The best walks and hikes around Hedgecourt Lake

Yes, the area is very family-friendly. The trails are generally flat and well-defined, making them accessible for most ages and fitness levels. Many routes, like the popular circular walks starting from Felbridge, follow paths through woodlands and along the lake, offering plenty of natural scenery to keep young explorers engaged.

Dog walking is a popular activity at Hedgecourt Lake. The public footpaths and woodland trails offer great opportunities for walks with your dog. However, as the area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with diverse wildlife and breeding birds, it's important to keep your dog under control, especially near the water's edge and in sensitive habitats.

The paths around Hedgecourt Lake are a mix of woodland trails and public footpaths. While many are well-maintained, the area's character includes wetlands, fens, and lakeside paths. These sections can become quite muddy and boggy, particularly after periods of rain. It's always a good idea to wear waterproof hiking boots.

Circular walks are the most common way to explore the area. There are numerous loops starting from various points, including Felbridge and Burstow. For a slightly longer but still accessible option, consider the Hedgecourt Lake – Lake loop from Felbridge, which is an easy 7.2 km walk through the varied landscape.

There is no official large car park directly at the lake. Most hikers find on-street parking in residential areas in Felbridge or near trailheads, such as along Mill Lane. Please be considerate of local residents when parking. For some routes, starting points may be near other local car parks like those for Staffhurst Wood, which is a short distance away.

The nearest town with good public transport links is East Grinstead, which has a train station. From there, you can take a local bus service towards Felbridge. Several bus stops are located within walking distance of the footpaths leading to the lake. Check local bus timetables for services running along the A22 Eastbourne Road.

Hedgecourt Lake is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, so it's rich in wildlife. Birdwatchers can look for species like the kingfisher, water rail, sedge warbler, and mute swan. The woodlands are home to various birds, and the lake itself supports a large community of dragonflies. The diverse habitats, from reedswamps to oak and alder woodland, support a wide array of flora and fauna.

While there are no cafes directly on the lake shore, the nearby towns of Felbridge and East Grinstead offer a good selection of pubs and restaurants. Many hikers head into East Grinstead's historic High Street after their walk to find a place for food and drink.

There are nearly 400 hiking routes mapped around Hedgecourt Lake on komoot. These range from short, easy loops perfect for a quick stroll to longer, more moderate hikes that connect to the wider network of paths in the region, such as the Tandridge Border Path.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with over 3,400 hikers having explored the trails. Reviewers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the beautiful lakeside scenery, and the variety of habitats. The mix of easy-to-follow paths and rich wildlife makes it a local favorite.

Yes, for those seeking a longer walk, there are routes that extend further into the surrounding countryside. The Lake loop from Felbridge is a moderate 10.9 km hike that offers a more extensive exploration of the woodlands and fields beyond the immediate lake area.

Hedgecourt Lake is not a natural lake but an ancient mill pond, the largest of its kind in east Surrey. It was created to power Hedgecourt Mill, a flour mill believed to have been built in the 16th century. While little remains of the mill itself, the lake stands as a historical feature of the landscape.