Rediscovering trails: Haywards Heath to Wivelsfield (Draft)

 IT HAS DONE nothing but rain recently, which makes trails running a little more challenging due to the level of water and mud.   The risk of slipping and falling increases and when you are going out it's best to go with other people of, at least, make sure someone knows where you are going, always carry your phone.

This wasn't really planned as a trails run, as such, more of a means to an end!   I needed to go over to Wivelsfield to drop my car off at Barnard and Brough to have serviced and MoT.   I decided to drop it all and run back to Haywards Heath, which is not the first time that I have done this.

The main road is dangerous, as you reach the bottom of Fox Hill it's a straight road, but it's fast and road is covered in pot holes.   You really don't want to be stuck in that position, so the best move is to take the run onto the trails from Fox Hill up to Wivelsfield.

Car dropped off I headed out of Wivelsfield and towards Church Lane, this is putting me through the small village past the church and local houses, towards the end of the lane where the trails start.

First part through the gates which is really mulched down with bark to keep it all easy to walk on and heading towards the first style.   This was where I realised how much rain has come down, the field was pretty water logged and muddy, but this is the fun of going out on the trails.

I was on a downward hill run with a lot of water and mud, heading for the far end of the field where I could see the next style.   Feet either sinking deep into the mud or sliding it was an interesting experience, with a little working involved.

Once through the style it was an easy run until the uphill part heading towards Fox Hill.   There are a couple of styles with a little gate to the side, they were actually underwater, so I got my trainings underwater and worked my round them.

Fox Hill was easy as it's a main path with a big uphill towards home.   I was thinking about the trails run at the time and decided I had not had enough of them, so I cut down Hurstwood Lane and entered the trails on Colwell Lane.   This was going to drop me onto the Lewes Road.

Colwell Lane is a good uphill trials run, due to the nature of the lane it's not too muddy or waterlogged, part way I passed a farm with a barn full of rubbish.   Couldn't help but notice a skeleton standing there watching my progress with a plane above it.   It's amazing what you find on a trails run.

At the top of the lane I turned towards Scaynes Hill, going out for a run with Sarah Bonwick a little while ago she showed me a footpath that goes back into trails and back towards home.   The perfect end to the run.

Having used the run to drop my car off at the garage meant that I had the pleasure of running it again in the opposite direction.   I did learn that if I was going to do that again, which is very likely, to put a fresh pair of trainings in the boot of the car along with baggy gym wear.   That way I won't cover my car in mud! 

Michael escapes Meriden

THIS IS an amazing story about local athlete Michael Burke that I covered in the local paper The Mid Sussex Times.   I was having a conversation with Michael during a yoga session and asked if he wanted it covered.   The story then developed from there.

The story is covered in the photograph below, but the text is recreated below, if it's difficult to read. 

ESCAPE FROM Meriden is an ultra-marathon challenge that doesn't have conventional barriers.   The start point is Meriden Village, Warwickshire near the ancient stone cross marking England's traditional centre.

This year the event celebrated their 10th anniversary with an extended 48 hour cut-off point.

The race begins at midnight Saturday, and participants have to run, walk and crawl as far as possible in any direction for 48 hours.   The distance is then measured as the "crow flies", a straight line from the starting line to the point the athlete finished at the 48-hour mark.

 

There are few rules to the race: no advice, no checkpoint or marshals, must avoid private land and roads without pavements.   This is a unique ultra-endurance challenge where route planning (terrain, food, and sleep) is crucial for maximum distance from the start line.

 

Haywards Heath athlete Michael Burke took part in the event and completed it running for 47 hours as he was awake from 8am Friday to 1am on Monday, except for 15 minutes' sleep.

Michael came an incredible 2nd place covering 234.75km actual or - as the "crow flies" - 198km.   Michael had support built into his run at selected points from his brother Tom.

 

A couple of weeks before the event Michae3l was ill and it was uncertain if he would be able to run.   It wasn't until Wednesday the week before that Michael made the decision he was it fit to take part.

 

He said, "I was really happy with finishing in 2nd place.   My aim was to run the distance driving was 153 miles.

 

Michael was running for charity supporting Combat Stress and you can support him by clicking here.

