Robertsmere Lake

The water at Robertsmere Lake sits perfectly still on a calm morning, reflecting the treeline above like a dark mirror. It's a modest freshwater lake just outside Haywards Heath, the kind of place locals know well but visitors often miss entirely.

This is straightforward walking country. A loop path circles the water, taking roughly an hour at a leisurely pace. The walk itself is gentle - no scrambling or steep gradients - making it popular with families and older walkers who want movement without fuss. Birdwatchers come here regularly; you'll spot coots, mallards, and if you're lucky, herons picking their way through the shallows. In spring the banks burst with wild flowers.

There's nothing fancy about it. No visitor centre, no café, no admission fee - just a lake and a path. That's rather the point. The appeal lies in quiet rather than spectacle, in watching the water change colour with the weather.

If you're camping at Sunset Tree or Wild Boar Wood, both within easy driving distance, Robertsmere works well as a morning walk before heading elsewhere. It's not a destination that demands a full day, but it's the kind of place that settles the mind. Worth twenty minutes out of your way if you're in the area, though don't expect drama or photo opportunities. Go early to avoid the dog walkers, and bring binoculars if wildlife interests you.