Exploring , Countryside and Coast Exploring Winchelsea, Countryside and Coast In the High Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) A guide to walking and cycling What is the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty? What makes it special? Thank you for choosing to visit this corner of the High Weald Area of Its distinctive sandstone outcrops, rich iron deposits and streams that Outstanding Natural Beauty. have carved deep ravines (called gills) through the underlying soft clays Lying at the heart of the South East, and covering parts of , and sandstones. Surrey and , the High Weald is one of ’s finest landscapes, The area has a distinctive pattern of scattered farmsteads arising from protected by government legislation since 1983 to ensure its early settlement by independent farmers. Villages, located on the drier conservation for present and future generations. hilltops and originating through trade, punctuate the skyline. Links with The High Weald is protected for its unique character of small the area’s wooded past are evident in the number of weather-boarded irregular fields, abundant woods and hedges, scattered farmsteads and and timber-framed buildings. sunken lanes, draped over rolling hills. The distinctive network of radiating routes, created by drovers moving their pigs to and from the High Weald to feed on acorns and beech masts, are now preserved as footpaths, bridleways and roads. The latter are often narrow, deeply sunken and edged with ancient wooded banks and wildlife-rich verges. Woodland in the AONB has a distinctive pattern of small woods, gills (wooded ravines) and shaws (copses). The High Weald boasts the greatest proportion of ancient woodland in the country, managed for centuries by skilled workers. Tunbridge Wells East The area’s fields and heath reveals irregular-shaped fields and common Grinstead Cranbrook Tenterden land, little changed since medieval times, with colourful patches of Horsham heather, gorse and flower-rich meadows buzzing with wildlife.

Crowborough Haywards Heath

Heathfield Rye

Battle The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Welcome to Winchelsea and the High Weald A brief history

We hope this booklet will inspire you to spend time exploring This is your guide on how to get the most out of your visit. Winchelsea has endured over 700 turbulent years of history. the ancient cinque port of Winchelsea and its countryside. From the wonderful town architecture you see as you explore This booklet contains seven walking and bike routes for you to ‘Old Winchelsea’ was claimed by the sea after the savage storm of its unique grid system layout, to the open countryside and explore. They are of differing lengths and will allow you to experience 1287 and the new town (present day Winchelsea) was built on Iham coast you can view from the many view points, there is a real the diverse countryside around Winchelsea. There is a brief history of Hill under the royal patronage of Edward I. It was favoured as one of sense that you are walking through a special area of the Winchelsea to help set the scene and inform you how history has the cinque (pronounced ‘sink’) ports where the English fleet under the English countryside. moulded the landscape you see today. If you are planning a visit to King’s command would gather for royal duties or military action. With the area then please refer to the ‘planning a holiday section’, which the mouth of the lapping at the foot of the hill, a harbour Exploring from the town you will experience a diverse landscape contains useful contact points to help make your stay easy. Elsewhere was built and Winchelsea grew swiftly on timber exports and wine where you can still see evidence of Winchelsea’s prosperous past, of you will find interesting information about what makes the imports in the 14th century, as well as on fishing, smuggling and piracy. defence against invaders and the elements and of traditional farming Winchelsea area special. techniques. Today, Winchelsea is a wonderful hidden place to explore. For a time the town thrived, but misfortune was soon to plague the So whether you are here to peer into the past, experience local colour residents again: in 1348 the Black Death arrived and many lives were and culture, indulge on local food and drink, or just to relax, you’ll lost. Less than a century after the harbour was built the tide turned find Winchelsea the most idyllic place to be. once again, the sea began to retreat and the harbour and fortunes of the town fell into decline as merchants moved away. French and • For more information on the fascinating history of this town, Caring for the area Spanish raids further depleted the populace despite the fortified gates pick up a copy of the ‘Winchelsea – Official Town Guide’. and ramparts, and Winchelsea never fully recovered. Indeed the threat This is a protected landscape celebrated for its landscape, of invasion remained during the Napoleonic war, when the Royal wildlife, history and culture. You can help us to look after it by: Military Canal was built as a strategic defence for this vulnerable • Using public transport to reduce road traffic section of the south coast. • Being considerate to other road users, pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, and obey speed limits when driving Since then the town has gradually retreated from the pace of the • Recycling your rubbish or disposing of it in litter bins modern world. Today, echoes of its colourful history still resonant from • Taking care not to disturb wildlife or farm animals, and the ancient buildings and stone town gates whilst traces of the ancient respect local residents boundary ditches etched into the surrounding landscape hint at its • Buying local produce from independent businesses which former eminence. This guide unveils some of its secrets… help the local economy and rural employment

