Ashdown Forest: Gills Lap and Chuck Hatch

Ashdown Forest is the largest area of open heathland in the South East, a high plateau of heather, gorse, and acid grassland above the Sussex Weald. The 7.5 km circuit from Gills Lap — one of the original Winnie-the-Pooh filming locations — crosses the open heath plateau, dips into birch and oak woodland around Chuck Hatch, and returns along the ridge with views in every direction. The sandy paths drain fast, making this one of the most reliably accessible walks in the county after rain when the clay Weald below is saturated.

The heathland carries warm sand and heather scent, sharpened by gorse when flowering. The forest is largely unfenced and dogs can range well on the open heath, though ground-nesting birds are present from March to August — restriction signs indicate sensitive areas and dogs should be kept close during this period. No water on the high heath itself, so bring enough for your dog. The Hatch Inn at Chuck Hatch welcomes dogs.