What makes it special?Its distinctive sandstone outcrops, rich iron deposits and streams thathave carved deep ravines (called gills) through the underlying soft claysand sandstones.

The area has a distinctive pattern of scattered farmsteads arising fromearly settlement by independent farmers. Villages, located on the drierhilltops and originating through trade, punctuate the skyline. Links withthe area’s wooded past are evident in the number of weather-boardedand timber-framed buildings.

The distinctive network of radiating routes, created by drovers movingtheir pigs to and from the High Weald to feed on acorns and beechmasts, are now preserved as footpaths, bridleways and roads. The latterare often narrow, deeply sunken and edged with ancient wooded banksand wildlife-rich verges.

Woodland in the AONB has a distinctive pattern of small woods, gills(wooded ravines) and shaws (copses). The High Weald boasts thegreatest proportion of ancient woodland in the country, managed forcenturies by skilled workers.

The area’s fields and heath reveals irregular-shaped fields and commonland, little changed since medieval times, with colourful patches ofheather, gorse and flower-rich meadows buzzing with wildlife.

Exploring Winchelsea, Countryside and CoastIn the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)What is the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty?Thank you for choosing to visit this corner of the High Weald Area ofOutstanding Natural Beauty.

Lying at the heart of the South East, and covering parts of Sussex,Surrey and Kent, the High Weald is one of England’s finest landscapes,protected by government legislation since 1983 to ensure itsconservation for present and future generations.

The High Weald is protected for its unique character of smallirregular fields, abundant woods and hedges, scattered farmsteads andsunken lanes, draped over rolling hills.

Tunbridge Wells

Horsham

EastGrinstead

Battle

Hastings

Heathfield

Crowborough

TenterdenCranbrook

HaywardsHeath

Rye

The High Weald Area ofOutstanding Natural Beauty

Exploring Winchelsea, Countryside and CoastA guide to walking and cycling

Winchelsea has endured over 700 turbulent years of history.

‘Old Winchelsea’ was claimed by the sea after the savage storm of1287 and the new town (present day Winchelsea) was built on IhamHill under the royal patronage of Edward I. It was favoured as one ofthe cinque (pronounced ‘sink’) ports where the English fleet under theKing’s command would gather for royal duties or military action. Withthe mouth of the River Brede lapping at the foot of the hill, a harbourwas built and Winchelsea grew swiftly on timber exports and wineimports in the 14th century, as well as on fishing, smuggling and piracy.

For a time the town thrived, but misfortune was soon to plague theresidents again: in 1348 the Black Death arrived and many lives werelost. Less than a century after the harbour was built the tide turnedonce again, the sea began to retreat and the harbour and fortunes ofthe town fell into decline as merchants moved away. French andSpanish raids further depleted the populace despite the fortified gatesand ramparts, and Winchelsea never fully recovered. Indeed the threatof invasion remained during the Napoleonic war, when the RoyalMilitary Canal was built as a strategic defence for this vulnerablesection of the south coast.

Since then the town has gradually retreated from the pace of themodern world. Today, echoes of its colourful history still resonant fromthe ancient buildings and stone town gates whilst traces of the ancientboundary ditches etched into the surrounding landscape hint at itsformer eminence. This guide unveils some of its secrets…

A brief historyWe hope this booklet will inspire you to spend time exploringthe ancient cinque port of Winchelsea and its countryside.From the wonderful town architecture you see as you exploreits unique grid system layout, to the open countryside andcoast you can view from the many view points, there is a realsense that you are walking through a special area of theEnglish countryside.

Exploring from the town you will experience a diverse landscapewhere you can still see evidence of Winchelsea’s prosperous past, ofdefence against invaders and the elements and of traditional farmingtechniques. Today, Winchelsea is a wonderful hidden place to explore.So whether you are here to peer into the past, experience local colourand culture, indulge on local food and drink, or just to relax, you’llfind Winchelsea the most idyllic place to be.

This is your guide on how to get the most out of your visit.