Thank you for your co-operation. Winchelsea Town Seal

4 5 High Weald landscape How to use this brochure Events throughout the year

Planning a holiday Attractions Why not plan your stay around a traditional event? Winchelsea • Winchelsea Cricket Club – Matches held on selected weekends The countryside and attractions around Winchelsea offer much to see • There are many interesting attractions to suit all tastes. Please view has a thriving community and throughout the year local groups and throughout the summer. Founded 1795. Beautiful ground with and do. The following sources of information will help you plan your www.1066country.com or www.rye.org.uk Attractions can also be charities hold a series of interesting and fun events. Many give a marvellous views of the Brede Valley. break and get the most from your stay. found along the walks and bike rides described in this booklet. special insight into hidden traditions, which have been carried out in the town for centuries. For an up to date listing of events visit • Annual Garden Fete and Flower Show – All the ingredients of a Where to stay Useful websites www.winchelseatown.co.uk or check out the town information board traditional village fete. • For accommodation which has made a special effort to To find out more about Winchelsea and its surroundings, view: next to the village shop. Below are just some of the events and accommodate walkers and cyclists, view www.ruralways.com • Winchelsea: www.winchelseatown.co.uk traditions you could experience: • Friends of the Ancient Monuments – Fund raising events, lectures • For other accommodation, view www.1066country.com or contact • Landscape and outdoor recreation: www.highweald.org and tours of the ancient cellars throughout the year. the Tourist Information Centre www.rye.org.uk or e-mail • Guided walks, rides and events: • Easter Monday Mayoring – There has been a Mayor of Winchelsea [email protected] or telephone 01797 226696 www.eastsussex.gov.uk/env/cms/pages/exploringes/main.htm for over 700 years. Ceremony takes place annually on Easter • Painting Exhibitions – Held throughout the year at the Lower Court • Leisure Activities Around : Monday at the Upper Court Hall at 11 o’clock. Hall. Local art by local artists. Travel information www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisureandtourism • Winchelsea is accessible by regular trains from Rye and Hastings, • Historic Properties: www.nationaltrust.org.uk • Morris Dancing – Traditional Morris Dancers from Sussex come to please view www.traveline.org.uk or telephone 0870 6082608. Winchelsea each early May Bank Holiday Sunday to perform. • Winchelsea Train Station is located just outside the town. Allow a fifteen minute walk from the station or ask your accommodation • Hastings Jack in the Green – May Day Bank Holiday weekend. provider to provide a taxi. • Situated on the Sustrans cycle network route 2. Winchelsea can be • Open Gardens Day – Beautiful secret gardens opened up to the visited on cycles. See www.nationalcyclenetwork.org.uk for more public as part of the National Gardens Scheme – July. information.

Eating out • There are a good variety of places to eat and drink with many pubs, restaurants, cafes and teashops serving local dishes and produce fresh from the surrounding countryside. Please view www.1066country.com for listings.