 

National Runnig Show 2026

THIS YEAR I had the opportunity to attend the National Running show, being held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham.   With three other members of Haywards Heath Harriers we purchased the advance tickets and were looking forward to the day.

I have never been to a running show, and having retired in November I had nothing to stop me going!  I booked the train in advance, had a couple of sandwiches, two bags of crisps and a protein bar ready and just looked forward to spending the day with good friends, and a great day out.

The train set off from Haywards Heath at 07:42 and we headed for Victoria Railway station.    Quick change to the Victoria Line on the London Underground heading for Euston, which would take approximately 9 minutes.    Grabbed a coffee at the railway station with a bag of almond croissants before getting on the Avanti train to Birmingham International.

It was all shaping up to be a "grand day out".   I don't think I have ever been to Euston Railway Station before, I love finding new bits of London and walking around the area, unfortunately we just had time get to the train.

I didn't realise that the NEC was so close to the railway station, but it does make sense, you move from the station to the center all under cover, it's quite a walk!

Going into the vast area you know it's going to be a big event.   There were a number of lecture stages with events all published, the main theme seemed to be either Marathon or Ultra running, although I did manage to hear most of two sessions that covered inclusion in running.

There were many stalls and I managed to see all of them.   Spent some time at the England Athletics stall, Marion had volunteered some time there, so we dropped her off and met up later to have some lunch.

Although there were a lot of stalls there the big ones that I was really wanting to see were Adidas, Nike, Free Train, and Brooks.   None of them were there, the closest I got was Nike and that was just sun glasses.   I did stop at one staff, can't remember the brand but their running shoes looked good, after finding out the cost I thought I could get Brooks cheaper, so left it.

The disappointing factors around the show were the big names I wanted to find were not there, can't say there were many running celebrities there, and no freebies being handed out.   Taking all of that into consideration we still had a great day and got the train back with some "goodies" and looked forward to getting home.

WSFRL: Run Your Heart Out - Run 2026

I DON'T NORMALLY blog on races unless I run in them.   The 15th February I was booked into the Cancer Research 10km London Winter Run at the same time the West Sussex Fun Run League's second event of the season was taking place in Tilgate forest/park.   This is an important time for Haywards Heath Harriers walking away with the leagues first place over the last two years.

I am covering the run due to it's importance and I am writing reviews for the local paper, the Mid Sussex Times, as we go through the season.

SUNDAY 15th February saw Crawley Run Crew host their "Run Your Heart Out" 8km endurance race.   This is the second run of the season in the West Sussex Fun Run League calendar taking place in Tilgate forest/park over a multi terrain course. 

 

The League is comprised of 16 athletics clubs over Sussex with each club hosting one event over the year.   This equates to a massive 16 races of 80 miles.   Having won the league twice in the last two years Haywards Heath Harriers were joint second after the first race with Worthing Harriers.

There was a great turn out from the Harriers with 27 athletes on the starting line, aiming for as many points as [possible to ensure a good chance of victory at the end of the season.   Despite challenging wet and rainy conditions, which was boggy and winding around Tilgate Park, started and finished at K2 athletics track, taking in much of the local parkrun route along with tricky sections in Tilgate Forest.

 

Race two of the season saw Haywards Heath Harriers cement their position in econd place just 8 points behind the leaders Horsham Joggers, Worthing Harriers dropping to seventh place.   Horsham Joggers 125, Haywards Heath Harriers 117; Lancing Eagles 115; Chichester Runners 116. 

 

London Winter 10km Run 2026

 

SUNDAY 15th FEBRUARY 2026 I my did first run in Central London as part of the Cancer Research 10km London Winter Run.   All the roads closed, lots of entertainment on the course, and something that would be unbelievable.   I thought, "I'm in".   Unfortunately after signing up the dates for the West Sussex Fun Run League came out and one of the races clashed, so I had to miss out on a run around Tilgate park/forest in Crawley (there is a separate blog on this club run).

The run was due to start from Trafalgar Square, with Lord Admiral Nelson overseeing events.   The route going past such highlights as St. Paul's Cathedral, The Gherkin, and The Strand.   Other highlights include Somerset House, Covent Garden, and offers views of the London Eye and The Shard.   There was also entertainment zones such as "Penguin Party", "Husky High-Five" stations and live music.   The finish line is heading down to the War Rooms and just before Big Ben.   There was plenty to look forward to! 

