Sussex Walks

Balcombe Walks & Route Maps

Balcombe walk, Sussex
Balcombe · Photo: Simon Carey

These walks from Balcombe explore a peaceful mix of woodland and rolling countryside, with quiet paths through areas like The Warren Woodland and views across farmland towards Balcombe Lake.

The longer route adds further variety, passing through additional woods, alongside Ardingly Brook, and near the grounds of Wakehurst Place.

Whether you choose the shorter woodland and lakeside circuit or the more extended route with extra scenery and habitats, these walks offer a calm and varied way to enjoy this part of Sussex.

Download the Sussex Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.

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Walk information

Balcombe Walk 1

Walk distance
2½ miles
Time
1.5 hours
Route type
Circular

This shorter Balcombe walk offers a peaceful woodland escape through The Warren Woodland.

The route continues to Balcombe Lake, set amid rolling farmland.

Ideal for a brief outdoor stroll, this walk blends woodland and waterside scenery, giving a gentle taste of the Balcombe countryside in a compact route.

Balcombe Walk 1 5.0 Ratings and reviews 2 ratings · 2 reviews

Based on 2 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating5.0

An outstanding walk

Dog friendly4.0 / 5
Path condition3.5 / 5
Buggy friendly1.5 / 5
Wheelchair friendly1.0 / 5
Toilet facilities1.0 / 5
Pub or café4.0 / 5
Route accuracy5.0 / 5
ClimbingGentle slopes
LivestockRarely any livestock
StilesA few stiles on route
Mud levelWellies when wet

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Sussex Walks app.

First-hand experiences

User reviews

Walker review

Lovely walk not a walk for views but for 3 dogs it was perfect

Walker review

Lovely walk, dry weather today but if going when its damp be aware it will be muddy. The only slight trouble we had was with our big, not so brave, dogs trying to get across the open sided plank walkways. One had to be carried quite a long way as the narrow plank that bounced scared him.

Walk information

Balcombe Walk 2

Walk distance
6 miles
Time
3 hours
Route type
Circular

This longer Balcombe route winds through a series of mixed woodlands, starting with The Warren Woodland, Bushycroft Wood, and Pearcelands Wood, where mature trees and native plants provide quiet habitats for local birds and insects.

The walk passes Wakehurst Place, the Royal Botanic Gardens estate, where landscaped gardens and woodlands feature plants from around the world.

Ardingly Brook adds a peaceful riverside stretch, supporting aquatic plants and wildlife, before the route reaches Balcombe Lake, a calm freshwater spot amid rolling farmland.

Balcombe Walk 2 4.8 Ratings and reviews 4 ratings · 2 reviews

Based on 4 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating4.8

An outstanding walk

Dog friendly3.0 / 5
Path condition3.8 / 5
Buggy friendly1.3 / 5
Wheelchair friendly1.8 / 5
Toilet facilities1.8 / 5
Pub or café3.8 / 5
Route accuracy4.3 / 5
ClimbingSome climbing
LivestockSome livestock
StilesSeveral stiles
Mud levelBoots recommended

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Sussex Walks app.

First-hand experiences

User reviews

Walker review

Beautiful spring walk. The woods are beautiful with lots of bluebells. Lovely views, fairly easy walking. Some inclines. Only one field had sheep in. Dog friendly

Walker review

Nice walk, a few steep slopes, took us about four hours. Bluebells in the wood land were gorgeous. Lovely woodlands. Can be tricky to follow the route in places.

Navigate the walks

Sussex Walks App

Follow the Balcombe walks with GPS guidance

It's like sat-nav, but for footpaths.

Choose a walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you always know you're on the right path.

The app works without a phone signal, so you can keep following the route wherever the walk takes you.

Download the app

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Sussex Walks app showing the walker's live position on a route map

Designed to be simple

  • Choose a walk and follow the pointer
  • See your live position on the route map
  • Works without a phone signal
  • Includes 400 Sussex walks
  • Free one-month trial
  • Available for iPhone and Android

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Expanded route map for Balcombe Walk 1, a 2.5 mile circular walk in Sussex