6 7 Winchelsea May Day, Hastings Local produce Wildlife in the area

The High Weald and Rye Bay is famous for its local produce. • The Little Shop, Winchelsea Winchelsea is on the edge of the High Weald AONB and looks Why not visit some of these wildlife sites: Whether you are looking for a gift to take home or want to try a local Homemade cakes out over the Rye Bay. Much of the landscape has been designated a Nature Reserve Shingle ridges, gravel pits and salt speciality you will be spoilt for choice. The landscape around has been Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The area is a haven for wildlife marshes. There are birdhides and an Information Centre 01797 223862 farmed for many centuries and provides some of the areas finest • The Place, Camber Sands. 01797 225057 and an ideal place to watch and learn about many rare and protected www.naturereserve.ryeharbour.org.uk produce. The marshes are known for there lamb www.theplacecambersands.co.uk species. You may be lucky to see ‘booming’ Bitterns at Rye Harbour Open grasslands, woods and cliffs. Visitors whilst the coast is brimming with local seafood such as Rye Bay Restaurant. Local seafood and organic dishes Nature Reserve or Water Voles on the Levels swimming across the Centre 01424 781338 www.hastings.gov.uk scallops, said to be the best in the world, whilst up in the High Weald many drainage ditches. The river valleys are humming with dragonflies Camber Sands Dune system and sandy beach – 01797 226488 there are many orchards producing traditional apple varieties ready to • J.Wicken’s Family Butchers, Winchelsea and damselflies and you can often see Kingfishers darting along just www.eastsussex.gov.uk be tasted. If out walking why not visit a local pub and enjoy great Local meat produce above the water. Along the coast, shingle ridges support plants such as Wood 400 year old coppice wood owned by the Woodland home made food and local ale. the beautiful Yellow Horned-poppy and birds such as Tern, Plover and Trust. Good spring flowers. Farmers’ Markets are also held in the area selling a wide variety of Oystercatcher which lay their eggs on the bare shingle. The sand dunes Pett Pools Reserve. Pools and reedbeds, excellent Below are some of the local shops/restaurants where you can local produce: at Camber are also a haven for insects like the Brown Tailed Moth for bird watching. purchase local produce: • Rye – Every Wednesday, 10am-1pm, Strand Quay. 01797 280226 whose caterpillar lives on the bright orange berried sea buckthorn. Beckley Woods Mixed conifer and broad-leaved woodland, good for • Hastings – 2nd Thursday of the month, 9am-1pm. 01424 457109 butterflies. Managed by Forest Enterprise. • Windmill Orchard Farm Shop, . 01797 227219 • Brede – Every Friday, 10am-12pm. 01424 882836 Flatropers Woods Semi-natural ancient oak and sweet chestnut Local apples, juice, jams, honey. coppice woodland with many spring flowers. Managed by Sussex Wildlife Trust. • Suttons Fish Shop, . 01797 226261 Local seafood and game. For up to date wildlife sightings in the Rye Bay area visit www.Rxwildlife.org.uk • Wickham Organic Meats, Winchelsea. 01797 226261 Local organic meat

• Organic Vineyard, Sedlescombe. 0800 980 2884 Locally produced organic wine

• The Tea Tree, Winchelsea. 01797 226102. www.the-tea-tree.co.uk Speciality teas

8 9 Lookers hut Rye Harbour Nature Reserve Exploring the area The routes

Venturing out into the countryside on foot or by bike is the Walking Choosing a walk best way to get the most out of your trip. This is simple to do The Winchelsea area has several long-distance trails passing through the We have selected a variety of different length routes with different Rye with our selection of delightful walks and cycle rides featuring places countryside. Several of the walks in this brochure pass along these trails, themes. Route variations and links are described in the Fact Pack of interest, breathtaking views, and where to stop for a well deserved but if you are interested in taking time to explore further a field then why accompanying each walk. bite to eat or drop to drink. Each route is accompanied by a ‘Fact not visit the website below. Time taken to complete will vary according to fitness and number Pack’ which summarises the essential information you need before 1066 Country Walk 31 mile path from Rye to , but can be of stops made. you set out. The following general guidance may also help. walked in stages via links to Hastings, Bexhill and . Local buses and trains (see Fact Pack panel) can be used to shorten Winchelsea The 28 mile. Runs from Cliff End to Hythe in Kent walks or access start points but please phone local transport providers 5 1 Maps 63 mile. Follows the Kent and Sussex coastline. It before setting out as services may vary during the year (please see A Ordnance Survey Explorer maps no 124 and 125 are recommended starts at Rye and terminates at Gravesend. page 2 for contact details). 3 2 and provide further information on paths in the area. The High Weald Landscape Trail 90 mile walk from Rye to Horsham. 4 Sussex Border Path 150 mile. From Emsworth, to Rye Take care! Signage following along the east/west Sussex county border. Please take special care where sections of routes follow narrow Pett Each path is waymarked at intervals. Coloured arrows indicate the country lanes, cross main roads or railway lines. Walkers should face B status and direction of the path. This is summarised below: For further information, please view on-coming traffic. Fairlight www.ruralways.org.uk/walking/maps.php or visit a local bookshop. Footpath Bridlepath Byway yellow arrow blue arrow red arrow Cycling Walks National Cycle Network route 2 runs from (with connections 1 The Royal Military Canal Page 10 to route 1 to ) in the east to Hastings in the west, and continues as 2 Valley and vistas walk Page 12 Clothing far as in the south west. For more information about the 3 Frontline fortress walk Page 14 Walkers should be prepared by wearing stout footwear and warm, National Cycle Route visit www.nationalcyclenetwork.org.uk 4 Walk with dinosaurs Page 16 waterproof clothing. Please remember that paths can become muddy 5 An ogre’s trail Page 18 in wet weather. Cyclists should wear high visibility clothing for Visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk for further cycling routes in the county. personal safety. Cycle rides Cycle hire and repair A Port to port circular Page 20 Rye Hire, 1 Cyprus Place, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7DR. B Bike to the beach Page 22 Tel/Fax: 01797 223033 / 227826 Email: [email protected]