I had everything ready the night before for the run and on the morning I was up early and heading for the railway station.   Due to engineering works there were no trains directly into Victoria and I had to divert to London Bridge, which was probably the best option anyway.   From there it was another train journey across to Charring Cross, if you know London then you know that Trafalgar Square is just around the corner from the station. 

As I walked from the railway station there was quite a strong wind, lots of rain, and freezing temperatures.   I had dressed the best way I could for the run (long sleeve top with padding at the front, leggings, and woolen finger less gloves with small hand warmers in them, I really appreciated those waiting for the run to start.

I got my act together  and headed for the start line, just outside the National Art Gallery and around the corner from the National Portrait Gallery.   There I was joined by Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards who was starting everybody off and managed a quick chat as the Winter Olympics are currently taking place in Italy.   It was so cold I had a hoodie with me, so tied it around my waist and ran with it (literally).   I was so pleased to have that at the finish line!

This is a 10km run around Central London, all closed roads, I saw an opportunity here and managed to run 20 red lights in honor of the event!   Completed the run in one hour and 12 minutes.   I picked up my medal and headed to an Asian street food vendor and got some hot food and then found coffee.   Once full and feeling warmer I set off for Charring Cross feeling elated that I had completed the run, freezing cold, and very damp.

I was pleased when the train pulled into Haywards Heath railway station and I could see Sainsbury's through the window.   I walked to Clair Park where I had left my car and set my sights on home, looking forward to putting the heating on, stripping off the damp clothes, getting a hot shower and then just sitting back on the sofa with a large mug of tea and some cheese on toast.   It's the little things in life that mean the most.

 

Green Space Action Team - Lindfield Common

 IT HAS BEEN very cold recently with a light dusting of snow and lot of ice.   I woke up this morning and could see the shapes of the trees and branches behind the houses opposite, the rest was hidden in the mist.   Today was my fifth outing with the Green Space Team and the first session of 2026, and I was looking forward to it.

Lindfield Common isn't too far from where I live which means I can walk there for a change, getting some exercise and fresh air on the way.   I was looking forward to seeing who turns up for the first session of the year, the team never fails to deliver and there was a great turn out.   Glendale have managed to achieve a really good level of community engagement with some really positive ambassadors.

At the far end of the common there was a patch of self seeded silver birches that needed to cutting down, they had been left for some time.   To the side of those beyond the pail were some trees with broken branch's that had dropped down and hanging from the trees, they were surrounded by a lot of brambles that all needed cutting back and generally tidied up. 

The first objectives for the day were to remove the silver birch saplings, tie them up and shift them behind the bus shelter.   At a later date they would be collected and taken to East Grinstead to build dead hedges (nothing gets wasted here).   The second objective was to cut back the brambles and remove the broken branches.

Just under one hour into the job and all of the silver birch saplings had been removed and tied into bunches.   They were then moved to behind the bus shelter for collection.   Part of the group had already moved onto the brambles and the rest of the team then joined them to start removing the branches and using a saw to cut them into manageable chunks.

The rotting wood and parts of the tree branches were used for building wildlife habitats and the cut brambles piled up out of the way to break down naturally.   It appears that a similar scheme will be starting up soon in East Grinstead, the community engagement has work really well in Mid Sussex and no reason why it shouldn't be as successful on the other side of the county.   They will shortly have the materials for dead hedging to start them off.

Another very successful activity with the team, where we can really make a difference around the area, in a reasonably short period of time, for everybody to enjoy.   Looking at the upcoming activities, I think there is going to be plenty of opportunities to lean some new skills.

If you are interested in volunteering to help the Green Space Team, it's once a week on a Thursday between 10:00 and 12:00 (two hours).   You can email them direct for more information and they will send out dates, times, and locations.   You only need to attend the ones you can, there is no pressure.

