Wakehurst Place and other Wealden secrets: A circular from Balcombe

Want to know how to get into Wakehurst Place, Kew Gardens's Sussex collection of wild and exotic trees and home of the Millennium Seedback, for free? The answer lies in a little-known back door that will just be one of many Wealden secrets revealed in this 12 mile/19km ramble through hidden valleys with their evidence of long-lost medieval iron forges and tailponds, rhododendron-tangled woodlands and a few other bonus highlights besides.

Warning: although it'll be relatively easy walking in terms of ups and downs, the combined effect of Wealden clay and the weather we've been having means THERE WILL BE MUD. But also a good pub lunch as ever, so that's all ok. Marvellous - hope to see you there!