10 11 Fairlight Country Park Walk 1 The Royal Military Canal Directions

Start & finish Follow the 1066 Country Walk out of the town and pass ancient monuments standing in the 1 Walk south along Monks Winchelsea Church. landscape. Imagine how it would have been during the town’s prosperous past and see what Walk to bend in the road. Distance affects the threat of war had on the landscape. Today, wildlife thrives in the tranquillity of this 2 Cross the stile over the 3.5 miles/6km. landscape with its Nature Reserve and Canal buzzing with life throughout the year. stone wall and head down Terrain the field. Undulating with New Gate Wickham Manor Royal Military Canal 3 Cross the stiles and bear crossing of stiles, gates The remains of the gate you can see William Penn, who founded The growing threat of left onto the road just and footbridges. Not is called the ‘New Gate’ and marks Pennsylvania in 1672, once lived in Bonaparte led to the building of a below the New Gate. 6 suitable for the original southern boundary this 15th Century Farmhouse. The defensive barrier on the low lying 4 Turn right on the road and wheelchairs. ditch of the town. The town farm is now owned by the national land between Winchelsea and walk to the bend, take the Services however never grew as far as the Trust, who mange much of the land Hythe in 1804. Dug by hand, the 28 path to the left across the 1 Pubs, shop and gate due to a decline in population around the town. mile canal was completed in 1809. field. teashop in Winchelsea. and the need to defend a smaller The excavated soil was piled up on 5 After crossing the canal, area from French invaders. Pannel Valley the landward side to protect troops turn left and walk along the The Pannel Valley Nature Reserve is from enemy fire. At every 500 bank until reaching the Pett Level a wonderful place to watch birds. metres along the canal’s length a road. 4 Birdhides overlooking scrapes and kink was made, called an enfilade, 6 Turn left and return to reedbeds allow you to quietly enjoy to enable cannons to be fired down Winchelsea via the the wildlife. The water levels are each stretch. The Canal was never Strand Gate. 5 controlled to allow wading birds to called on for use in defence, but the feed and the shingle islands provide guard houses did help control nesting sites for birds such as smuggling which was rife on the lapwings, which have a green sheen Romney Marsh at the time. The and spiky crest. Look out for Water soldiers, however, were often Vole swimming across the drainage corrupt and could easily be bribed ditches and the many swans, which by the smugglers with either money come to the area. or contraband goods.

12 Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of HM Stationery Office. 13 New Gate Crown Copyright. East Sussex County Council. 2004. 100019601. Walk 2 Valley and vistas walk Directions

