Wealden Link

This year the Wealden Line Annual Walk departs from Lewes Station at 10.30am on Saturday 18th July 2009

Our annual guided event offers the opportunity for people to see for themselves just how easy it would be to rebuild the 7½ miles of missing track which could bring so much benefit to East Sussex and the rest of the busy South East.

It’s now forty years since the last trains ran between the neighbouring towns of Lewes and Uckfield. Since then we have seen a massive expansion in local populations, rising fuel prices, an increase in environmental awareness, yet we still have the same fragmented rail network we had in 1970 which is now uncomfortably bursting at the seams with ever more passengers.

Commentary is provided at points of interest and we’ll be taking our now-traditional extended lunchbreak in Isfield to enjoy fine food and ales at The Laughing Fish, as well as enjoying a visit and ride on the nearby Lavender Line - a preserved portion of the Lewes-Uckfield rail link.

This 10-mile linear walk is moderately-paced and follows public footpaths alongside the former railway (includes one mile walking on the actual trackbed). It is recommended that suitable footwear is worn and that particular account is taken of the weather, be it waterproof clothing or plenty of sun protection cream because some years have downpours, some have scorching sunshine - and some have both!

We aim to be back in Uckfield by about 4.30-5.00 pm, but these timings are fairly relaxed, due to the need to accommodate walkers of all abilities. We usually arrive at Uckfield between 16:30-17:00 (4.30-5pm) as timings are fairly relaxed due to the need to cater for people of all ages and abilities.

Buses run every half hour back to Lewes or there are onward trains to points north from Uckfield Railway Station.

ALL WALKERS WELCOME

There is no charge for participating in this walk although an entirely voluntary contribution is welcomed for the Wealden Line Campaign.

1969 to 2009 ~ 40 YEARS WITHOUT TRAINS ~  HELP US BRING THEM BACK!

If you would like to encourage others to join us, why not print out our poster advertising the event and display it in your place of work.

For factories and large offices, arrangements can be made to provide an A3 size poster in pdf format ~ if you require this version, please get your company management to write or email us direct.