1066 Country has an amazing diversity of landscapes and habitats and there is no doubt that the best way to see and experience this natural beauty is to explore on foot just as King William did almost a thousand years ago!
If you would like to follow William the Conqueror’s footsteps from Pevensey to Rye via Battle through 31 miles of Beautiful 1066 Country then the 1066 Country Walk is for you.
The 1066 Country Walk is an ideal way of learning about the history of the Norman invasion. Taking in the key historic sites, the walk starts at Pevensey Castle, takes you through ancient villages and woodland to Battle Abbey (don’t worry there won’t be a Saxon army in the way!) and on to the charming medieval town of Rye. Small wooden posts and signposts throughout the route with circular waymark discs on them to ensure you are on the right trail.
Established links from Hastings and Bexhill are included and these join the main route. For the keen long distance walker there is a link to the South Downs in the west and the Saxon Shore Way in the east.
Don’t feel up to marching the 31 mile 1066 Country walk? then he are a few less challenging trails for you to enjoy.
The Royal Military Canal
Follow the 1066 Country Walk out of the town and pass ancient monuments standing in the landscape. Imagine how it would have been during the town’s prosperous past and see what affects the threat of war had on the landscape. Today, wildlife thrives in the tranquillity of this landscape with its Nature Reserve and Canal buzzing with life throughout the year.
Valley and vistas walk
With fantastic views across the important wildlife haven of the Brede Valley you can really get an insight into why the River Brede was once a major waterway bringing goods to this once busy port. From down in the valley you cross the River Brede, teaming with wildlife, before climbing up the other side. There is a chance for a drink at the pub in Cock Marling before following the route round to link up with a section of
the 1066 Country Walk and back into Winchelsea.
Frontline fortress walk
Discover a castle landlocked away from the coastline it once proudly defended. Its stout sandstone walls now house wildlife rather than soldiers looking out to sea for enemy invaders. Enjoy this open flat landscape as you follow an easy access trail suitable for prams and all-terrain mobility vehicles. Why not stop off at the nearby Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and learn about the many different birds which visit the area.
Walk with dinosaurs
Walk along the only section of coastline contained in the High Weald AONB and enjoy good views out to sea and along the coast. Take time to walk along the beach looking for signs of life from times gone by or enjoy a drink or two in the local pubs. With an easy access trail and visitor centre at Fairlight Country Park this walk will have something for everyone.
An ogre’s trail
Watch out there’s an ogre about! Better check under that bridge! Taking the train to Doleham you will discover a landscape buzzing with wildlife and industrial heritage. During the summer months look out for damselflies skimming along Doleham Ditch, whilst in the winter enjoy the many birds, which visit wet scrapes in the valley.
This is just a tiny percentage of the 100’s of miles of trails for the rambler in you.