Start & finish With fantastic views across the important wildlife haven of the Brede Valley you can really get an insight 1 Follow the path from Mill 8 At the main road cross onto Mill Lane, Winchelsea into why the River Brede was once a major waterway bringing goods to this once busy port. From down in Lane, to the right of the the verge and walk until TQ 903175. the valley you cross the River Brede, teaming with wildlife, before climbing up the other side. There is a Beacon and down the hill. reaching Woodside Distance chance for a drink at the pub in Cock Marling before following the route round to link up with a section of 2 At the stile follow the yellow Cottages. Turn right and 4 miles/6.5km. the 1066 Country Walk and back into Winchelsea. waymarking disc away from 7 follow the footpath through the tree line to the ditch and Workhouse Wood. Terrain 6 8 Undulating with some St Leonard’s Windmill where Jon met Slinky Grandon in haven for wildlife. It is not just gate. Cross the bridge and 9 Continue along the path steep uphill sections. The remains of St Leonard’s The Gay Dolphin Adventure, one of humans who fish there. Look out continue across the fields 9 across the stiles at the Numerous stiles means Windmill, destroyed in the Great the adventures of the children’s for King Fishers darting up and until joining the track field edge and down the route is unsuitable for Storm in 1987, overlooks the Brede author Malcolm Saville (1901-82). down the river or Herons standing alongside the River Brede. large field in the direction wheelchairs. Valley. Near the site is the Millenium Saville used many real locations and motionless on the banks waiting for 3 Continue along the riverside indicated and cross the lane Services Beacon which is lit on special is best known for The Lone Pine a passing meal. until the railway crossing. 5 at the bottom and onto Pubs, shop and teashop occasions. The windmill is the site Club although he also wrote about 4 After the railway, cross the Winchelsea Station and in Winchelsea. the English countryside. Other 1066 Country Walk footbridge to continue the 111 the road. 10 Pub at Cock Marling. nearby locations used in his books This long distance walk is 31 miles walk. Alternatively, turn left 4 10 Follow the road to the include the Mermaid Hotel in Rye, long and runs from Pevensey to Rye to pick up the link to 2 junction with the A259, the inspiration behind The Gay passing by Battle Abbey. The first Icklesham. 3 1 then turn immediately right Dolphin Hotel, and part from Pevensey follows in the 5 Turn left onto the road at using the verge, and right where the Warrenders first met footsteps of Float Farm and after the again onto the signed the Mortons. as he went inland to fight King second bend turn right onto footpath along the surfaced Harold at Battle. This part of the the footpath up the sunken track by the Southern Water River Brede route is also an ‘E’ Path (E9) which path. entrance. The river was once a major forms part of the international 6 Turn right at the main road 11 After crossing the navigation river used to carry goods, network of European footpaths and left past Cott Marling footbridge turn left and such as cannon balls and cannons, which cross from Winchester to cottage. follow the field edge, which had been made in one of the Dover and into Europe. 7 Cross the surfaced driveway, crossing the stile, to climb many furnaces located in the High then turn immediately right the hill back to Winchelsea. Weald. Today the River is a popular onto a parallel track. location for fishing and a good

14 Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of HM Stationery Office. 15 Cock Marling Crown Copyright. East Sussex County Council. 2004. 100019601. Walk 3 Frontline fortress walk Directions 8 Follow the path with the Start & finish fence on the right and Entrance track to Castle Discover a castle landlocked away from the coastline it once proudly defended. Its stout sandstone walls now 1 At the sharp dog’s leg bend Castle Water on the left to Farm, Winchelsea Beach house wildlife rather than soldiers looking out to sea for enemy invaders. Enjoy this open flat landscape as in Sea Road, enter the track the willow tree and onto TQ 917175. you follow an easy access trail suitable for prams and all-terrain mobility vehicles. Why not stop off at the towards Castle Farm. Camber Castle. Distance nearby Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and learn about the many different birds which visit the area. 2 Where the track forks, pass 9 Immediately before the 4.5 miles/7km. through the gate on the left. Castle is a footpath spur Terrain Marsh Frogs can be heard Bitterns Castle Water is one of a Red Shank, Ringed Plover, Corn 3 Continue through the gate 5 along the fence line to a Largely flat. Gates and ‘laughing’ on summer evenings. This handful of UK sites providing a Bunting, Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear, on the left, along the river bird hide overlooking Castle footbridges, path surface strange sound, made during the suitable habitat for bitterns. Bitterns and is important for migrant and towards Rye. 6 Water. is uneven in places. mating season, is now common are shy and rarely seen birds, which over wintering birds. Why not stop 4 Turn right at the path 4 10 To return to Rye cut back to Services along the ditches in the Rye Bay and look like a small, brown heron. Up off and visit the Reserve’s junction in front of the the river. To continue the 8 Pubs, toilets, shop and Romney Marsh area. The frogs, to seven bitterns spend the winter Information Centre or visit its cottages, follow the shingle walk, follow the track to 7 teashop in Winchelsea. originally from Hungry, escaped from at Castle Water and efforts to birdwatching hides. track to the Brede Sluice Castle Farm and retrace the Pub and shop in a garden pond near by in 1935 and create more reedbed aim to and onto the road to Rye route back to Winchelsea. Winchelsea Beach. All are now very much part of the encourage them to stay over the Camber Castle was built in the Harbour. 9 services available in Rye. sights and sounds of this landscape. summer to breed. reign of Henry VIII to protect Rye 5 Immediately after the bend, from the growing threat of French take the footpath on the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and Spanish invasion. right. 110 Designated a Site of Special The castle was one of a chain of 6 Follow the path along the Suitable for wheel chairs from Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its south coast defences protecting track until reaching a large Rye. The Castle Farm track important wildlife habitat of shingle vulnerable areas. However, extensive reedbed. Turn right, cross from Winchelsea is less even 3 ridges, grazing and salt marsh, shingle silting by the sea in front of the footbridge and continue and an off-road buggy is the arable fields, and intertidal sand and the castle undermined the castle’s ignoring the path most suitable way for disabled 2 mud the Nature Reserve is a popular strategic role, as cannon fire was immediately on the left. people to experience this place to visit. Over 350 flowering soon no longer able to reach the 7 the fence line on the route. plants have been recorded and it is sea. It was abandoned in 1637, and left and reedbed on the 1 nationally important for insects. now lays a mile inland. right. Its bird life includes 50 breeding The castle is open on weekends species such as Little Tern, Common in the summer telephone 01797 Tern, Sandwich Tern, Oystercatcher, 223862 for opening times.

