On May 5th, we had perfect weather as eight of us set out on a five-mile circuit from Ardingly Reservoir.  The goal was the Balcombe railway viaduct and Balcombe Place, returning to the reservoir.  We were soon down along the Ouse walking to the viaduct. After a very brief stretch along and crossing Borde Hill Lane we entered a field and approached the viaduct, roughly a mile from our starting point. (Although Google Maps shows this as parking for the viaduct, it is actually just the side of the road and not recommended). We spent some time admiring the beautiful design of the 1841 structure and its 11 million bricks. Fortunately it has outlasted its forecast 120 year life and is now a Grade II listed structure. 

We continued on following the Ouse and then a tributary for about another mile, mostly along a farm track. We then crossed the B2036 and took Cherry Lane up and started to loop back, crossing the Ouse again. Another undulating mile and one field of cows, and after a coffee break we were back along the railway line and this time crossing over it. We were soon entering the centre of the Balcombe estate and passing in front of the 1850’s Balcombe Place.  Unfortunately we were not expected! It was then pretty much downhill from there back to the reservoir.  

Although the walk was a bit hillier than some anticipated with over 600 feet in height gain, the beautiful views justified and perhaps distracted from any pain. With very little rain this spring, the walking was easy but it might be less appealing after extended heavy rain as it appears the stretch along the Ouse and in between fields could get muddy. Roughy half the walk, the first half, was along the Ouse Valley Way.

The walk was lead by Tony