1066 Country Walk

OS Explorer Maps : 124 (Hastings and Bexhill)

The 1066 Country Walk is a very interesting, waymarked, but slightly neglected (its not clear who maintains it) walk. It visits major site in William the Conqueror's successful invasion of England in 1066 (the "Norman Conquest), and more recent historical medieval "Cinque" ports.

It starts on the coast of East Sussex, south east England at Pevensey (train station, ruined Norman/Roman castle), traditionally the site of the Norman Landing in 1066. It crosses Pevensey levels (valley) past Herstmonceux Castle, to the start of the Weald (range of low hills) and Battle (train station, abbey), site of William's decisive victory over the English army, in which King Harold II was killed. Nowadays, Battle is a pretty village with a large medieval Abbey.

The walk then follows a range of hills with fine views over above the Brede Levels, passing Doleham train station, and a particularly fine pub at Icklesham, to the medieval Cinque ports (important trading harbour towns, tasked by the King to provide ships to defend the realm against the French) of Winchelsea (train station) and Rye (train station). Nowadays, history has passed them by, their harbours have silted up, and they are inland twons, sited on hills for defence, with many historical buildings.

Logistically, the walk is quite easy, passing 5 train station, and can be done in 2 long, or 3 short days with time for siteseeing en route.

NB: The route given starts and finishes at train stations. The official waymarked routes ends the nearby town centres.

After the walk, please leave a comment, it really helps. Thanks!

You can also upload photos to the SWC Group on Flickr (upload your photos) and videos to Youtube. This walk's tags are:

National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 • Traveline (bus times): 0871 200 22 33 (12p/min) • TFL (London) : 0343 222 1234

Jul-14