16 Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of HM Stationery Office. 17 Camber Castle Crown Copyright. East Sussex County Council. 2004. 100019601. Walk 4 Walk with dinosaurs Directions 7 After passing through the Start & finish wood, turn left and follow Cliff End. TQ 887134 (bus Walk along the only section of coastline contained in the High Weald AONB and enjoy good views out to 1 Pick up the footpath set field edge until reach road. no 344 stops outside ‘The sea and along the coast. Take time to walk along the beach looking for signs of life from times gone by or back and to the right at the 8 Turn right and then left, Smuggler’ pub) enjoy a drink or two in the local pubs. With an easy access trail and visitor centre at Fairlight Country Park drive opposite the mouth of immediately after the Distance this walk will have something for everyone. Pett Road. thatched white cottage, 8 miles/13km 2 Follow path around field onto footpath and continue Terrain Dinosaur footprints (at Cliff early mammals. Take care! Do not reached . In the early 1960s edge and turn left at to follow the waymarks Undulating with some End/Fairlight Cove). The three-toed walk too close to the cliffs or visit it was closed and sealed. wooded west corner of field 110 across the fields. steep sections, and footprints of an Iguanadon can be on a rising tide. onto gravel lane T junction. 9 At dirt track take left hand crossing of stiles, gates found in the bedrock along the Wildlife lookout The park is an Follow lane west towards fork of path towards Pett and footbridges. Not beach, together with grooves which Fairlight Country Park extends over excellent location for spotting heart of Fairlight Cove. 9 church 111 suitable for wheelchairs may be tail marks. Fossils from 640 acres, most of which is wildlife. The woodlands contain rare 3 Turn right at ‘Lower Waites 1 10 Take the footpath on the Services Megalosaurus and Cetiosaurus have designated a Site of Special Scientific dormice and scarce liverworts, Lane’ sign into Broad Way. right approximately 200m Toilets and pubs at Cliff also been found. The rocks of Interest (SSSI) comprising two ancient mosses and lichens. The heath and 4 Go straight on into Knowle beyond the entrance to 8 End, Fairlight and Pett Fairlight Cove also contain insect, woodlands, heathland, grassland and acid grassland are excellent habitats Road, and follow to end into Gatehurst Farm. villages. reptile and plant fossils and teeth of rocky coastline. There are stunning for Dartford Warblers, Stonechats Knowle Wood. Cross 11 Cross the footbridge and views across the Channel and Rye and Yellowhammers, and rare insects footbridge and follow MHT proceed to Old Marsham Bay. Bottlenose dolphin and harbour such as Beewolf, a bee-hunting wasp disc. Farm. Pass through the two 2 porpoise can be seen offshore from and an ant-eating spider Micaria 5 Emerge from wood onto gates at the bottom of the the top of the cliffs. romana, which occurs in only four gravel road (Warren Road). 6 4 3 garden and cut east across other coastal areas in Britain. From here you can go into the field to the start point. 5 During the Second World War Fairlight, turning left, or Fairlight was on the front line of the Church of St Mary and St Peter continue with the walk, by UK’s early warning system. A radar Records of a church in Pett date turning right. station was built in 1940 to give from the 13th century. The present 6 Turn left at end of Warren advance notice of enemy attacks and church was built in 1864 in the Road, onto main road. Take housed special equipment for ‘Early English Decorated’ style. The footpath 40m on right and tracking radio signals. It was walls are faced with bluestone follow across fields in north surrounded by anti-aircraft guns to quarried from the Marsham slopes easterly direction to shoot down flying bombs before they of the Pett ridge. Stonelink Wood.

