The name Cuckoo dates back to when the first cuckoo of the year was released from a cage every spring at Heathfield Fair. The trail offers safety from cars and traffic and is suitable for cycling and walking.
The adventure cycling begins at Eastbourne seafront next to the Sovereign Leisure Centre and finishes at Heathfield, covering a distance of 16 miles. The cycling difficulty is easy, as all paths are flat, gravel and wide, making it easy for other bikes to pass. You will find a gentle climb from Polegate to Heathfield, only around 120 meters, but remember what goes up must come down, so you can relax on the way back down.
The Trail largely follows the route of a disused railway line, the Cuckoo Line, which opened in 1880 and ran between Eridge and Polegate railway stations, creating a direct route between Eastbourne and London. It obtained its name from the tradition that the first cuckoo in spring was heard at the Heathfield Fair. The line closed in 1968 under the programme of closures put forward by Forest Row resident and British Transport Commission Chairman Richard Beeching.
Starting at Eastbourne seafront near the Sovereign Leisure Centre, cross the A2280 roundabout and locate Willingdon Drove. On the left hand side travelling down Willingdon Drove you will see Mountfield Road. This will continue on towards Shinewater Country Park, from here you will se signs for 'Route 21', which takes you all the way to Polegate. Along the route you will pass a number of great sights, including the Sovereign Harbour, just East of Eastbourne. It's one of the largest marinas in the UK, boasting five different ports and an abundance of shopping and retail outlets all overlooking the water.
Along the way are plentiful picnic spots, often with benches and shade. Not to be missed is the Victorian's engineering skills in the brick arch bridges, between Hellingly and Horam and most striking example at Heathfield Tunnel (open during the summer). There are lots of sights, sounds and smells to experience. In May, look for butterflies such as the orange-tip. You might even see bullfinch, lesser whitethroat, cuckoos or weasels.
Listen for the laughing call of the green woodpecker and a host of other birds. There's also wild garlic at several places between Hellingly and Horam with its pungent aroma. In early summer, orchids grow near path edges and under trees.
If you are considering this trail with young children, it's advised to start from Hampden Park, as the link from Eastbourne to the park is not that suitable for young riders. Get them in the park first and start your adventure cycling from there.
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