney.

At end of the spinney, cross the stile into the field and continue in the same line along the left side of the field. At the field corner, cross the stile, go over a grassy track and cross a second stile (or go through the gateway) into the next field. Continue on the same line on a cross-field path to the stile at the far side. (The Bluebell Railway may be seen to the right, as you cross this field.)

Cross the stile and immediately a second stile. The footpath then ascends the field diagonally to a stile in the top right corner. Cross the stile (a very good view of the Bluebell Railway line from the fence in this field, to the right of the stile). Continue over the field, keeping oak trees to your left, to the stile (to the right of a telegraph pole) in the hedge at the far side. Cross the stile and descend the field to a stile at the far corner. Cross double stiles and continue along the hedge at the right side of the field, curving right to a stile and field gate. Go over the stile and continue forward to the drive, and turn left onto the drive. Continue on the drive until reaching the road (Horsted Lane) at Bromhall Cottage (OS ref: 376312). Turn right on the road.

Walk along the road for four hundred metres and on reaching a group of houses, turn right into the concrete drive opposite Tanyard Manor (finger post and concrete footpath plinth). Walk the length of this short drive and continue for a short distance on grass, and at the end turn left and go over the stile into the field. Cross to the far left corner of this field. (Bluebell Railway seen to your right on this stretch.) Go through the gate and continue on the left side of the next field. Cross the stile and continue on the same line to the field gate. Cross the stile on each side of the farm road, and continue on the right side of the next field, following the wire fence of the Bluebell Railway until reaching the rail crossing. Cross the stile in the fence on the right.

Before crossing the Bluebell Railway track, stop, look and listen, and make sure the line is clear.Go over the rail crossing and turn immediately left on the footpath that follows the railway fence. Shortly before the bridge over the railway, cross the stile on the right and follow the footpath through a plantation to another stile. Cross this stile and follow the footpath curving left to the stile on the left. Cross this stile into a broad track between fences, leading to a bridge over the Bluebell Railway.

[From the bridge, there is a good view of Horsted Keynes station to the right. The line runs north (left) to Sharpthorne tunnel, the site of West Hoathly station, Kingscote and East Grinstead; and south (right) to Sheffield Park.]
Cross the bridge over the railway, pass through the gate, turn right and continue to Horsted Keynes Bluebell Railway station.

Safety

An easy 2½ walk - but take care when crossing roads or the railway.

Notes

Bus Routes
Check services and times with Metrobus at 01293 449191 or www.metrobus.co.uk

Bus 270, Haywards Heath/ East Grinstead calls at Horsted Keynes station. 

Car Parking
Limited parking around Sharpthorne.