View of Harrisons's Rocks, East Sussex, England, UK

Hiking Eridge and Harrisons's Rocks

View of Harrisons's Rocks, East Sussex, England, UK
September 18, 2022photo story4 min read

Summer is not officially over yet, and I’ve managed to salvage last sunny weekend to again join Outdooraholics for another hike. Navigating paths at the border of East Sussex and Kent counties, I enjoyed the green and calm atmosphere of woods and stunning crags of Harrison’s Rocks.

Eridge

As usual, we departed in the morning from London and, around 10AM, arrived at Eridge, the starting point of the hike.

Initially, the walk led us first through some picturesque streets of the small village of Eridge Green.

A peek at someone's small but beautiful garden at Eridge, East Sussex, England, UK
A peek at someone's small but beautiful garden at Eridge, East Sussex, England, UK

The morning felt a bit chilly at first. Still, after a few minutes of a brisk walk, we warmed up, and the temperature became very enjoyable, perfect to balance the excessive heat generated from moving.

Our group walking through road in Eridge, East Sussex, England, UK
Our group walking through road in Eridge, East Sussex, England, UK

Eridge Rocks Nature Reserve

After about 20 minutes, we left the asphalt road and entered the nearby woods leading us towards Eridge Rocks Nature Reserve.

I didn’t do any research before this hike, so I didn’t know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to see some rocks hidden in the woods.

A tree emerging from the rocks at Eridge Rocks, East Sussex, England, UK
A tree emerging from the rocks at Eridge Rocks, East Sussex, England, UK

I spotted this massive, old tree with twisted roots between the boulders. The scene was illuminated by the gentle sun rays, diffused by the tree crowns above.

The ancient tree looked precisely how I’d imagine an Ent! Was it the one that spurred the imagination of artists and writers?

Ancient looking tree at Eridge Rocks, East Sussex, England, UK
Ancient looking tree at Eridge Rocks, East Sussex, England, UK

The Eridge Rocks is a sandstone rock formation hidden away in the woodlands of the High Weald of East Sussex. Some of the boulders are 10+ meters high. Rocks have a fascinating surface, exposing porous texture defined by millennia of weather exposure.

Sandstone rocks with unique texture at Eridge Rocks, East Sussex, England, UK
Sandstone rocks with unique texture at Eridge Rocks, East Sussex, England, UK

We continued to follow the trail, and I enjoyed the forest vibes. There’s so much detail and textures in every place you look.

Tree trunk partially covered by moss, East Sussex, England, UK
Tree trunk partially covered by moss, East Sussex, England, UK

Often we walked through these natural corridors, which created mesmerizing experience.

Our group walking through natural corridor created by the shrubs around the path, East Sussex, England, UK
Our group walking through natural corridor created by the shrubs around the path, East Sussex, England, UK

I just love how many details the Sony camera can capture.

Combined with the smooth, creamy bokeh of the Sigma lens, I’m convinced this is an excellent pair for many photography adventures.

A fern leaf seen in the woods, East Sussex, England, UK
A fern leaf seen in the woods, East Sussex, England, UK

Harrison’s Rocks

Around noon we reached another sandstone crag named Harrison’s Rocks. The location is very popular with rock climbers, offering couple hundred climbs.

Hiking group approaching Harrison's Rocks, East Sussex, England, UK
Hiking group approaching Harrison's Rocks, East Sussex, England, UK

The rocks offer very interesting views, with cracked, worn sandstone walls and many fissures often occupied by the tree roots trying to grow on the meager soil layers.

Tree roots finding its ways between boulders of Harrison's Rocks, East Sussex, England, UK
Tree roots finding its ways between boulders of Harrison's Rocks, East Sussex, England, UK

The crag is relatively short, but looking at its surface, you can easily imagine why it could be a fantastic spot for climbing enthusiasts.

An unique rock formation at Harrison's Rocks, East Sussex, England, UK
An unique rock formation at Harrison's Rocks, East Sussex, England, UK

Looking west, you can admire views of Sanden Vineyard, with an impressive mansion overlooking the fields from the top.

Views of Sanden Vineyard estate, East Sussex, England, UK
Views of Sanden Vineyard estate, East Sussex, England, UK
Views of Sanden Vineyard estate, East Sussex, England, UK
Views of Sanden Vineyard estate, East Sussex, England, UK

We stop for the lunch break in the parking area of Harrison’s Rocks. Refreshed and rested, we continued our walk.

Groombridge Place

We’ve passed a pretty manor house called Groombridge Place. It is a moated manor house located in the village of Groombridge near Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

Groombridge Place manor, Kent, England, UK
Groombridge Place manor, Kent, England, UK

It had a well-maintained garden with some impressive Redwoods growing in front.

A giant redwood at Groombridge Place, Kent, England, UK
A giant redwood at Groombridge Place, Kent, England, UK

Toward Ashurst

The final part of the walk led us through mixed scenery of woods, fields and gentle hills towards the village of Ashurst.

There was still a lot to see, admire & experience.

A lone tree on the fields somewhere in west part of Kent, England, UK
A lone tree on the fields somewhere in west part of Kent, England, UK

I’ve spotted many unique shapes and textures of collapsed trees and tree trunks.

Fallen tree trunk seen along the hike, Kent, England, UK
Fallen tree trunk seen along the hike, Kent, England, UK
Another, old, cracked tree trunk with unique texture, Kent, England, UK
Another, old, cracked tree trunk with unique texture, Kent, England, UK

Sometimes, it was a peek at someone’s front garden or the gate that caught my attention.

Lane Cottage gate, Kent, England, UK
Lane Cottage gate, Kent, England, UK

Other times, just a clear view of the countryside, which we admired walking down the hills.

A view of countryside with our group descending towards Ashurst, Kent, England, UK
A view of countryside with our group descending towards Ashurst, Kent, England, UK

Or maybe a mature mushroom that hid in the grass.

A mushroom tucked in the grass, spotted somewhere along the path, England, UK
A mushroom tucked in the grass, spotted somewhere along the path, England, UK

I really enjoyed this walk. Had a great time meeting and talking with a few interesting people, discovered some new places and took some great photos. What’s better to ask?

Until next time!

You may also like the following content