This booklet contains seven walking and bike routes for you toexplore. They are of differing lengths and will allow you to experiencethe diverse countryside around Winchelsea. There is a brief history ofWinchelsea to help set the scene and inform you how history hasmoulded the landscape you see today. If you are planning a visit tothe area then please refer to the ‘planning a holiday section’, whichcontains useful contact points to help make your stay easy. Elsewhereyou will find interesting information about what makes theWinchelsea area special.

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Welcome to Winchelsea and the High Weald

• For more information on the fascinating history of this town,pick up a copy of the ‘Winchelsea – Official Town Guide’.Caring for the area

This is a protected landscape celebrated for its landscape, wildlife, history and culture. You can help us to look after it by:• Using public transport to reduce road traffic• Being considerate to other road users, pedestrians, cyclists

and horse riders, and obey speed limits when driving• Recycling your rubbish or disposing of it in litter bins• Taking care not to disturb wildlife or farm animals, and

respect local residents• Buying local produce from independent businesses which

help the local economy and rural employment

Thank you for your co-operation. Winchelsea Town Seal

High Weald landscape

Planning a holidayThe countryside and attractions around Winchelsea offer much to seeand do. The following sources of information will help you plan yourbreak and get the most from your stay.

Where to stay • For accommodation which has made a special effort to

accommodate walkers and cyclists, view www.ruralways.com • For other accommodation, view www.1066country.com or contact

the Tourist Information Centre www.rye.org.uk or e-mailryetic@rother.gov.uk or telephone 01797 226696

Travel information • Winchelsea is accessible by regular trains from Rye and Hastings,

please view www.traveline.org.uk or telephone 0870 6082608. • Winchelsea Train Station is located just outside the town. Allow a

fifteen minute walk from the station or ask your accommodationprovider to provide a taxi.

• Situated on the Sustrans cycle network route 2. Winchelsea can bevisited on cycles. See www.nationalcyclenetwork.org.uk for moreinformation.

Eating out • There are a good variety of places to eat and drink with many

pubs, restaurants, cafes and teashops serving local dishes andproduce fresh from the surrounding countryside. Please viewwww.1066country.com for listings.

Attractions• There are many interesting attractions to suit all tastes. Please view

www.1066country.com or www.rye.org.uk Attractions can also befound along the walks and bike rides described in this booklet.

Useful websitesTo find out more about Winchelsea and its surroundings, view:• Winchelsea: www.winchelseatown.co.uk • Landscape and outdoor recreation: www.highweald.org• Guided walks, rides and events:

www.eastsussex.gov.uk/env/cms/pages/exploringes/main.htm• Leisure Activities Around East Sussex:

www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisureandtourism• Historic Properties: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

How to use this brochure

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Why not plan your stay around a traditional event? Winchelseahas a thriving community and throughout the year local groups andcharities hold a series of interesting and fun events. Many give aspecial insight into hidden traditions, which have been carried out inthe town for centuries. For an up to date listing of events visitwww.winchelseatown.co.uk or check out the town information boardnext to the village shop. Below are just some of the events andtraditions you could experience:

• Easter Monday Mayoring – There has been a Mayor of Winchelseafor over 700 years. Ceremony takes place annually on EasterMonday at the Upper Court Hall at 11 o’clock.

• Morris Dancing – Traditional Morris Dancers from Sussex come toWinchelsea each early May Bank Holiday Sunday to perform.

• Hastings Jack in the Green – May Day Bank Holiday weekend.

• Open Gardens Day – Beautiful secret gardens opened up to thepublic as part of the National Gardens Scheme – July.

Events throughout the year• Winchelsea Cricket Club – Matches held on selected weekends

throughout the summer. Founded 1795. Beautiful ground withmarvellous views of the Brede Valley.

• Annual Garden Fete and Flower Show – All the ingredients of atraditional village fete.

• Friends of the Ancient Monuments – Fund raising events, lecturesand tours of the ancient cellars throughout the year.

• Painting Exhibitions – Held throughout the year at the Lower CourtHall. Local art by local artists.

