Cuckoo Trail
Photo: Simon Carey, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Cuckoo Trail is an 11 mi surfaced track through the East Sussex countryside. It follows the path of the old Tunbridge Wells to Eastbourne railway from Heathfield (although it is possible to cycle to Tunbridge wells from Heathfield using local roads (the route is well signposted).
UnderstandThe railway line closed to passengers in 1965 and to freight in 1968; along the route there are various station buildings, signals and other infrastructure left behind.
PrepareHave a well-maintained bike and a puncture repair kit; since there are few bike shops and at certain times of the day and certain sections of the route, traffic can be a bit sparse.
Get inFree car parks are provided at Heathfield, Horam, Hellingly and Hailsham; parking at Polegate and Hampden Park is on-street.
GoThe Cuckoo Trail is a safe, largely traffic-free route for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders, forming part of National Cycle Route 21.
Stay safe
Go nextThe trail connects to The Forest Way at Heathfield, forming part of the cycle route from London to Paris via Newhaven, while Eastbourne at the southern end offers onward trains and buses along the coast, including to…
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Cuckoo Trail" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Simon Carey, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons