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Hastings to Rye Walk

Seaside Hastings, a hilly cliff walk with 4 steep climbs and a remote naturist beach. Gentle afternoon to historic Winchelsea and Rye via a noted viewpoint.

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  • swcwalks, book2, walk 29, Rye to Hastings. 14/9/23
    amib, Sep-23

    This is another update of a walk last done in 2009, on the mobile, but, this time, in reverse. Around 11.8 miles between Rye and Hastings, on a glorious, late summer afternoon, with a gentle southerly breeze (occasionally heard on commentary).

    Setting out from Rye, the walker is soon following a track across marshlands towards Winchelsea. Joining the 1066 country walk here, there are some fine views to be had from a former windmill site before passing the interesting church of St Thomas.

    Thereafter, it's on across the former coastline (which can be wet underfoot even in summer!) to join the Royal Military Canal Path into Cliff End and Pett Level, where lunch is had on the promenade (a pub alternative also exists).

    Pressing on, the next section of very undulating walking provides some excellent views and cooling tree cover.

    With Hastings coming into view, the terrain is more open and gorsey, but there's still one more steep descent to reach journey's end.

    An excellent walk with good variety, and, today, good paths and great weather, albeit there are some short sections of steep climbs.

    (N.B. Unusually, this video had to be completed on the train to avoid missing it!).

  • A Scenic Saturday Hike: Walking the Rye to Hastings Coastal Trail in 4K
    Hiking In London, Jul-22

    Embark on a stunning coastal hike from Rye to Hastings in the UK and discover the rugged beauty of the English Channel coastline. This trail takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes in the country, from the iconic white cliffs to charming fishing villages and historic landmarks. Experience the rich cultural heritage of the region as you immerse yourself in the local history and indulge in delicious coastal cuisine. Our 4K visuals bring the beauty of this adventure to life, showcasing the breathtaking scenery and unique culture of the UK's coastal communities. Join us for a one-of-a-kind adventure on this Rye to Hastings coastal hike.

    #hikinginlondon RyeToHastings #CoastalHike #HikingUK #AdventureTravel #EnglandTourism #4KVisuals #EnglishChannel #WhiteCliffs #FishingVillages #HistoricLandmarks #CoastalCuisine.

    - Standard walk: 19.0km (11.8 miles), 6 hours. For the whole outing including trains, sights and meals allow at least 11 hours

    - Short walk: 9.5km (5.9 miles), 3 hours.

    Toughness: 7 out of 10

    Hastings nowadays is most famously connected with the battle of 1066, although it existed long before as a small community, to become a Saxon settlement after the Romans left early in the 5th century, taking its name from the group of Saxon invaders, the Haestengas.

    Hastings Castle (tel 01424 781111) was built high on the sandstone rocks above the town, by William the Conqueror in 1067. Although just a ruin today, it is still worth a visit which includes the dungeons and an exhibition area. The castle is open 10am - 5pm, daily from April until August. 11am - 3pm daily, from September to March.

    St. Clements Caves, West Hill, Hastings(tel 01424 422964) have over time been put to many uses including a military hospital, an air raid shelter and even a dance hall. Open 11am - 5.30pm, daily from Easter until September. 11am - 4.30pm, daily from October to Easter.

    Visiting Winchelsea today it can be difficult to imagine with the sea over 2km away, that 700 years ago it was one of England's leading ports. This new town of Winchelsea replaced the earlier old town, which was sited on a massive shingle spit somewhere out towards Dungeness (probably offshore from the village of Camber). The old town of Winchelsea was devastated by storms in the 13th century, with the great storm of 1287 causing its final destruction. At the time, the loss of Winchelsea could be compared to losing Portsmouth today, such was its importance. King Edward I ordered a commission to find a new site for the town. Building commenced in the 1280s, from the Strand to the New Gate (where you can see the deepest section of the town ditch around Winchelsea, part of the town's defence), with the streets being laid out on a grid system.

    The wealth of new Winchelsea in its heyday was based largely on its huge wine trade. (There are 47 known cellars in the town.) Other trades included wool, timber, iron, shipbuilding and repair. Winchelsea along with Rye emerged to be of far more importance than Hastings (one of the Cinque Ports along with Sandwich, Dover, Hythe, Romney). The storms of the late 13th century, which had destroyed old Winchelsea, caused silting of the Hastings harbour ruining its future as a port. Thus Winchelsea and Rye joined the Cinque Ports to become the ancient towns whose duty in the days before a navy, was to defend England's most vulnerable coastline and provide transport for the King and his retinue in return for trading privileges. The King effectively gave them a licence for piracy, allowing them to attack anybody in the channel.

    However the heyday of new Winchelsea lasted only a few generations. By the middle of the 14th Century the town was in terminal decline. In the 1340s it started to suffer from shingle drifts, and was unable to get ships easily in and it started to lose its livelihood. Eventually the returning shingle bank sealed the town's fate.

    St. Thomas' Church, Winchelsea is semi ruinous. All that's left (the transepts and the eastern end) is about a third of the original 59 metre long building, although it is still a functioning church. It was badly damaged during various raids; particularly a French and Spanish raid towards the end of the 14th century. With the town in decline the damaged sections were quarried rather than being repaired.

    The Look Out is named from the days when the look out man was stationed here during the French wars. It is also the site of Winchelsea windmill destroyed in the hurricane of 16th October 1987.

    swcwalks book2 walk29

    © Club Hiking in London. Ltd (CASC) in collaboration with Saturday Walkers Club.

    #hikinginlondon #dayhikesaturday #hastings

  • UK's Most Scenic Coast: The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Rye to Hastings Coastal Walk
    Hiking In London, Sep-22

    Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore the stunning beauty of the UK's most scenic coast with our ultimate guide to the Rye to Hastings Coastal Walk. This unforgettable hiking adventure takes you through some of England's most breathtaking landscapes, from the charming town of Rye to the historic fishing port of Hastings. Take in the dramatic coastline, the quaint villages, and the stunning natural beauty of this iconic trail. Our guide provides insider tips on the best places to stop, eat, and stay along the way. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, this trail is sure to leave you feeling invigorated and inspired. Don't miss out on this ultimate coastal journey through the heart of England. Join us and experience the magic of the Rye to Hastings Coastal Walk.

    Seaside Hastings, a hilly cliff walk with 4 steep climbs and a remote naturist beach. Gentle afternoon to historic Winchelsea and Rye via a noted viewpoint.

    This rewarding walk starts with a fine clifftop coastal walk with steep climbs along the way. This section is the most strenuous part of the walk. Lunch is at Pett Level, after which the terrain levels out, before leading up through the New Gate into Winchelsea for tea. After tea and just east of the town, you reach The Look Out, offering panoramic views across the whole of Romney Marsh and the Kent Downs beyond. From there it is down and along to Ferry Bridge, following an easy flat route north east to Rye.

    Distance: 11.8 miles (19.0 km)

    Grading: Challenging

    Rating: 7 out of 10

    Ascents: 480 m

    hiking time: About 6 to 7 hours of actual hiking

    WE WILL PASS

    Hastings Castle

    Winchelsea

    St. Thomas' Church

    The Landgate

    Rye Castle

    Camber Castle

    UNESCO World Heritage Status for a site in Hastings and St Leonards: A Summary of the Issues

    This document is in preparation for the discussion of a proposal to have an area in Hastings and St Leonards declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The discussion will be hosted by the Hastings and St Leonards Society (HSLS) at 6.00 pm on 19 October 2018. It covers the following.

    Dogs can use this trail as well, but must be on a leash.

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    Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/senderismoenlondres

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    © Club Hiking in London. Ltd (CASC) in collaboration with Saturday Walkers Club.

    #hikinginlondon #dayhikesaturday #hastingscohanwalsh swcwalks book2 walk29

  • Coastal Trek: Discovering the Beauty of Hastings to Rye
    Hiking In London, Aug-21

    Our coastal trek from Hastings to Rye has been an unforgettable experience. From the awe-inspiring natural beauty to the historical landmarks and the warm hospitality of the locals, this journey has left an indelible mark on our hearts. We encourage all adventurers to lace up their boots, embrace the coastal breeze, and embark on their own exploration of this magnificent route

    Gentle afternoon to historic Winchelsea and Rye via a noted viewpoint.

    Distance: 11.8 miles (19.0 km)

    Grading: Challenging

    Rating: 7 out of 10

    Ascent: 480 m

    Hiking time: About 6 to 7 hours of actual hiking

    WE WILL PASS

    Hastings Castle

    Winchelsea

    St. Thomas' Church

    The Landgate

    Rye Castle

    Camber castle

    © Club Hiking in London. Ltd 2021 (CASC) in collaboration with Saturday Walkers Club.

    swcwalks book2 walk29

    #HikinginLondon #Hastings #DayHikeSaturday

  • Time Out Walks, Book 2, Walk 29, Hastings to Winchelsea. 29/6/09.
    amib, Feb-11

    This 11.8 mile walk officially ends at Rye, but this walker terminated at Winchelsea and got a bus back to Hastings, as the full walk is done in reverse elsewhere.

    Fine clifftop views are had almost from the outset; there's a naturist beach at Fairlight, before the walk turns inland for lunch at Pett Level. Hereafter, the walking is much easier across marshland onto Winchelsea.

    (Mobile phone quality).