Abbot’s Wood, Polegate

It’s always a joy to find a new favourite walking route while we’re pet sitting in a new area! While caring for our four-legged friend Ludo in Lewes, we headed to nearby Abbot’s Wood to explore the woodland, and it quickly became our go-to spot for a peaceful dog walk!

There are two waymarked trails here, but you can easily walk a little of both or go off route to extend your time here, as we did. Our route mostly follows the Abbot’s Amble Trail, with a few wanders off piste as we explored with Ludo. The terrain underfoot is gentle, with flat, mostly dirt tracks but some muddier patches after a spell of inclement weather.

Arriving at the beginning of our route is straightforward, as there is a large car park at Abbot’s Wood with around 75 spaces. The car park is owned by the Forestry Commission, so charges apply. There are toilets here, as well as ample dog waste bins – so be sure to carry your bags with you until you arrive back at the car park. Dogs are welcome off lead throughout the woods and will love running through the trees and jumping in muddy puddles. There is one section en route by a lake where dogs must be put on lead due to water fowl – but this is well signposted to give you ample warning.

There’s a play area for little ones as well as a picnic area, so bring some snacks and enjoy the peaceful woodland surroundings.