Cuckoo Trail, footpath and cycleway in East Sussex
The Cuckoo Trail is a flat walking and cycling path through the Sussex countryside, stretching about 14 miles along a former railway route. The surface is smooth and traffic-free, with benches carved from fallen trees, picnic tables, and bike racks placed at regular intervals for rest and comfort.
The railway line was built in 1880 and connected local towns before closing in 1968 following changes in national transport policy. Today, old brick arch bridges and remnants of the railway remind visitors of Victorian engineering and the historical importance of this route to the community.
The trail takes its name from an old custom where a cuckoo bird was released from a cage at Heathfield Fair to mark the arrival of spring. Today, visitors use it as a shared outdoor space, where wooden and steel sculptures along the route create moments of discovery and connection to the land.
The path is easily accessible with gentle slopes and smooth surfaces, suitable for walking sticks, wheelchairs, and strollers in all weather. Parking is available at Heathfield, Hailsham, Horam, and Polegate, while trains from Polegate and Hampden Park stations provide direct access to the trail.
A hidden feature is the augmented reality experience that allows visitors to use their smartphones to discover animated animals and solve riddles along the route. This digital layer transforms the traditional countryside walk into an interactive exploration where nature meets modern technology.
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