Walk the 1066 Country Walk
The 1066 Country Walk runs for 31 miles from Pevensey to Rye through the countryside of East Sussex, connecting landscapes and historic sites associated with the Norman Conquest and the Battle of Hastings.
From Pevensey Castle, close to where William, Duke of Normandy and his army landed in 1066, the route heads north across the low-lying Pevensey Levels. The landscape gradually changes from marshes and open countryside as the trail continues towards Herstmonceux.
The route passes Herstmonceux Castle before continuing through the countryside towards Battle. Much of the walk crosses the High Weald National Landscape, through a landscape of rolling hills, valleys, ancient woodland, farmland and historic settlements.
At Battle, the trail passes Battle Abbey and the battlefield associated with the Battle of Hastings, fought between the Norman army of William and the English army of King Harold in October 1066. Battle also provides one of the principal bases for exploring the central part of the route.
East of Battle, the 1066 Country Walk continues through woodland and rural countryside towards Westfield and Icklesham. The route then approaches Winchelsea, a historic hilltop town overlooking the surrounding landscape.
From Winchelsea, the final section continues towards Rye through the countryside of eastern East Sussex. The route finishes in Rye, close to the marshes and coastal landscapes around the lower Rother and Romney Marsh.
Pevensey, Battle, Winchelsea and Rye provide useful bases for exploring the route. At 31 miles, the 1066 Country Walk can be completed as a short multi-day walk or explored through individual sections and walking breaks centred on the historic towns, countryside and heritage of 1066 Country.
Overview
Distance: 31 miles / 50 km
Typical duration: 2–3 walking days
Difficulty: Easy-going to Moderate
Start: Pevensey, East Sussex
Finish: Rye, East Sussex
Terrain: Marshland paths, field paths, woodland, rolling countryside, rural tracks, country lanes and village paths
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