Email:  rangers.midsussex@glendale-services.co.uk

 

J&M Ditchling Beacon 4th January

JUST BEFORE the Hangover 5 at Worthing I was invited to join J&M Runners on their annual New Years run on the South Downs.   They have run routes all over Mid Sussex taking people out regularly and this is their big once a year run, on a spectacular landscape.

The plan was to meet at the Jack and Jill windmill on Clayton Hill.   From there it is a straight run up hill to Ditchling Car Park.    This was the turning point, and the start of the return journey back to the windmills.   The second option was to run for 30 minutes, this could put you beyond the car park, but you turned at that point.    All runners should then be back at the windmill at about the same time.

I got up in the morning and it was cold as I got ready for the run, by the time I got to the South Downs, up high and in the open it was colder.   Knowing it was going to be cold I dressed for the weather, knowing that although cold, once we started moving I was going to warm up.

 There is something good for the soul in being up high and looking out over a large part of Sussex.   Running up hill, soon warmed you up and the cows had moved close to the path as the farmers were working with them.   Their hot breath forming a veil of steam as we ran past, going on to the frozen pond a bit further up the track.   I was glad when we got to a point where their was sunshine as I had lost feeling in my fingers!

This time of year is strange, the sun comes out, but it doesn't really warm you up, it's low in the sky pushing shadows across the landscape and blinding you in others.

This was a great run out, meeting some familiar people and new ones.   We went back via the Garden Centre just before Stone Pound Cross Roads for a deserved coffee and breakfast.

A lot of running is about the community, the people you meet along the way, you have that common ground that you start taking about and using.   I will look out for this run next year. 

Green Space Action Team - Return to Blunts Wood

THIS WAS MY fourth outing with the Green Space Team returning to Blunts Wood to continue the work from my first visit.   The posts around the pond had been removed and thrown in allowing the local dog population the chance for a swim!   The aim was build a dead hedge and protect the great crested newts.   The hedge is made of cut back branches, placed between two posts, the branches are no longer living, hence "dead hedge".

The newts are not local to this area, a housing estate was being built just outside of Haywards Heath and the newts were discovered stopping the building in it's tracts.   The decision was made to move the newts for their protection and allowing the building work to continue and this is where they were relocated to.   Which is good for the newts and also the local environment being enriched with pond life, just need to keep the dogs out!

The plan was exactly the same as the first project, to start cutting back the blackthorne freeing the path that was becoming overgrown and use the branches to build the dead hedge on the opposite side of the pond to the side we did on the first visit.

 

 

Green Space Action Team - Victoria Park

THIRD OUTING with the Green Space Action Team, this time the destination was Victoria Park.   Situated just off the High Street and opposite St. Wilfreds Church.   The park has a children's and keep fit area and hosts local events as well as children's parkrun every Sunday.   Victoria Park is beautiful and the perfect place to drink coffee at Troys cafe in the park or on the go.

Haywards Heath used to have the largest population of hebes in the Nation and recognised for that, but their beds have been taken over by saplings and brambles impacting on their numbers and needed to be cleared.   Time for operation free the Hebes.

For the gardners: Hebe shrubs are a popular evergreen plant known for colourful foliage and flowers, thriving 

in sunny spots with well-drained soil, and offering great value for gardens.   They are low maintenance, pollinator-friendly, and provide year-round interest in borders and rockeries or containers.   You will find them at local garden centers or online.

The site had already been working on by a previous group, which meant picking up where they left off, clearing the brambles which were prolific and the saplings, was well as fallen branches from the trees and a large amount of rubbish casually thrown into the bushes.

This is a great team of volunteers to work with, it's always the team ethos that brings it all together and achieves so much.   I think we may be in the running for some awards, which would be amazing.   By the end of the day we share coffee, biscuits and a chat.   You walk away knowing that you have achieved something that others will enjoy, which makes it all so worthwhile.   It's a great start to the day and knowing that you are coming to the end of the week.

 If you are interested in volunteering to help the Green Space Team, it's once a week on a Thursday between 10:00 and 12:00 (two hours).   You can email them direct for more information and they will send out dates, times, and locations.   You only need to attend the ones you can, there is no pressure.