Winchelsea May Day, Hastings

The High Weald and Rye Bay is famous for its local produce.Whether you are looking for a gift to take home or want to try a localspeciality you will be spoilt for choice. The landscape around has beenfarmed for many centuries and provides some of the areas finestproduce. The marshes are known for there Romney Marsh lambwhilst the coast is brimming with local seafood such as Rye Bayscallops, said to be the best in the world, whilst up in the High Wealdthere are many orchards producing traditional apple varieties ready tobe tasted. If out walking why not visit a local pub and enjoy greathome made food and local ale.

Below are some of the local shops/restaurants where you canpurchase local produce:

• Windmill Orchard Farm Shop, Icklesham. 01797 227219Local apples, juice, jams, honey.

• Suttons Fish Shop, Winchelsea Beach. 01797 226261Local seafood and game.

• Wickham Organic Meats, Winchelsea. 01797 226261Local organic meat

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

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

Local produce• The Little Shop, Winchelsea

Homemade cakes

• The Place, Camber Sands. 01797 225057www.theplacecambersands.co.uk Restaurant. Local seafood and organic dishes

• J.Wicken’s Family Butchers, WinchelseaLocal meat produce

Farmers’ Markets are also held in the area selling a wide variety oflocal produce:• Rye – Every Wednesday, 10am-1pm, Strand Quay. 01797 280226• Hastings – 2nd Thursday of the month, 9am-1pm. 01424 457109• Brede – Every Friday, 10am-12pm. 01424 882836

Lookers hut Rye Harbour Nature Reserve8 9

Wildlife in the areaWinchelsea is on the edge of the High Weald AONB and looksout over the Rye Bay. Much of the landscape has been designated aSite of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The area is a haven for wildlifeand an ideal place to watch and learn about many rare and protectedspecies. You may be lucky to see ‘booming’ Bitterns at Rye HarbourNature Reserve or Water Voles on the Pett Levels swimming across themany drainage ditches. The river valleys are humming with dragonfliesand damselflies and you can often see Kingfishers darting along justabove the water. Along the coast, shingle ridges support plants such asthe beautiful Yellow Horned-poppy and birds such as Tern, Plover andOystercatcher which lay their eggs on the bare shingle. The sand dunesat Camber are also a haven for insects like the Brown Tailed Mothwhose caterpillar lives on the bright orange berried sea buckthorn.

Why not visit some of these wildlife sites:Rye Harbour Nature Reserve Shingle ridges, gravel pits and saltmarshes. There are birdhides and an Information Centre 01797 223862www.naturereserve.ryeharbour.org.uk Hastings Country Park Open grasslands, woods and cliffs. VisitorsCentre 01424 781338 www.hastings.gov.ukCamber Sands Dune system and sandy beach – 01797 226488www.eastsussex.gov.ukGuestling Wood 400 year old coppice wood owned by the WoodlandTrust. Good spring flowers.Pett Pools Sussex Wildlife Trust Reserve. Pools and reedbeds, excellentfor bird watching.Beckley Woods Mixed conifer and broad-leaved woodland, good forbutterflies. Managed by Forest Enterprise.Flatropers Woods Semi-natural ancient oak and sweet chestnutcoppice woodland with many spring flowers. Managed by SussexWildlife Trust.

For up to date wildlife sightings in the Rye Bay area visitwww.Rxwildlife.org.uk

Venturing out into the countryside on foot or by bike is thebest way to get the most out of your trip. This is simple to dowith our selection of delightful walks and cycle rides featuring placesof interest, breathtaking views, and where to stop for a well deservedbite to eat or drop to drink. Each route is accompanied by a ‘FactPack’ which summarises the essential information you need beforeyou set out. The following general guidance may also help.

MapsOrdnance Survey Explorer maps no 124 and 125 are recommendedand provide further information on paths in the area.

SignageEach path is waymarked at intervals. Coloured arrows indicate thestatus and direction of the path. This is summarised below:

ClothingWalkers should be prepared by wearing stout footwear and warm,waterproof clothing. Please remember that paths can become muddyin wet weather. Cyclists should wear high visibility clothing forpersonal safety.

