Rye to Hastings Coastal Walk
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This walk starts off with some very easy terrain, building up to some demanding hill climbs in the last coastal section of the route. As we approach the coast, the perimeter of the High Weald AONB, our efforts will be rewarded with some dramatic views of the sea. You should already be physically fit to undertake this route as it is definitely not suitable for beginners.
Departing from Rye we will join the 1066 Country Walk (with its politically incorrect road name), with some great views of Rye across the marshes, before climbing uphill to the small, but perfectly formed, town of Winchelsea with its numerous clapboard and clay tiled houses arranged on a grid layout. A brief coffee and snack stop in the Winchelsea Farm Kitchen is highly recommended, and to take in the views towards Dungeness. Following the lanes out of Winchelsea we will continue on the 1066 Country Walk, with views over the marshes towards the sea, the Royal Military Canal, and then onwards to the windmill at Hog Hill.
After passing by some orchards we will stop for lunch in the village of Icklesham. We will then make our way southwards towards the village of Pett where we will stop at The Royal Oak pub for a pint. From here we continue over farmland and through woodland towards the sea, joining the Saxon Shore Way, and where the steep ascents begin. Shortly after passing through the village of Fairlight we will be walking along the cliff path all the way to Hastings. There are superb sea views over Fire Hills and Covehurst Bay as we wind our way up and down vertiginous steps through wooded valleys and across gorse studded heathland.
The coastal path is sometimes re-routed by East Sussex County Council just outside Hastings at Ecclesbourne Glen due to erosion. We will follow the diversions in place at the time, and this may require some ad hoc re-routing in the final mile. This will lead us into Hastings Old Town, and the Net Shops, the tall black sheds used to store fishing nets, on the sea front.
There are plenty of opportunities for a pint and an optional bag of chips before making our way to Hastings railway station – approximately 20 minutes walk from the Old Town.
Please note that the journey times from London and the walking route do make for a full day out.
All pictures taken by event leader.
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
You will need a packed lunch, and plenty of water and snacks to see you through the day. For your own comfort you may wish to bring something to sit on.