Email:  rangers.midsussex@glendale-services.co.uk

Rediscovering Trails: Whiskey from Hirwaun to Penderyn

MY LAST BLOG for Hirwaun, South Wales was "The Dark Run", during the run I spotted a gate before the ascent up Dark Lane that appeared to be a trails run to Penderyn.   I wanted to check this out and have now completed the run.

Normally when I run to Penderyn I run up the main road, which is pretty boring, so finding a trails run was pretty exciting.   Running the first part of The Dark Run I crossed the disused rail track and turned left heading for the gates that opened up the trails.

I was expecting a poor path up to the village and was surprised by how beautiful the path was, nice and wide which opened into the countryside at the foot of the Brecon Beacons.   I couldn't have hoped for a better path than this and the landscape was beautiful.

It was one of the Autumn mornings where it's cold, but perfect for running, trees bare arms reach across the trails, and brown and gold leaves line the paths.   This is one of the most beautiful parts of trails running, getting out into nature and just letting go.   This is not just about physical running, it's about your physical and mental health, breathing in that fresh air and being in the moment.   Anybody who does this knows exactly what I'm talking about.

There were a few people I passed on the trails, walking into Hirwaun or just out walking their dog, acknowledgement nods and exchanging, "Hello" or "beautiful morning", just makes the day as you continue towards Penderyn.

I took a very small detour as I got to the ford, it had been raining quite a bit and the ford was pretty high, I could have taken a small bridge to get across it, but I was enjoying the run and didn't want to exit too quickly.   Once you are in the moment, you don't want to just end it.

It wasn't too long before I hit the gates that marked the end of this run and I turned onto the main road, just above the Penderyn whiskey distillery.

The day before the run I was in Tesco and picked up their free magazine.   In there was an advert for Penderyn whiskey/Madeira mix.   A whiskey that is blended for seven years and then transferred to a Madeira barrel for the last seven months.   This sounded interesting.

As I was outside I took a look inside and asked about the brand, where were very eager to allow me some free samples to see what I thought.   I am not the type of person to turn down a free sample and I wasn't driving!

A couple whiskies later I decided to take the main road back to Hirwaun, this is the first run I have completed with a whiskey break in the middle.   I suppose I had better not make a habit of it!

Since writing this blog I have managed to run it once again, this time I didn't stop for a free whiskey! 

Haywards Heath Handbook

WE RECEIVED A request from the Haywards Heath Handbook to write an article on Haywards Heath Harriers, which was an opportunity to promote the club and also network with the publication for future articles.   I have written a few stories in the local newspaper, the Mid Sussex Times, so took this request on. 

After a discussion with the publishers it turned out they were after an article on running in Mid Sussex, which seemed a lot wider than the original brief and gave a lot more to talk about.

I discussed with them working from grass roots up, with all of the different aspects linked through Haywards Heath Harriers.   Writing from Clair and Walkhurst parkrun, through J&M Running, and ending with Haywards Heath Harriers.

As a special request they asked if I could do a second article on Wakehurst parkrun for their East Grinstead Handbook.   We agreed a word count on the articles and a deadline for the story to be submitted on.

On the last parts of the article I added points around volunteering to help with parkrun, if readers didn't want to run it and the England Athletics "lift the curfew" campaign aimed at women being able to get out running in the darker months feeling and keeping safe.

I hit the deadline for the article perfectly and received a very complimentary call from the publishers about the article and when it came out they printed both in the Haywards Heath edition.   I have not seen the East Grinstead one, so not sure if both articles was printed in there as well.

I will keep their details as I have two ideas for the future that I will need help publicising, but that will have to be saved for another article! 

 

Dulwich park run - 22nd November 2025

THE THING WITH running communities is you get dragged into things you don't see coming, but that's one of the pleasures of being involved with a creative community that want to get involved in all sorts of shenanigans!   And if you are a bit like me, enthusiastic, you get dragged along in their wake.   The first time I got involved I ended up in Jersey on a parkrun!

The idea came from J&M Runners, we were to meet up as a group and run one of the London parkruns, in this case Dulwich.   Please don't think this is a one off J&M have a history of parkrun tourism and travel miles just to get another one under their belt.   This can be for a variety of reasons, the run begins with a letter in the alphabet they need, or is part of the Fibonacci sequence.   Whatever, they are an amazing, motivating run group.   I have never done a London parkrun and was very keen to get involved and looking forward to it.