Exploring the area

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The routesChoosing a walkWe have selected a variety of different length routes with differentthemes. Route variations and links are described in the Fact Packaccompanying each walk.

Time taken to complete will vary according to fitness and numberof stops made.

Local buses and trains (see Fact Pack panel) can be used to shortenwalks or access start points but please phone local transport providersbefore setting out as services may vary during the year (please seepage 2 for contact details).

Take care!Please take special care where sections of routes follow narrowcountry lanes, cross main roads or railway lines. Walkers should faceon-coming traffic.

10Fairlight Country Park

Rye

Winchelsea

Pett

Fairlight

Walks1 The Royal Military Canal Page 102 Valley and vistas walk Page 123 Frontline fortress walk Page 144 Walk with dinosaurs Page 165 An ogre’s trail Page 18

Cycle ridesA Port to port circular Page 20B Bike to the beach Page 22

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WalkingThe Winchelsea area has several long-distance trails passing through thecountryside. Several of the walks in this brochure pass along these trails,but if you are interested in taking time to explore further a field then whynot visit the website below.1066 Country Walk 31 mile path from Rye to Pevensey, but can bewalked in stages via links to Hastings, Bexhill and Eastbourne.The Royal Military Canal 28 mile. Runs from Cliff End to Hythe in KentSaxon Shore Way 63 mile. Follows the Kent and Sussex coastline. Itstarts at Rye and terminates at Gravesend.The High Weald Landscape Trail 90 mile walk from Rye to Horsham.Sussex Border Path 150 mile. From Emsworth, Hampshire to Ryefollowing along the east/west Sussex county border.

For further information, please viewwww.ruralways.org.uk/walking/maps.php or visit a local bookshop.

CyclingNational Cycle Network route 2 runs from Folkestone (with connectionsto route 1 to Dover) in the east to Hastings in the west, and continues asfar as Cornwall in the south west. For more information about theNational Cycle Route visit www.nationalcyclenetwork.org.uk

Visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk for further cycling routes in the county.

Cycle hire and repair Rye Hire, 1 Cyprus Place, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7DR.Tel/Fax: 01797 223033 / 227826Email: info@ryehire.co.uk

Footpath yellow arrow

Bridlepathblue arrow

Bywayred arrow

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Start & finish Winchelsea Church.

Distance3.5 miles/6km.

TerrainUndulating withcrossing of stiles, gatesand footbridges. Notsuitable forwheelchairs.

ServicesPubs, shop andteashop in Winchelsea.

Walk 1 The Royal Military Canal Follow the 1066 Country Walk out of the town and pass ancient monuments standing in thelandscape. Imagine how it would have been during the town’s prosperous past and see whataffects the threat of war had on the landscape. Today, wildlife thrives in the tranquillity of thislandscape with its Nature Reserve and Canal buzzing with life throughout the year.

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New GateThe remains of the gate you can seeis called the ‘New Gate’ and marksthe original southern boundaryditch of the town. The townhowever never grew as far as thegate due to a decline in populationand the need to defend a smallerarea from French invaders.

Wickham ManorWilliam Penn, who foundedPennsylvania in 1672, once lived inthis 15th Century Farmhouse. Thefarm is now owned by the nationalTrust, who mange much of the landaround the town.

Pannel ValleyThe Pannel Valley Nature Reserve isa wonderful place to watch birds.Birdhides overlooking scrapes andreedbeds allow you to quietly enjoythe wildlife. The water levels arecontrolled to allow wading birds tofeed and the shingle islands providenesting sites for birds such aslapwings, which have a green sheenand spiky crest. Look out for WaterVole swimming across the drainageditches and the many swans, whichcome to the area.

Royal Military CanalThe growing threat of NapoleonBonaparte led to the building of adefensive barrier on the low lyingland between Winchelsea andHythe in 1804. Dug by hand, the 28mile canal was completed in 1809.The excavated soil was piled up onthe landward side to protect troopsfrom enemy fire. At every 500metres along the canal’s length akink was made, called an enfilade,to enable cannons to be fired downeach stretch. The Canal was nevercalled on for use in defence, but theguard houses did help controlsmuggling which was rife on theRomney Marsh at the time. Thesoldiers, however, were oftencorrupt and could easily be bribedby the smugglers with either moneyor contraband goods.

