Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk

E Sussex, Kent

Formerly named the High Weald Walk, this route explores the variety of countryside around Royal Tunbridge Wells on the borders of Kent and East Sussex and is within the High Weald AONB. It passes through a rolling landscape of ridges and valleys with a patchwork of small fields, hedges and broadleaved woodland. On the route are Groombridge Place, High Rocks, Eridge Rocks and Harrison's Rocks, all sandstone outcrops popular with climbers, and Eridge Park, a remarkably unpopulated area for south east England.

In addition to the long distance path there are four marked linked routes from the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells enabling shorter options. On older editions of OS maps the route is shown as the High Weald Walk. Parts of the route coincide with the Wealdway and High Weald Landscape Trail and at Groombridge the Sussex Border Path can easily be linked.

Using the marked linked routes and the stations at Southborough (High Brooms), Tunbridge Wells, Frant and Eridge, shorter circular and linear walking options are possible.

The route's origins go back to 1989 when Mike Smith, a long standing member of Kent LDWA Group, was asked by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to organise a 25-mile circular walk around the town as part of the Centenary of the Granting of the Borough Charter. This event took place anually in 1989-1991. Sadly Mike died shortly after this. The original Kent County Council guidebook was dedicated to his memory.

UPDATE Summer 2023
We have been informed that a short section of this LDP to the north of the A228 will be closed between 20th June and 14th July 2023 for footpath creation work. A diversion should be possible via the footpath from Downingbury Hospice to the cycle way which goes over the main road. See https://explorekent.org/activities/tunbridge-wells-circular-walk/

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Details:

Path Type:	Paths Marked on OS mapping
Waymark:	Named green squares with hill, path and trees
Attributes:	Average Gradients Downland/Wolds
Start and Finish:	TQ590353 - Frant, Kent
Open Date:	1994
Web Sites:	Explore Kent - Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk Kent High Weald Partnership - Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk

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Publications, Badges and Certificates:

Guidebook	Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk  (Kent Ramblers  - 2020 )
Certificate	Explore Kent Walk Challenge Certificate  (Explore Kent )

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