Don’t miss one of the most traditional and enjoyable community events in Crowborough’s calendar this month.
The town’s annual Boundary Walk will be taking place on Sunday 10th May 2026 and is based on an ancient custom of “beating the bounds”. And every year hundreds of residents keep the tradition alive.
When maps were rare, it was usual for members of the community to walk the boundaries of the parish. On Rogation Day, the parish priest, together with church wardens, would lead a procession of walkers.
Armed with birch or willow boughs, the processional walkers would beat the parish boundary markers and priests would pray for the protection of the harvest to come. The ceremony had an important purpose – checking and remembering the boundary was a way of preventing encroachment by neighbours.
The Crowborough Boundary Walk is approximately 10 miles and takes in some terrific views of the magnificent countryside around the town in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
It is open to everyone but part of the walk is over rough terrain with stiles to negotiate. It takes approximately three hours to complete, after which walkers will have beaten the bounds.
The start is on Eridge Field at Goldsmiths Recreation Ground, (next to the car park).
To allow walkers to spread out, there will be a staggered start between 9am and 10.30am.
At the 3-mile point, all walkers will receive a chocolate bar to keep them energised to the end!