Directions

1 Walk south along MonksWalk to bend in the road.

2 Cross the stile over thestone wall and head downthe field.

3 Cross the stiles and bearleft onto the road justbelow the New Gate.

4 Turn right on the road andwalk to the bend, take thepath to the left across thefield.

5 After crossing the canal,turn left and walk along thebank until reaching theroad.

6 Turn left and return toWinchelsea via the Strand Gate.

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of HM Stationery Office. Crown Copyright. East Sussex County Council. 2004. 100019601.New Gate 13

Pett Level

Start & finish Mill Lane, Winchelsea TQ 903175.

Distance4 miles/6.5km.

TerrainUndulating with somesteep uphill sections.Numerous stiles means route is unsuitable forwheelchairs.

ServicesPubs, shop and teashop in Winchelsea. Pub at Cock Marling.

Walk 2 Valley and vistas walk

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St Leonard’s WindmillThe remains of St Leonard’sWindmill, destroyed in the GreatStorm in 1987, overlooks the BredeValley. Near the site is the MilleniumBeacon which is lit on specialoccasions. The windmill is the site

where Jon met Slinky Grandon inThe Gay Dolphin Adventure, one ofthe adventures of the children’sauthor Malcolm Saville (1901-82).Saville used many real locations andis best known for The Lone PineClub although he also wrote aboutthe English countryside. Othernearby locations used in his booksinclude the Mermaid Hotel in Rye,the inspiration behind The GayDolphin Hotel, and Camber Castlewhere the Warrenders first met the Mortons.

River BredeThe river was once a majornavigation river used to carry goods,such as cannon balls and cannons,which had been made in one of themany furnaces located in the HighWeald. Today the River is a popularlocation for fishing and a good

haven for wildlife. It is not justhumans who fish there. Look outfor King Fishers darting up anddown the river or Herons standingmotionless on the banks waiting fora passing meal.

1066 Country WalkThis long distance walk is 31 mileslong and runs from Pevensey to Ryepassing by Battle Abbey. The firstpart from Pevensey follows in thefootsteps of William the Conqueroras he went inland to fight KingHarold at Battle. This part of theroute is also an ‘E’ Path (E9) whichforms part of the internationalnetwork of European footpathswhich cross from Winchester toDover and into Europe.

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With fantastic views across the important wildlife haven of the Brede Valley you can really get an insightinto why the River Brede was once a major waterway bringing goods to this once busy port. From down inthe valley you cross the River Brede, teaming with wildlife, before climbing up the other side. There is achance for a drink at the pub in Cock Marling before following the route round to link up with a section ofthe 1066 Country Walk and back into Winchelsea.

Directions

1 Follow the path from MillLane, to the right of theBeacon and down the hill.

2 At the stile follow the yellowwaymarking disc away fromthe tree line to the ditch andgate. Cross the bridge andcontinue across the fieldsuntil joining the trackalongside the River Brede.

3 Continue along the riversideuntil the railway crossing.

4 After the railway, cross thefootbridge to continue thewalk. Alternatively, turn leftto pick up the link toIcklesham.

5 Turn left onto the road atFloat Farm and after thesecond bend turn right ontothe footpath up the sunkenpath.

6 Turn right at the main roadand left past Cott Marlingcottage.

7 Cross the surfaced driveway,then turn immediately rightonto a parallel track.

8 At the main road cross ontothe verge and walk untilreaching WoodsideCottages. Turn right andfollow the footpath throughWorkhouse Wood.

9 Continue along the pathacross the stiles at the field edge and down thelarge field in the directionindicated and cross the laneat the bottom and ontoWinchelsea Station and the road.

10 Follow the road to thejunction with the A259,then turn immediately rightusing the verge, and rightagain onto the signedfootpath along the surfacedtrack by the Southern Waterentrance.

