Just some of the walks near Judins Cottage
Judins Cottage sits in the heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with footpaths leading straight from the garden. Whether you fancy a gentle stroll to a National Trust property or a full day out exploring the wider countryside, you're perfectly placed.
From the garden
Bateman's via the Dudwell Valley
One of the real joys of staying at Judins is being able to step straight out of the garden and into the countryside. Follow the footpath from the cottage across the fields, dropping down into the Dudwell Valley where you'll cross the River Dudwell before arriving at the mill pond at the back of Bateman's, Rudyard Kipling's former home, now in the care of the National Trust. It's a gentle stroll of around 30 minutes at a relaxed pace and suitable for most fitness levels. For those who want to keep walking, the route connects naturally into the wider Dudwell Valley circular, which takes you deeper into the High Weald for miles of rolling countryside. We'd recommend picking up a local walk guide from 123walks.org for the extended route. Dogs can be off the lead for much of the way, though do keep an eye out for signs when crossing farmland where livestock may be present, and dogs must stay on a lead within the Bateman's gardens themselves. Parts of the path can get very muddy after rain, so wellies are a good idea from October through to March.
Planning a longer stay? If you're spending several days exploring the area, our Three-Day High Weald Castle Itinerary combines Bateman's with Bodiam Castle, Scotney Castle and other historic highlights, all within easy reach of Judins Cottage.
See Three-Day High Weald Castle Itinerary
The High Weald Walking Festival
Every September, the High Weald Walking Festival brings free guided and self guided walks across the Kent and Sussex countryside, right on our doorstep. Now well into its second decade, it has grown steadily since it began, drawing walkers from across the country to explore ancient woodland, historic estates and some of the finest views in the South East. There are walks for every pace and interest, from gentle wellbeing strolls and family friendly routes to longer rambles for the more seasoned walker, along with dedicated accessible walks and outings built around local history and photography. Many walks welcome dogs too, at the discretion of the walk leader on the day. Judins Cottage makes a natural base for the festival, giving you somewhere warm and comfortable to return to each evening across several days of walking. The full festival programme is usually released in mid August on the High Weald Walking Festival website, so it's worth having a look nearer the time and booking your stay ahead, since accommodation nearby tends to fill quickly once the walks are announced.
Walks within a short drive
Burwash Circular
A classic circular walk from Burwash village through farmland and green fields, crossing the River Dudwell with beautiful countryside views throughout. It's 5.2 miles, moderate, and takes around two to two and a half hours. The Rose & Crown pub awaits at the end, a 15th century village inn serving Harvey's ales and home cooked food, and is dog friendly. The route can be muddy after rain, so good boots or wellies are advised. It starts from Burwash village car park on the High Street, TN19 7EU.
Brightling & the Follies
The village of Brightling is surrounded by the eccentric follies of "Mad Jack" Fuller, a Victorian squire who dotted the landscape with pyramids, towers and obelisks. It's a wonderful walk with panoramic High Weald views and a great sense of history underfoot, around 5 miles and taking two to two and a half hours. The walk starts at the churchyard of St Thomas a Becket in Brightling, TN32 5HD, where Fuller's famous pyramid tomb can be found. Dogs are welcome but should stay on leads across farmland. The full route and a GPS map are available on AllTrails.
Woods Corner & the Swan Inn
High Weald Route 13 climbs through Brightling and Woods Corner for some of the widest views the High Weald has to offer, finishing at the Swan Inn, a 12th century pub with a large south facing garden. It's about 3.5 miles, moderate, and takes an hour and a half to two hours. The walk starts and ends at the Swan Inn, Woods Corner, Dallington, TN21 9LB. If you're leaving a car there while you walk, it's worth letting the pub staff know in advance, as the car park is for customers. Dogs should stay on lead where signposted, and the pub garden is dog friendly, though it's worth a quick check on their current policy before you go. A full route and downloadable map are available from East Sussex County Council.
Bewl Water
The largest reservoir in South East England, about 20 minutes' drive, with 12.5 miles of scenic trails around the water's edge suitable for all abilities. There's a waterfront café, and bikes can be hired during the summer months. Dogs are very welcome and can be off the lead, with well behaved dogs allowed in the Waterfront Café area too. Main car park: Bewl Water, Lamberhurst, TN3 8JH.
Bedgebury Forest & Pinetum
A magnificent 2,000 acre forest about 25 minutes' drive, with walking, cycling and family trails to suit everyone, and home to the world's most complete collection of conifers in the National Pinetum. There's a café, a play trail for children, and Go Ape for the adventurous. Dogs can be off the lead in the wider forest but must be kept on a lead within the National Pinetum and around the visitor centre. Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst, TN17 2SJ.
The Cuckoo Trail
A converted railway line running 14 miles from Heathfield to Eastbourne through beautiful East Sussex countryside, about 20 minutes' drive. The sealed, gently graded surface makes it a great choice in any weather, including winter when other paths get muddy, and it's perfect for families, cyclists, wheelchair users and pushchairs. Dogs are very welcome throughout. Nearest starting point is the Heathfield car park, TN21 8NE, with free car parks also at Horam, Hellingly and Hailsham.
Robertsbridge & Salehurst Halt
A circular walk starting and finishing at Robertsbridge station, about 15 minutes' drive, taking in farmland, ancient woodland and a historic oast house, with Judges Bakery and the George Inn for refreshments along the way. It's around 5 miles, moderate, and takes two to two and a half hours. For a shorter option, it's roughly a 30 minute walk from the station to Salehurst Halt itself, a friendly freehouse with garden views over the hop fields, at Church Lane, Salehurst, TN32 5PH. For those wanting to go further, a separate 5 mile route follows the River Rother out to Bodiam Castle. Dogs are welcome on the footpaths, kept on lead through farmland and near livestock. Full routes and downloadable maps are available from the High Weald National Landscape website.
Useful resources
123 Walks offers short local walk maps including the Bateman's and Dudwell route, printable and app friendly.
KS Walks provides personal, friendly walk guides across Kent and East Sussex, great for discovering new routes.
Bateman's, Bodiam Castle, Scotney Castle and Bewl Water all have their own sites with opening times, admission and visitor information, and Bedgebury Forest has trail maps and cycling routes too.
All walks are subject to seasonal conditions, and paths can be muddy in winter.
We always recommend good footwear and checking conditions before you set out.