Winchelsea Beach - Oh I do like to be beside the sea (side)!

The day after this event, is Hastings Pride's third annual celebration. There are lots of things going on for Saturday evening and Sunday all day so if you are in the area, why not come for a walk first and celebrate Pride tomorrow?

I love doing walks in this area. Normally I lead one or two a year hereabouts, where we can go inland to the edge of the High Weald or, as today, head south, west and across the reclaimed former marshes to the sea. The main focus of this walk is a lengthy stroll along the seafront itself including time, if we so wish, for a swim in the sea. Winchelsea Beach usually has the added convenience of some convenient conveniences (you try writing this nonsense!) and an ice-cream van nearby.

The walk will include wanders, if we so wish, around the two adjacent Cinque Ports on the route. The regimentally laid out streets of the tiny hilltop town of Winchelsea lead to two spectacular viewpoints. On the hill to the south east of the town, next to where the beacon is sometimes lit, is a view east across the rolling valleys towards the hills and country park behind Hastings in one direction and Rye in the other.

To the south, right by the Strand Gate is the viewpoint known as the Lookout which commands the view of Dungeness, on a good day, as seen in the event photo. We may take advantage of the seating provided and have our lunch here.

The beaches of Pett Level and Winchelsea, which are basically the same beach, run from the cliffs to the east of Hastings to the mouth of the river Rother. Beyond that and inaccessible to us on this day, are the famous Camber and then Broomhill Sands and then the Lydd Ranges which curve out towards the power station at Dungeness.

Pett and Winchelsea beaches are extensive but not nearly as popular as Camber. This may be because they are stony and then, when the tide is low, the beach comprises of a mix of sand but also black mud which oozes up from the petrified forests below and into which one can sink quite easily and rather revoltingly as well.

Today we are doing the anti-clockwise route so Winchelsea first then Pett Level, Winchelsea Beach and then Rye Harbour where there is a tea room next to the lifeboat station. Between the beach and the harbour, which is really just a slipway, is Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.

When the walk is over we will have time to explore Rye if you haven't been there before, (or even if you have) and this can include a trip to the top of the church which is the highest building in the town and will give marvellous views in every direction.

Dogs are very welcome on all of my walks and my Labrador is always with me. Please note that some of the fields will contain sheep or other livestock and your dog must be on a lead as appropriate.

Photos: all of the photos in this event were taken by the event leader.