11 After crossing thefootbridge turn left andfollow the field edge,crossing the stile, to climbthe hill back to Winchelsea.

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

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Frontline fortress walk

Marsh Frogs can be heard‘laughing’ on summer evenings. Thisstrange sound, made during themating season, is now commonalong the ditches in the Rye Bay andRomney Marsh area. The frogs,originally from Hungry, escaped froma garden pond near by in 1935 andare now very much part of thesights and sounds of this landscape.

Bitterns Castle Water is one of ahandful of UK sites providing asuitable habitat for bitterns. Bitternsare shy and rarely seen birds, whichlook like a small, brown heron. Upto seven bitterns spend the winterat Castle Water and efforts tocreate more reedbed aim toencourage them to stay over thesummer to breed.

Rye Harbour Nature ReserveDesignated a Site of SpecialScientific Interest (SSSI) due to itsimportant wildlife habitat of shingleridges, grazing and salt marsh,arable fields, and intertidal sand andmud the Nature Reserve is a popularplace to visit. Over 350 floweringplants have been recorded and it isnationally important for insects.

Its bird life includes 50 breedingspecies such as Little Tern, CommonTern, Sandwich Tern, Oystercatcher,

Red Shank, Ringed Plover, CornBunting, Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear,and is important for migrant andover wintering birds. Why not stopoff and visit the Reserve’sInformation Centre or visit itsbirdwatching hides.

Camber Castle was built in thereign of Henry VIII to protect Ryefrom the growing threat of Frenchand Spanish invasion.

The castle was one of a chain ofsouth coast defences protectingvulnerable areas. However, extensiveshingle silting by the sea in front ofthe castle undermined the castle’sstrategic role, as cannon fire wassoon no longer able to reach thesea. It was abandoned in 1637, andnow lays a mile inland.

The castle is open on weekendsin the summer telephone 01797223862 for opening times.

Discover a castle landlocked away from the coastline it once proudly defended. Its stout sandstone walls nowhouse wildlife rather than soldiers looking out to sea for enemy invaders. Enjoy this open flat landscape asyou follow an easy access trail suitable for prams and all-terrain mobility vehicles. Why not stop off at thenearby Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and learn about the many different birds which visit the area.

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Directions

1 At the sharp dog’s leg bendin Sea Road, enter the tracktowards Castle Farm.

2 Where the track forks, passthrough the gate on the left.

3 Continue through the gateon the left, along the rivertowards Rye.

4 Turn right at the pathjunction in front of thecottages, follow the shingletrack to the Brede Sluiceand onto the road to RyeHarbour.

5 Immediately after the bend,take the footpath on theright.

6 Follow the path along thetrack until reaching a largereedbed. Turn right, crossthe footbridge and continueignoring the pathimmediately on the left.

7 Keep the fence line on theleft and reedbed on theright.

8 Follow the path with thefence on the right andCastle Water on the left tothe willow tree and ontoCamber Castle.

9 Immediately before theCastle is a footpath spuralong the fence line to abird hide overlooking CastleWater.

10 To return to Rye cut back tothe river. To continue thewalk, follow the track toCastle Farm and retrace theroute back to Winchelsea.

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

Start & finish Entrance track to CastleFarm, Winchelsea BeachTQ 917175.

Distance4.5 miles/7km.

TerrainLargely flat. Gates andfootbridges, path surfaceis uneven in places.

ServicesPubs, toilets, shop andteashop in Winchelsea.Pub and shop inWinchelsea Beach. Allservices available in Rye.

Suitable for wheel chairs fromRye. The Castle Farm trackfrom Winchelsea is less evenand an off-road buggy is themost suitable way for disabledpeople to experience thisroute.

Walk 3

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Start & finish Cliff End. TQ 887134 (busno 344 stops outside ‘TheSmuggler’ pub)

Distance8 miles/13km

TerrainUndulating with somesteep sections, andcrossing of stiles, gatesand footbridges. Notsuitable for wheelchairs

ServicesToilets and pubs at CliffEnd, Fairlight and Pettvillages.

