Ouse Valley Viaduct and Ardingly Reservoir A west Sussex High Weald Hike

Step away from the crowds and discover one of Sussex’s most spectacular hidden corners. Starting in Balcombe, this scenic adventure heads south through the rolling countryside of the Sussex Weald, combining woodland trails, open hills, historic landmarks and peaceful waterside paths before finishing in Haywards Heath.

One of the highlights comes early as the route descends into the Ouse Valley and passes beneath the magnificent Ouse Valley Viaduct. Built in 1842 for the London–Brighton railway, this remarkable 500-metre structure is supported by 37 arches and is often regarded as one of Britain’s most elegant viaducts. From below, its scale is even more impressive.

From here, we follow sections of the Sussex Ouse Valley Way, passing through quiet countryside and mixed woodland before gradually climbing towards Ardingly Reservoir. Surrounded by steep wooded hills, the 198-acre reservoir is also designated a Local Nature Reserve, making it a peaceful spot for wildlife and birdlife.

We’ll take a lunch stop by the reservoir, giving you time to relax and enjoy the setting before continuing through the countryside towards Haywards Heath.

With its dramatic Victorian viaduct, rolling Sussex hills, woodland trails and tranquil reservoir, this is a wonderfully varied day in the countryside — and a chance to discover a part of Sussex that many people simply pass by on the train.

Highlights

• Walk beneath the spectacular Ouse Valley Viaduct, built in 1842 with 37 arches
• Explore peaceful Sussex Weald countryside and mixed woodland
• Enjoy scenic paths around 198-acre Ardingly Reservoir
• A varied point-to-point adventure from Balcombe to Haywards Heath

📍⏰Meeting Point & Travel information

Location: London Bridge Rail Station next to main ticket office
Depart: Meet us 09:05 am, we leave 09:20 am for 09:35 am train
Return: 04:46 pm Back in London (commitment required until then)

🎒What to Bring

• Sturdy hiking boots
• Water & packed lunch/snacks
• Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, windbreaker)
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
• Optional: camera, walking poles

✅ Return train tickets from London
✅ Guided hike led by an experienced Outdoorly hike leader

✅ Fully planned route & navigation – we take care of the route, navigation, rest stops and key points of interest, so you can relax, enjoy the scenery and focus on the adventure.
✅ Group leadership & support throughout the hike

❌ Food and drinks – please bring enough food and water for the day

❌ Personal insurance – including travel, accident or cancellation insurance
❌ Personal expenses – including any purchases made during the day
❌ Travel to and from the London meeting point
❌ Any additional costs resulting from personal changes to the itinerary or travel arrangements