Date: Sunday 23 Feb
Start: Chapel Common
Start Time: 10.00
Distance: 7.5 miles
Terrain: One steep climb

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In ‘The Sussex Tree Book’, author Owen Johnson recognises that the county’s tallest trees are either in the sheltered valleys of the High Weald or on the greensand soils of the Western Weald. With towering giants on our doorstep how could we resist the idea of mounting a quest to find them!

With every step along the woody ridge above Milland, we’ll be dodging mud, weaving through the understory, and following subtle clues—like the faint whisper of wind rustling through the canopy or the way the sunlight filters differently through the taller trees. It’s a hunt like no other, where the thrill of the chase builds with each stride. The excitement will be palpable, but the treasure at the end is no relic—it’s the raw, untamed majesty of nature itself. Fortunately, as we near our prize, the scale of these towering trees will make it impossible for them to remain hidden for long. And honestly, they don’t seem too interested in hiding; like all good show-offs, they stand proud, their branches stretching confidently toward the sky, likely enjoying the insecurity they cause among their shorter, less imposing neighbours!

Are you on board? If not, perhaps you will be swayed by a lunch/coffee/toilet stop at Milland Village Stores & Cafe,…… and no quest would also be complete without a few unexpected encounters…..

Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome.

In February, parts of this walk will be quite wet/muddy underfoot and the climb is not to be under-estimated. However, there are steps half way up…….and it’s not a race to the top.

Reviews

Read what others have written on Google Reviews about their walking experience with Rural Strides:

Malinka’s walk was very well organised and very informative. Will definitely go on more Rural Strides walks in the future.

Other Walks

View other walks here

Read more about the Western Weald here