The evening before I got the message, "You need to wear a toutou".   Like I own one of those, and even more importantly why?    There was no time for questions and I sent a message round to people I knew asking if they have one?   Jo, three doors up from me came back with a positive response and she brought in around.   I was now armed with a toutou and ready for another J&M experience.

Early the next morning we met on the railway station at Haywards Heath with our toutou's.   It turned out that the run was on Saturday 22nd, or to put it another way two-two (or totou).    This is the type of crazy community engagement that I was referring to at the begging of the article.   But it was too late, I was at the railway station with my toutou and it was too late to pull out!

Dulwich is a beautiful park in London and was a three lap course.   It was friendly and I was asked several times running the course, "Do you normally run in a toutou".   One person I tried to explain that I was a sound engineer and it's how we test the microphones, "One, one, toutou".    I think they believed I was serious!

I have to say I love those J&M Runners, they are always enthusiastic and welcoming which makes the whole thing contagious, how could you say no, when you know it's going to be a great day with them. 

 

WSFRL: New Years Day Hangover 5 - Run 1 2026

HAYWARDS HEATH HARRIERS have had amazing success with the West Sussex Fun Run League over the last two years.    Starting with a club initiate in payment and supporting the event to new leadership that has resulted in Haywards Heath Harriers winning the League twice over the last two years.

The WSFRL is made up of 16 athletics clubs, who all host one run over the season.   That's 16 runs to gain points over the year.   They are all very different runs and amazing events to take part in.   The first is the Hangover 5 (miles or 8km) in Worthing hosted by Worthing Gazelles and the last is always Gun Powder Treason and Trot hosted by Horsham Joggers in Horsham.   Both events always have mud in common, rather a lot of it!

There was a good turn out from Haywards Heath Harriers with 28 athletes on the starting line, aiming to get as many points as possible to ensure a good chance of victory by the end of the season.

It's a tough course starting off with a run round a large field, before exiting through the car park onto a tarmac lane.   One through that there is a left turn onto the start of the trails run heading up on to the South Downs for a good two miles.   Then it drops down hill, with a few more hills for good measure circling back towards the finish line.

There was a good amount of mud and places where the mud mixed with the chalk creating, I do not know what, other than very slippery and sticky mess!   This is one of the runs that I look forward to each year and it never fails to deliver.

The race concluded with Horsham Joggers in first position just four points ahead of joint second place Haywards Heath Harriers and Worthing Harriers.   This is a great start to the season with three clubs already head to head for points over the coming 11 months heading for the Gunpowder Treason and Trot in Horsham.

The article for the race, or pretty much this blog, was printed in the local newspaper, the Mid Sussex Times.

 

 

Christmas Day Aberdare Parkrun

CHRISTMAS 2025 was spent at the bungalow in Hirwaun, South Wales.   It was a chance to get away over the festive period, and spend some time with my wife in a beautiful location.   There was also the opportunity to get out and do some runs building on my knowledge of the local trails.

Christmas day started with a trip over to Aberdare for their Christmas parkrun.   It was a beautiful event with 213 people on the start line.   It was the only event I have done that started with a dance and singalong before the run started.   What a great atmosphere!

Aberdare is a small park and the run is 3 and 3/4 laps of the park, finishing at the boat lake.   There is a real community feel to this run and this was their 299th event since they started (this coming Saturday being their 300th and chance to celebrate).

When I went to Wales my intention was to participate at Pontypridd and do one of my favorite parkruns, but they were not operating on Christmas Day.   New Years Day was being advertised, but I was booked in on a run in West Sussex (Hangover 5 miles, part of the West Sussex Fun Run League) and had to be back in England.

After this is was back to the bungalow for a shower, simple breakfast, opening presents and looking forward to Christmas dinner.

On the Saturday I did attend the Pontypridd parkrun, with the same festive spirit and a lot of runners on the start line.   There is nothing like starting Christmas Day with a community event that unites people and just sets the day up.

Parkrun released that on 25th December 2025 there were 236,000 people over the parkrun finish line at 741 events over 5 countries, we are not alone!