Ouse Valley Viaduct and Ardingly Reservoir

This is a relatively short and easy walk through the peaceable Sussex countryside, making use of various local trails to connect various sites within a day's walk.

A good place to start is the car park at the southern end of Ardingly reservoir. From the activity centre there are a number of trails, head south from here through fields until you reach a stream. This is the Ouse River, and from this bridge follow the Ouse Valley Way west towards the viaduct (which you should be able to see in the distance at this point). This portion can often be very muddy so make sure you're wearing proper walking boots. If you continue along this trail you'll eventually reach a road (Borde Hill Lane). At this point the viaduct will be right in front of you and there is a path leading off from the road to reach it.

The viaduct is an impressive and somewhat under-the-radar sight (on a nice day you will typically find roughly a dozen other visitors), so take time to explore. It is a great spot to snap some pictures and whilst the area under the arches itself is fenced off you will have little difficulty entering and standing among the impressive 30ft high arches. The viaduct still carries an active railway after it was renovated in 1999, although beware of loose bricks which can fall as trains pass over the viaduct.

After you've explored the viaduct walk back to the road and head north. This brief section has no official trail, however there is a 'pavement' (of sorts) by the side of the road. Follow this country lane until you reach a signpost indicating a trail diverging to the right. Here you can take a quick detour and check out the railway from above, on a quaint stone bridge devoid of other visitors. This is a quiet spot to stop and have a snack.

After having taken a break return to the road. On the opposite side there is a driveway leading into Balcome Place. Follow this lane for 200m before another path off to the right. Follow this trail in a relatively straight line through fields and a patch of forest until you come back to the activity centre where you started.

Depending on how you're feeling at this point you may want to take time to explore the reservoir. On the east bank there is a path you can follow along the side of the lake, follow this path for as long as you see fit. Unfortunately, you cannot circumnavigate the entire lake as only the eastern half is marked by proper trails. If you want a change of scenery as you return, there is a trail which splits from the reservoir-side one and goes up to the village of Ardingly. This path then descends again until you reach the car park where the walk starts.