18 Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of HM Stationery Office. 19 Fairlight Cove Crown Copyright. East Sussex County Council. 2004. 100019601. Walk 5 An ogre’s trail Directions reach the drive and then Start & finish Cottage Lane, turning sharp Doleham Station. Watch out there’s an ogre about! Better check under that bridge! Taking the train to Doleham 1 From the station, turn left right. TQ 835165. you will discover a landscape buzzing with wildlife and industrial heritage. During the summer onto the road. 7 Just before the road bridge, Distance months look out for damselflies skimming along Doleham Ditch, whilst in the winter enjoy the 2 At the bend take the cross the stile on your right 6.2 miles/10 kms. many birds, which visit wet scrapes in the valley. footpath (with ‘1066 Country and follow the path. Terrain Walk’ disc) on your right. Continue for half a mile Undulating with some Brede Waterworks was built in brought up the river to a wharf just The Sussex Ogre Brede was once Follow the track around a (passing by the first steep sections, and 1903 to supply water to Hastings above Brede Bridge, until 1928, home to the most famous of the pond and across the field to footbridge). crossing of stiles, gates and St Leonards from deep wells in when the coal came by rail from Sussex Ogres who roamed the the railway crossing. 8 After the second footbridge and footbridges. Not the Brede valley. It was restored in Doleham Halt. The other steam Sussex countryside every night in 3 Take care crossing the near the Waterworks, cross suitable for wheelchairs. 2004 and is housed in a Grade II engine is a little more modern, search of a child for his supper. railway, continue over the the field diagonally, as Services listed building. The triple expansion installed in 1940, and is capable of Finally, the children of Sussex footbridge, then straight signposted, and onto the Brede village. Pub and steam engine is amongst a handful pumping 150,000 gallons of water devised a plan of revenge. One ahead to the clump of trees road. shop. Three Oaks, pub. of surviving engines and was used per hour into reservoirs at Fairlight evening they persuaded the giant to and on towards Pattleton’s 9 At the main road, turn right to pump up to 4.5 million litres and Baldslow near Hastings. The drink his fill of local ale then waited Farm. and head downhill using every day. It was powered by coal engines are open to the public on until he was asleep. As the ogre 4 After crossing the stile on the footway and road the first Saturday in the month. could only be harmed by a wooden the field boundary, follow verge. weapon, they sawed him in half the path ahead to reach the 10 Directly after crossing the Brede village was famous for its using a wooden saw. The site of driveway. Turn right and bridge, turn left onto the iron works, as suggested in place this retribution was said to be follow to Doleham Lane, path. names such as Forge Stream. Iron between Brede Place and the then the main road. 11 Turn right at the confluence ore was imported at Rye and made Church in the area now known as 5 Enter the drive for Crowham of the river with Doleham into shot and cannon until the 1770 Groaning Bridge. This Ogre is Manor on the left, then take Ditch and continue along when the furnace was converted for thought to refer to Sir Goddard the signposted footpath on the bank until crossing the the manufacture of gunpowder. This Oxenbridge who died on the 9th your left, down the two footbridge on your left. ended in 1808 when a large March 1487 and is interred in Brede fields to a footbridge. 12 Turn right at the barn onto explosion completely destroyed the Church with his wife Ann. The 6 Continue up the next field, North Lane and follow to gunpowder mill and killed one ghost of Sir Goddard is said to still and over the stile left of the the next junction. Turn right William Sinden, who is said to have walk here and can be heard white house. Bear left, in and continue down the hill been blown into five parts. moaning on still evenings. front of another house to to the Station.

