Join me on a loop around Ardingly Reservoir to visit the mesmerising arches of the Ouse Valley Viaduct.

The Ouse Valley Viaduct has captured the attention of social media in recent years with its seemingly never ending arches forming a hypnotic optical illusion and a sensational backdrop for all kinds of tomfoolery.

The tremendous news is that you don’t need to just jump in the car, drive many miles, struggle to find somewhere to park, hop out, take some shots and be on your way… you can add in a 10-ish mile hike and make a day of it!

I started the hike from the side of the road just past Balcombe train station, there’s a car park around here but I lucked out and found a free stretch of mud. wandering in to the woods and embarking on what I’m going to say was a warm up loop in the wrong direction.

2 miles later and I was back on track, heading north up London Road before taking a right up an alley way, past 20 or so eager viaduct hunters and some very lovely houses before pushing ahead towards Haywards Heath Road. Heading left along the road you’ll find a little path on the right just after Barn Meadow which you can follow down towards the reservoir where the fun will really begin.

I’m not one to teach people how to suck eggs, or to take detailed notes on the trail for that matter. For one of these reasons you wont find a detailed break down here for the next few miles of the hike. The advice I will give you is to keep the reservoir on your right and enjoy the woods, wildlife and the beaches you’ll pass by.

Sooner or later you’ll find yourself at a bridge along Balcombe Lane, take the bridge, keep the reservoir on the right and keep on stomping until you reach Ardingly Activity Centre. Pass by the kayaks and paddleboards and on to the trail heading to the left, follow this along until you reach the River Ouse, cross over the bridge and follow the trail with the river on your right. Soon enough you’ll catch sight of the viaduct in the distance and you have your heading.

When you reach the road take a right and keep an eye out for a gate on the left hand side of the road, head through and below the viaduct to get your well earned pictures.

Now all is said, done, photographed and edited, it’s time to head back to the car. I must admit I didn’t take the most scenic route back to begin with as I headed up the road to try and get a sneak peek at the viaduct from the top… it wasn’t worth it. Hypothetically if you have an inclining to jump a tall, barbed wire gate and head dangerously close to a train track or a cool picture, I’m sure it isn’t worth it.

Further up the road you’ll find a little path on your left, this will take you under the railway tracks, across some farmland through a little woodland and across London road and on to Rowhill Lane. Follow the path until it swings round to the right and you’ll pick up a trail that takes you a nice scenic route back to the car.

So there you are, that’s my route, I’m sure it’s not the most scenic, longest, shortest or perfect but here it is. Hopefully the map I etched on Strava will be more clear than my directions and you can come along for the stomp and enjoy it for yourself.

Hope you have a great time on this loop, for those looking for a bite to eat after take a look at The Cowdry Arms. We popped in after and enjoyed the most incredible Sunday roast! It was a flying visit so can’t attest to the rest of the food or offer up a complete review, but what I can say is the roast sure hit the spot!