Ashdown Forest: Gills Lap and Chuck Hatch
East Sussex
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.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.5 km (4.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Woodland, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- None on route; the Hatch Inn at Chuck Hatch welcomes dogs
- Parking
- Gills Lap car park, Hartfield, TN7 4HE
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashdown Forest: Gills Lap and Chuck Hatch dog friendly?
Yes, Ashdown Forest is a great choice for dogs. The forest is largely unfenced, the sandy paths are easy on paws and drain quickly after rain, and the Hatch Inn at Chuck Hatch welcomes dogs if you fancy a stop along the way.
Can dogs be off lead at Ashdown Forest: Gills Lap and Chuck Hatch?
Dogs can range freely across much of the open heath, but there's an important seasonal caveat: ground-nesting birds are present from March to August, and restriction signs mark sensitive areas where dogs should be kept close. Outside those marked zones and that breeding season, the heathland offers a generous amount of off-lead freedom.
What should I know before visiting Ashdown Forest: Gills Lap and Chuck Hatch with my dog?
The most practical thing to know is that there's no water available on the high heath itself, so bring enough for your dog for the full 7.5 km circuit. If you're visiting between March and August, keep an eye out for ground-nesting bird restriction signs and keep your dog close in those areas. Park at Gills Lap car park, Hartfield, TN7 4HE.
What’s Nearby?
Walk3 mi awayAshdown Forest: King's Standing Circular
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A dog friendly heath and woodland circular through the open Ashdown Forest, the heart of the Hundred Acre Wood, with big skyline views from King's Standing.
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Walk13.3 mi awayLewes to Southease
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A South Downs crossing mixing riverside paths with big chalk downland views, with a train ride back from Southease to keep it linear.
Walk15.3 mi awaySevenoaks Circular via Knole and Ide Hill
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A loop through the ancient deer park at Knole, one of England's grandest estates, with mature trees and resident herds throughout.
Walk15.6 mi awayDevil’s Dyke
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Brighton's famous V-shaped valley with dramatic views north across the Weald, easy to reach and well-served with a cafe at the top.