20 Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of HM Stationery Office. 21 View from Doleham Crown Copyright. East Sussex County Council. 2004. 100019601. Cycle route 1 Port to port circular Directions Start & finish Winchelea Church. Riding down out of Winchelsea you will follow the old cliff line to the ancient port of Rye. With its church 1 Turn left on to the A259. TQ 905174. tower standing proudly on the skyline, Rye is a wonderful town to ride around or if you park up you can 2 On the bend, turn right onto Distance enjoy the museums and shops tucked away on hidden lanes. Once away from the ancient townscape you Station Road 5 miles/8 kms. will experience the fresh openness of the marshes as you enjoy riding ‘off-road’ along a bridleway running 3 Pass through the gate onto Terrain next to the Royal Military Canal. the bridleway to Rye. Level off-road route: 4 Keep right: do not follow the mountain bikes Cadborough Cliff This section of your left which forms the landward Wells, and G.K. Chesterton, farm track uphill. essential. the ride follows the Sustrans boundary of the Romney Marsh. Radcliffe Hall and Rumer Godden. 5 Continue the route by Services National Cycle Network no.2 and is Once the sea would have lapped Lamb House was lived in by both turning right and rejoining Pubs, toilets, shop and a purpose-made track with easy against the base of this cliff line, Henry James and E.F. Benson. In the main road, or stop in 3 4 teashop in Winchelsea. access gates. The route is also part which is now landlocked like 1891 Edward Burne-Jones Rye. All services available in of the 1066 Country Walk from Rye Camber Castle which can be seen in dedicated a stained glass window to 6 After crossing the river, turn Rye. Bike stands at Rye to Pevensey. With the flat floodplain the distance across the marsh. St. Mary’s Church. right onto the bridleway. Station and TIC. of the River Brede to your right you 7 Turn right onto Sea Road, will notice the preserved cliff line to Rye stands on a hill at the estuary Decoy site As you cycle along the and return to Winchelsea. of the River Rother, but was once a track you will notice two strange 2 fishing village almost surrounded by concrete huts. These huts are called 1 7 the sea. It had been under the Stanton Sectional Shelters and are ownership of the Abbey of Fecamp rare examples of decoy huts used to of Normandy since 1027, until fool German bombers. The area you claimed by Henry III in 1247. Like are standing in used to contain the other south coast ports, Rye several of these huts which where endured numerous attacks from used, along with lighting, to give French and Spanish raiders and was the impression to bomber pilots that fortified with a stone wall, parts of they were over an important which remain, together with the industrial site. They would then Landgate and Ypres Tower. bomb this area resulting in them Residents and visitors to Rye include missing their real targets further Conrad Aiken, Joseph Conrad, H.G. along the coast.

22 Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of HM Stationery Office. 23 Royal Military Canal Crown Copyright. East Sussex County Council. 2004. 100019601. Cycle route 2 Bike to the beach Directions Start & finish Winchelsea Church. A circular route which will take you up into the High Weald and provide excellent views across the Rye Bay. 1 Turn left and cycle along until 8 TQ 905174. You will pass through the village of Pett with its pubs and down to Cliff End. If you fancy a rest, the you meet a sharp right-hand 1 Distance shingle beach is an excellent place to sit or go rock pooling. If you are interested in bird watching then stop bend just outside the town. 12 miles/19 kms. off at Pett Pools to see what migrant birds are visiting, before heading back to Winchelsea. 2 Do not follow the bend round Terrain but carry straight on down Undulating route. On Hog Hill Windmill This black, Petrified Past (at the foreshore of Pett Pools This Sussex Wildlife Trust Wickham Lane, passing 2 road route. tarred post mill was moved to Hogg Pett Level). This area is of great Reserve attracts numerous migrant through the New Gate Services Hill from Pett in 1813. An unusual geological and biological waders during late summer and 3 Continue ahead, at the Pubs, toilets, shop and feature is that its winding fan is importance. The remains of a autumn. The four shallow lagoons junction carry on ahead teashop in Winchelsea. mounted above the roof and not on submerged forest can be seen were excavated in 1946 to provide towards Pett along Pannel Pubs and shops in Pett, the side. It is a private residence, sticking out of the mud at low tide. clay when the present sea wall was Lane. Cliff End and not open to the public, but it is well These are the only recorded constructed. There is now access to 4 At Pett turn right along the 6 Winchelsea Beach. worth walking up to it and enjoying examples in British Wealden strata the Reserve, excellent views from main street until you turn left fantastic views across the Rye Bay of this age probably belonging to the laybys. down Rosemary Lane. towards France. the now extinct family of tree ferns, 5 Follow down the lane down the Tempskyaceae. The forest is to Cliff End passing the 5,000 years old and became ‘Smugglers Pub on your right. submerged with the isostatic 6 Continue along the straight 4 subsiding of south east Britain at Sea Road with the sea Wall the rate of 1.2mm a year. on your Right to Winchelsea Beach. 5 7 Follow the road through the village, with its sharp left turn bend until you reach the junction with the A259 8 Turn left and then left again up the hill, passing through the old gate, back to Winchelsea.

24 Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of HM Stationery Office. 25 Fairlight Crown Copyright. East Sussex County Council. 2004. 100019601.