Looking for scenic Uckfield walks? These walks are all easily accessible by train with Southern Railway, ranging from longer hikes that you can spend an entire day enjoying, to quick easy circuits for when you just fancy some fresh air. Discover the best walks in Uckfield, with our tips for where to refuel afterwards.
Why visit Uckfield for walks?
Uckfield sits on the edge of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it a gateway to some of the most beautiful walking routes in the South East. From wildflower meadows in spring to golden woodland in autumn, the landscape is always changing and there are walks suitable for all seasons.
Quiet riverside paths and gentle hills make it ideal for walkers of all abilities, while its easy rail connections mean you can escape the city and be surrounded by nature in just over an hour.
Getting to Uckfield by train
Travelling to enjoy these Uckfield walks couldn’t be easier. Southern Railway runs regular, direct services from London Bridge to Uckfield, making it a convenient day trip or weekend escape. The journey takes around an hour and 15 minutes, with scenic views of the Sussex countryside along the way.
If you’re travelling to Uckfield from elsewhere in the South East, there are easy connections via East Croydon and Oxted. The line also links nearby stations such as Buxted, making it straightforward to explore local walks by public transport. Whether you’re setting off from the capital or connecting from Sussex, Kent, or Surrey, you’ll arrive ready to step straight into your adventure.
Top Uckfield walks to try
We’ve put together a list of some of the best Uckfield walks for you to try. All of the walks start and end at the railway station, meaning you won’t need any taxi or bus connections. The list starts with the longer walks, and ends with short, easy circuits.
1. Mr Van Hoogstraten’s Path Circular Walk
The perfect pit-stop on your walk. Image credit: The Hare and Hounds Pub
Start/End Point: Uckfield Station
Distance: 7 miles
Time: Around 3 hours
Type: Circular
This circular walk begins at Uckfield Station and explores countryside once connected to the notorious British businessman Nicholas van Hoogstraten. His abandoned mansion is obscured from view for walkers, but the real draw is the beautiful open farmland, quiet lanes, and sections of the River Uck, combining rural Sussex scenery with local history.
Highlights:
- Peaceful farmland and woodland views
- River Uck valley and wildlife
- Historic links to Van Hoogstraten’s estate
Getting there:
Start directly from Uckfield Station on the Southern Railway network. The circular trail begins a short walk from the station entrance, at the junction of Uckfield High Street and the entrance to the supermarket car park.
Walk instructions:
For full instructions on how to complete this walk, visit the Travel Log Lewes website here. It includes step-by-step navigation instructions, a map, and points of interest about the dispute between Nicholas Van Hoogstraten and local ramblers over footpath access.
2. Buxted Park and Lake Loop
Image credit: Bluebell Railway
Start/End Point: Buxted Station
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Type: Circular
One stop on the train from Uckfield brings you to Buxted, where this scenic loop explores the parkland surrounding Buxted Park Hotel. The route includes ancient oaks, rolling fields, and a peaceful lake.
Highlights:
- Historic parkland and lake views
- Chance to spot deer and birdlife
- Varied countryside within walking distance of the station
Getting there:
Take a Southern train one stop north from Uckfield to Buxted, which takes less than five minutes. The walk begins just outside the station.
Walk instructions:
For full instructions on how to complete this walk, visit the High Weald National Landscape website here. The downloadable booklet includes step-by-step navigation instructions, a map, and local points of interest.
3. Uckfield to Buxted Circular Walk (A Walk of Mysteries)
Start/End Point: Uckfield Station
Distance: 4.5 miles
Time: Around 2 hours
Type: Circular
Created by the Healthy Wealden initiative, this gentle walk links Uckfield and Buxted through fields, woodland paths, and hidden local landmarks. The walk has been nicknamed “Walk of Mysteries” thanks to the trail’s sense of exploration, revealing local stories and folklore along the way including a “lost village” and a “ghost railway”.
Highlights:
- Mix of open countryside and shaded woodland
- Local legends and waymarked trails
- Ideal walk between Uckfield and Buxted
Getting there:
Start and finish at Uckfield Station. The route loops out towards Buxted before returning, with optional train connections at either end on the Southern line.
Walk instructions:
For full instructions on how to complete this walk, visit Wealden District Council’s website here. It includes step-by-step navigation instructions, a map, and points of interest on all the mysteries you will discover along the route.
4. Lake Wood Nature Reserve
Image credit: Patrick Roper
Start/End Point: Uckfield Station
Distance: 1.5 miles
Time: 45 minutes
Type: Circular
Managed by the Woodland Trust, Lake Wood is one of Uckfield’s most beautiful places to explore. The trail leads through atmospheric woodland, past sandstone cliffs, and around a peaceful lake carved from a former quarry.
Highlights:
- Stunning lake and sandstone cliffs
- Ancient trees and seasonal wildlife
- Compact, tranquil walk close to town
Getting there:
From Uckfield Station, it’s a 15-minute walk via Church Street and Rocks Road. Entry to Lake Wood is free and open year-round.
Walk instructions:
For full instructions on how to complete this walk, visit the Woodland Trust website here.
5. West Park Local Nature Reserve
Start/End Point: Uckfield Station
Distance: 1.2 miles
Time: 30-40 minutes
Type: Circular
A lovely green space within Uckfield itself, West Park features woodland, open meadows, and a network of well-marked footpaths. It’s ideal for a quick nature walk or a lunchtime escape if you’re visiting the town.
Highlights:
- Accessible paths through woodland and meadow
- Local wildlife spotting
- Great for short strolls close to the High Street
Getting there:
Walk about 10 minutes uphill from Uckfield Station along High Street and Browns Lane.
Walk instructions:
For a map with footpaths within West Park Local Nature Reserve, visit Uckfield Town Council’s website here.
Where to refuel after your Uckfield walks
A countryside walk isn’t complete without a cosy pub stop afterwards. Uckfield and the surrounding villages offer a number of pubs with open fires, farm shops, and tea rooms to rest and refuel.
- The Hurstwood - A top-rated Sussex gastro pub offering seasonal local menus, cosy ambiance, and family-friendly amenities.
- The Pig & Butcher - Warm and welcoming family-friendly pub, serving home-cooked food including a Sunday Carvery (and dog-friendly!)
- Hartfields in Uckfield - An independent produce store and cafe right on Uckfield High Street.