Walk 4 Walk with dinosaurs

Dinosaur footprints (at CliffEnd/Fairlight Cove). The three-toedfootprints of an Iguanadon can befound in the bedrock along thebeach, together with grooves whichmay be tail marks. Fossils fromMegalosaurus and Cetiosaurus havealso been found. The rocks ofFairlight Cove also contain insect,reptile and plant fossils and teeth of

early mammals. Take care! Do notwalk too close to the cliffs or visiton a rising tide.

Fairlight Country Park extends over640 acres, most of which isdesignated a Site of Special ScientificInterest (SSSI) comprising two ancientwoodlands, heathland, grassland androcky coastline. There are stunningviews across the Channel and RyeBay. Bottlenose dolphin and harbourporpoise can be seen offshore fromthe top of the cliffs.

During the Second World WarFairlight was on the front line of theUK’s early warning system. A radarstation was built in 1940 to giveadvance notice of enemy attacks andhoused special equipment fortracking radio signals. It wassurrounded by anti-aircraft guns toshoot down flying bombs before they

reached London. In the early 1960sit was closed and sealed.

Wildlife lookout The park is anexcellent location for spottingwildlife. The woodlands contain raredormice and scarce liverworts,mosses and lichens. The heath andacid grassland are excellent habitatsfor Dartford Warblers, Stonechatsand Yellowhammers, and rare insectssuch as Beewolf, a bee-hunting waspand an ant-eating spider Micariaromana, which occurs in only fourother coastal areas in Britain.

Church of St Mary and St PeterRecords of a church in Pett datefrom the 13th century. The presentchurch was built in 1864 in the‘Early English Decorated’ style. Thewalls are faced with bluestonequarried from the Marsham slopesof the Pett ridge.

Walk along the only section of coastline contained in the High Weald AONB and enjoy good views out tosea and along the coast. Take time to walk along the beach looking for signs of life from times gone by orenjoy a drink or two in the local pubs. With an easy access trail and visitor centre at Fairlight Country Parkthis walk will have something for everyone.

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Directions

1 Pick up the footpath setback and to the right at thedrive opposite the mouth ofPett Road.

2 Follow path around fieldedge and turn left atwooded west corner of fieldonto gravel lane T junction.Follow lane west towardsheart of Fairlight Cove.

3 Turn right at ‘Lower WaitesLane’ sign into Broad Way.

4 Go straight on into KnowleRoad, and follow to end intoKnowle Wood. Crossfootbridge and follow MHTdisc.

5 Emerge from wood ontogravel road (Warren Road).From here you can go intoFairlight, turning left, orcontinue with the walk, byturning right.

6 Turn left at end of WarrenRoad, onto main road. Takefootpath 40m on right andfollow across fields in northeasterly direction toStonelink Wood.

7 After passing through thewood, turn left and followfield edge until reach road.

8 Turn right and then left,immediately after thethatched white cottage,onto footpath and continueto follow the waymarksacross the fields.

9 At dirt track take left handfork of path towards Pettchurch

10 Take the footpath on theright approximately 200mbeyond the entrance toGatehurst Farm.

11 Cross the footbridge andproceed to Old MarshamFarm. Pass through the twogates at the bottom of thegarden and cut east acrossthe field to the start point.

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

Start & finish Doleham Station. TQ 835165.

Distance6.2 miles/10 kms.

TerrainUndulating with somesteep sections, andcrossing of stiles, gatesand footbridges. Notsuitable for wheelchairs.

ServicesBrede village. Pub andshop. Three Oaks, pub.

Walk 5 An ogre’s trailWatch out there’s an ogre about! Better check under that bridge! Taking the train to Dolehamyou will discover a landscape buzzing with wildlife and industrial heritage. During the summermonths look out for damselflies skimming along Doleham Ditch, whilst in the winter enjoy themany birds, which visit wet scrapes in the valley.

