Image shared for Ashdown Forest Wellington Crash Site and Airman's Grave
Countryside Out & back

Ashdown Forest Wellington Crash Site and Airman's Grave

East Sussex

Distance
1.4 mi
Est. time
1h
Difficulty
Medium
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PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Walk from Hollies car park on Crowborough Road down the broad heathland ride to the Airman's Grave. The stone cross and enclosed memorial commemorate the six crew of a Wellington bomber that crashed here on 31 July 1941. Despite its name, this is a memorial rather than a burial place. Take time to read the inscription, then return by the same path.

The route descends through open heath with views towards the South Downs, then follows the grassy ride towards the wooded lower slopes. Keep to the main downhill track at the side junctions; the memorial stands beside it before the stream at the valley bottom. This walk turns at the memorial and does not cross the stream.

Allow an hour including a quiet stop. The climb back is steady, and the grassy surface can be muddy or slippery after rain. Wear walking shoes with grip, keep dogs under control around grazing animals and leave the memorial undisturbed. Hollies is a paid Forest car park; check the signs and arrange payment before setting off. There are no toilets or refreshments on this route. Route mapping: © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Walk details

County
East Sussex
Walk type
Out & back
Category
Countryside
Distance
1.4 mi (2.2 km)
Est. time
1h
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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