Together with the Downs Link and the Meon Valley Trail, the Cuckoo Trail is one of the longest railway paths in the southeast of England. The line gained its name because of a Sussex tradition that the first cuckoo of spring was released each year at Heathfield Fair.

The Route: Polegate (north of Eastbourne) - Hailsham - Horam - Heathfield.

Distance: 11 miles one way, 22 miles both.

Start & Parking: Heathfield, Hailsham, Horam or Polegate. The car parks are all close to the trail.

Surface & Hills: Tarmac and fine gravel path. Gentle 300 ft climb from Polegate to Heathfield, so it is best to start at the south and climb the hill when you are fresh.

Roads & Road Crossings: Several minor roads to cross. The businest road (B2104) south of Hailsham has a pelican crossing. the route through Hailsham uses short sections of road.

Links or other nearby trails: Friston Forest and Seven Sisters Country Park lie 5 miles to the southeast of Polegate. The South Downs Way is a long distance bridleway from Winchester to Eastbourne (100 miles long). the Cuckoo Trail will form part of the dover-Eastbourne-London leg of the National Cycle Network.

Cycle Hire: Cycle Revival, Hailsham Road, Heathfield. Tel: 01435 866118.

Map & Leaflet: OS Landranger Map 199. Leaflet available from Boship Tourist Information Centre, Lower Dicker, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 4DT. Tel: 01323 442667.

Nearest Railway: Polegate, less than half a mile from the start of the route.