John's Cross circular

PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The 1066 Bus from Hastings arrives at the bus stop just after John's Cross roundabout at 10:27.
PARKING AND ASSEMBLY
If driving up the A21 from Hastings turn right immediately after John's Cross roundabout and park on the right in the one-way slip road by the closed camping shop. Additional parking on the crescent of grass-grid paving just before Mountfield Heath School's carpark.
We aim to start walking at 10:30 or after the bus arrives if it's late.
TOILETS
There are no toilets on this walk.
LUNCH
We will stop for lunch so please bring your favourite sustenance and something to sit on. We will also have a snack and view break at Mountfield Church.
OUR WALK
A 7.3 mile circular heading east to Poppinghole Lane, Barne's Wood, and Swaile's Green. Then, we descend to Whatlington to meet the River Line which we follow for 1.5 miles. Finally, we head up to 900-year-old Mountfield Church and back to John's Cross along the avenue of 300-year-old chestnut trees at Mountfield Court. There are excellent views and big skies as well as an interesting mix of woods and fields.
There are a few stiles and one short steep hill. We walk along field paths, farm lanes, and both broad and narrow woodland paths.
Grass will be unavoidably wet now and there will be mud around some farm gates and in small areas of the woods. Walking wellies/boots are essential. A walking stick can be useful for balance when the path is slippery.

"This walk is strictly for Members of the 'East Sussex Walking' Meetup group and their guests. If you wish to join this walk and are not currently a paid-up member of this group, you must register a profile on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) and send an application to join this group and have it accepted, and pay the annual group membership fee of £5, before arrival. For further information contact Norman Crouch on 07503 142469."

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. Walking poles are useful now paths are wet.

I look forward to welcoming you on Sunday 23 November.
Each and every one of our footsteps helps to keep our paths accessible. 🍂🍁🌳