The best walks and hikes in Brede High Wood

The main car park is located off the B2089. There is also the Brede High Woods Eastern Car Park. Both are known to be quite small, so it's a good idea to arrive early. If they are full, you may find some space in nearby lay-bys.

Yes, Brede High Wood is very popular for dog walking. Dogs are welcome and can be exercised off-lead, but please keep them under control to be considerate of wildlife and other visitors.

Yes, there are many options suitable for families. For a shorter, manageable walk, consider the Brede High Wood – Holman Wood loop from Rother. It's an easy route of about 4.7 km that explores the woodland.

The best time to see the spectacular bluebell displays is in the spring. The forest floor becomes a carpet of blue, with Rafters Wood being a particularly recommended spot to witness this.

The woods are a sanctuary for a wide array of wildlife. Keep an eye out for fallow deer, badgers, and the elusive dormouse. Birdwatchers may spot woodcocks, nightingales, and buzzards. The streams are also a habitat for the eel-like lamprey.

While there are no pubs directly within the woods, the surrounding villages offer several options. You can find traditional pubs in nearby Sedlescombe or Battle, which are just a short drive away and popular with walkers.

The paths in Brede High Wood are generally unsurfaced. They can become quite muddy and waterlogged, especially after periods of rain. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is highly recommended for a comfortable hike.

There are over 260 routes to explore in and around Brede High Wood. The network of paths and rides offers a huge variety, from short waymarked loops to longer, more challenging hikes that you can create yourself.

Yes, circular walks are very common here. A great moderate option is the Catt's Shaw loop from Rother, a 7.6 km trail that takes you through the area's varied woodland terrain.

As you explore, you can discover traces of the area's industrial past, including old iron works. There is also a medieval tree-lined bank and the site and remains of a 17th-century farm, offering glimpses into the wood's long history.

Due to the natural, unsurfaced paths which can be muddy and uneven, the trails in Brede High Wood are generally not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 stars. Hikers often praise the diverse landscape, which feels like walking through ten different woods in one, and the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient woodland.