The Vanguard Way Blog has been started to complement the Vanguard Way official website: http://www.vanguardway.org.uk/ The Vanguard Way is a 66 mile, long distance footpath between East Croydon (South London) and the South Coast port of Newhaven.
Primarily we hope to record interesting sightings along the Vanguard Way with an emphasis on flora and fauna and other 'natural' phenomena. To offer a contribution, please email vanguardwayblog@gmail.com We will be interested to receive details of what has been sighted, where and when, together with a photo if available.

Monday, 22 June 2020

Lots of time has passed since our blog was updated but here goes. 
In March David, Clerk of Forest Row Parish Council commented that the Vanguard Way review ‘has been a bright light in an otherwise gloomy picture, and had been very pleased to circulate it to all our Councillors. A great and much appreciated effort, maintaining this splendid amenity, may it go from strength to strength’ . 
In April difficulties began to be reported about the path including an obstructed bridge, and trailing wires, a loose step at a stile near Woldingham, the possible rerouting of FP24 north of High Hurastwood. The new route uses VGW stickers on ESCC discs, where possible.
Later in May we were told that FP 51b immediately south of the railway was currently impassable and leaving an isolated finger post on FP 51a, Neil’s report about the status of a FP through Ludlay Estate and right of way near Lewes Road problems with the area around Edenbridge and Gardiner Business Park. 
In May lots of ramblers were on the trail, several using  OS maps, and centrally what to do about the industrial estate barrier? that blocks a foot path. Thefts from unattended buildings are on the up in the area which might explain the barrier. A small gap for pedestrian access could be created.  
Good suggestions about seeing things on the route including railways and local buildings