Great High Weald Landscape Locations
The High Weald in the south east of England is one of the countries designated AONB. The High Weald spans the three counties of Kent, East Sussex and west Sussex. The following post is a small compilation of some of the best places to visit on the High Weald for landscape photography and hiking.
High Weald Location
I have explored and photographed extensively the High Weald, mostly in Kent and East Sussex since living in the area for the past few years. The following map clearly shows the location and expanse of the High Weald in south east England.
The High Weald is sandwiched between the North Downs and South Downs. Although greatly reduced, it is one of the countries most densely wooded much of it ancient woodland.
Hastings Country Park
The High Weald in east Sussex has a small stretch off coastline. The coastline includes Cliff End, the Fire Hills, North’s Seat and Hastings East Hill.
All of these are excellent locations for hiking and landscape photography. All these locations can be reached on foot via Hastings Country Park.
Burwash
The high weald countryside around Burwash in east Sussex is beautiful and gentle. No wonder Rudyard Kipling chose to live out his days here at Batemans.
Lots of beautiful compositions to capture around Burwash and great hiking paths too taking you deep into ancient woodland on the high weald.
Bewl Water
A great walk can be had by following the banks around the huge reservoir of Bewl Water . In the heart of the High Weald Bewl Water is the largest reservoir in the south east of England and straddles the border of east Sussex and Kent.
When I visited Bewl, the water levels were low as can be seen in the above landscape photograph. There are also iconic Kent Oast houses on the banks of Bewl Water providing a good focal point.
Goudhurst
Superb views of the high weald can be had from a walk around the village of Goudhurst in Kent. Goudhurst is one of the highest villages in Kent hence the great views.
Goudhurst is probably one of the best locations to visit on the high weald for the landscape photographer and hiker. The village has 3 lively pubs too. Surprisingly I have visited Goudhurst only once during the autumn but is a great location to visit any time of the year.
Ashdown Forest
More an open heathland than a forest, Ashdown Forest in east Sussex is the highest point of the high weald rising 223m above sea level. There are expansive views all around including those of the south downs and north downs.
From a landscape photography perspective sunrise and sunset would be the best times to visit Ashdown Forest. Hiking is great anytime of the day or year. There are many free carparks along the major roads through Ashdown forest on the high weald.
High Weald Rambling
Quite often the best thing to do is just pick an interesting village located on the High Weald and then follow some footpaths using OS Maps online.
Thats how I discovered the wonderful views of the high weald woodland from blackdown mill near Punnetts town in east Sussex.
Then again discovering autumn morning rays of sunlight streaming through the trees near woods corner.
On this occasion, I pulled over by the side of the road to capture this magnificent wooded hill including oast houses in the high weald countryside in Kent. Driving around the main roads of an area is a good tactic to discovering potential locations to then return for a hike.
Check out the following slide show of landscape photography from the high weald. Click on any slide for options to download a high resolution copy.