THE £2 BUS FARE
You will probably have heard about the new Prime Minister’s promise of a £2 maximum bus fare from the beginning of 2026. Good news, but not useful if there are no buses. The last Conservative government surprisingly invested a lot in bus fares and more buses. A lot of these buses were funded by central government money. No announcement has been made about these routes, many of which are in the countryside. If we are going to cut down car use in rural roads and towns like Lewes, we need to keep and publicise those routes.
It looks as though transport is going to be the responsibility of the new all Sussex authority, which will be governed by a mayor. This new authority may have devolved powers and a devolved budget for transport which would replace any government money.
USING TRAINS FOR LONGER JOURNEYS
With the school holidays upon us, you may want to make longer rail journeys. So here are some links to useful Travel Log Lewes web pages.
Getting the cheapest rail ticket
Where and how to buy your ticket
Travelling by train to mainland Europe
A NEW PUBLIC FOOTPATH IN LEWES?
Despite strenuous objections from Lidl, which hopes to open a supermarket on the site, East Sussex County Council has decided to make an order to add a new public footpath to the rights of way map.
The path is near the Culfail roundabout, between the former Caffyns site and the 1950s building opposite the roundabout once occupied by the parking shop. The path goes from Malling Street towards Brooks Road. The council will now make an order and it will be possible to make objections, or to say how you have used the path, if you did. Notices will be published in local press.
There will almost certainly be objections by Lidl. This will mean that the issue must be referred to the Planning Inspectorate, which will make a final decision
SAIL LINK
Sail Link is continuing to provide a wind powered ferry from Dover to Boulogne
But, as an experiment, they will be operating a new route in September as well. It goes from Shoreham to Fecamp. Tickets go on sale at the beginning of August and are likely to be snapped up.
BRIGHTON BIKE HUB TRAINING
The hub is offering training for novice cycling in August and September in Brighton. Book here
SOME LONG DISTANCE WALKS FOR THE SUMMER OR AUTUMN
Whilst the South Downs way is our nearest long distance path, parts of it can be very boring on foot. Here are some longer distance paths you might enjoy.
A 65 mile trail, mainly in West Sussex, traversing woods, heathland and commons. Beautiful scenery and lots of shade, which will be welcome in the current weather. Created by the South Downs National Park Authority and well waymarked. Can be done as one day trips using public transport (although on some days you may spend more time on the train or bus than walking)
The High Weald Landscape Trail
A wonderful 90 mile trip across the Weald starting at Horsham Railway station, traversing all kinds of different countryside between here and London, passing through Bolney, East Grinstead, through the Kentish Hop Country, Tenterden and ending at Rye. Also doable by public transport as day trips, at a pinch, from Lewes.
Plan rail, bus or mixed journeys at https://www.traveline.info/ which will give you a route from your home to your destination.
VISITING LOCAL ATTRACTIONS BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
For opportunities for days out without the care see here
Services may not run every day and attractions may not be open every day. Check before travelling. Plan rail, bus or mixed journeys at https://www.traveline.info/ which will give you a route from your home to your destination.
THIS MONTH’S WALKS
Ashdown Forest is one of the great heath lands of Southern Britain. It sits on the highest ridge top of the High Weald and is the largest free public access space in the South East. Sadly it is infested with cars. But this walk lets you explore the Forest using frequent buses. 10km, 6 miles.
An exploration of the delightful High Weald south of Tunbridge Wells featuring woodland, streams and the hill village of Rotherfield, using the 29 bus from Lewes 7.5 miles
Telscombe Trail from Southease
A circular downland and riverside walk to Telscombe with a visit to the villages of Southease and Rodmell 6.7miles 10.7km
THIS MONTH’S BIT OF HISTORY
Being an exploration of the replacement of the land owning class by factory owners, patriarchy, wild parties in improbable place and Elizabeth David.
FLEXIBUS
This is a flexible shared service that can take you to or from places not served by ordInary bus services which are up to 9 miles from your start point. You are now be able to book from a web browser at https://flexibus.eastsussex.gov.uk/. You are also able to book by phone on 01273 078203 (10-3 Monday to Friday, not Bank Holidays) There is now a new smartphone app which you can get from app stores. It is called Flexibus. The old one (Ride Pingo) will not work for new bookings.
PUBLICISE TRAVEL LOG LEWES
Travelman would really appreciate it if you are able to help spread the word about Travel Log Lewes. You could do this by:
1) copying this newsletter to your friends.
2) Displaying a poster in your window. There is a link to some suitable posters here.
3) Placing an article in the newsletter of any group or organisation to which you belong.
Email travelman@travelloglewes.co.uk and I can send you something tailored to your group.