LEGGETT'S WOOD - hidden High Weald

PARKING and ASSEMBLY
Park and assemble at the entrance to Leggett's Wood opposite (Little) Perryman's Barn on Kings Hill Rd - there's a Leggett's Wood Forestry Commission sign behind the parking area barrier. Space is limited but there is additional parking on nearby verges, especially when approaching from the south just past the entrance to British Gypsum Brightling Mine. From here, the meeting place is a short walk down the road or on an easy path, almost parallel to the road, in the wood.
We aim to start walking at 10:45.

TOILETS
There are no public toilets on this walk but there are plenty of woods!

LUNCH
We will stop for lunch. Please bring your own favourite sustenance and something to sit on.

OUR WALK
Much of our circular walk of around 7 miles is in woods. We explore a remarkably preserved medieval landscape of small fields lined with hedges and shaws, of ancient oaks and coppiced woodland, of relics of an iron industry, and a wealth of historical building styles. We drop down into the Dudwell River valley to the watermill at Bateman's. Then we travel along the valley before heading back into woods just past Willingford Farm. Eventually we pass the Observatory at Brightling and head downhill, literally above Brightling Mine, back to Leggett's Wood. Excellent views. Manageable hills of around 350 metres ascent/descent - the end section from the Observatory is almost all downhill to the parking. Some stiles.

GROUP MEMBERSHIP FEE
To attend our walks a £5 annual membership fee is payable to cover the membership period, which runs from the 1st September to 31st August. If you wish to attend this walk and have not yet paid your £5 annual membership fee, please approach the Walk Leader at the start of the walk and pay them £5 in cash, preferably in an envelope with your full name clearly written on it. Alternatively if you wish to pay by bank transfer, then prior to attending the walk contact Norman Crouch the Group Organiser via personal message on Meetup or by text on 07503 142469 and he will provide you with his bank details to enable you to pay your fee before this event commences. Any guests of members must pay a fee of £2 per walk on the day, or join the group and pay the £5 membership fee.

IMPORTANT
1. To contact me on the walk day, please phone/text me rather than messaging Meetup. I will send my number to attendees a couple of days before the walk.
2. Please remember that accidents can happen anywhere. You take part at your own risk, and the walk leader cannot be held responsible for any injuries.
3. Consider bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, rain jacket, warm jacket, gloves/warm hat depending on the weather, and of course wear comfortable footwear.

I look forward to welcoming you on Sunday 8 June.