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Brede Waterworks was built in1903 to supply water to Hastingsand St Leonards from deep wells inthe Brede valley. It was restored in2004 and is housed in a Grade IIlisted building. The triple expansionsteam engine is amongst a handfulof surviving engines and was usedto pump up to 4.5 million litresevery day. It was powered by coal

brought up the river to a wharf justabove Brede Bridge, until 1928,when the coal came by rail fromDoleham Halt. The other steamengine is a little more modern,installed in 1940, and is capable ofpumping 150,000 gallons of waterper hour into reservoirs at Fairlightand Baldslow near Hastings. Theengines are open to the public onthe first Saturday in the month.

Brede village was famous for itsiron works, as suggested in placenames such as Forge Stream. Ironore was imported at Rye and madeinto shot and cannon until the 1770when the furnace was converted forthe manufacture of gunpowder. Thisended in 1808 when a largeexplosion completely destroyed thegunpowder mill and killed oneWilliam Sinden, who is said to havebeen blown into five parts.

The Sussex Ogre Brede was oncehome to the most famous of theSussex Ogres who roamed theSussex countryside every night insearch of a child for his supper.Finally, the children of Sussexdevised a plan of revenge. Oneevening they persuaded the giant todrink his fill of local ale then waiteduntil he was asleep. As the ogrecould only be harmed by a woodenweapon, they sawed him in halfusing a wooden saw. The site ofthis retribution was said to bebetween Brede Place and theChurch in the area now known asGroaning Bridge. This Ogre isthought to refer to Sir GoddardOxenbridge who died on the 9thMarch 1487 and is interred in BredeChurch with his wife Ann. Theghost of Sir Goddard is said to stillwalk here and can be heardmoaning on still evenings.

Directions

1 From the station, turn leftonto the road.

2 At the bend take thefootpath (with ‘1066 CountryWalk’ disc) on your right.Follow the track around apond and across the field tothe railway crossing.

3 Take care crossing therailway, continue over thefootbridge, then straightahead to the clump of treesand on towards Pattleton’sFarm.

4 After crossing the stile onthe field boundary, followthe path ahead to reach thedriveway. Turn right andfollow to Doleham Lane,then the main road.

5 Enter the drive for CrowhamManor on the left, then takethe signposted footpath onyour left, down the twofields to a footbridge.

6 Continue up the next field,and over the stile left of thewhite house. Bear left, infront of another house to

reach the drive and thenCottage Lane, turning sharpright.

7 Just before the road bridge,cross the stile on your rightand follow the path.Continue for half a mile(passing by the firstfootbridge).

8 After the second footbridgenear the Waterworks, crossthe field diagonally, assignposted, and onto theroad.

9 At the main road, turn rightand head downhill usingthe footway and roadverge.

10 Directly after crossing thebridge, turn left onto thepath.

11 Turn right at the confluenceof the river with DolehamDitch and continue alongthe bank until crossing thefootbridge on your left.

12 Turn right at the barn ontoNorth Lane and follow tothe next junction. Turn rightand continue down the hillto the Station.

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

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Cycle route 1 Port to port circularRiding down out of Winchelsea you will follow the old cliff line to the ancient port of Rye. With its churchtower standing proudly on the skyline, Rye is a wonderful town to ride around or if you park up you canenjoy the museums and shops tucked away on hidden lanes. Once away from the ancient townscape youwill experience the fresh openness of the marshes as you enjoy riding ‘off-road’ along a bridleway runningnext to the Royal Military Canal.

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Cadborough Cliff This section ofthe ride follows the SustransNational Cycle Network no.2 and isa purpose-made track with easyaccess gates. The route is also partof the 1066 Country Walk from Ryeto Pevensey. With the flat floodplainof the River Brede to your right youwill notice the preserved cliff line to

your left which forms the landwardboundary of the Romney Marsh.Once the sea would have lappedagainst the base of this cliff line,which is now landlocked likeCamber Castle which can be seen inthe distance across the marsh.

Rye stands on a hill at the estuaryof the River Rother, but was once afishing village almost surrounded bythe sea. It had been under theownership of the Abbey of Fecampof Normandy since 1027, untilclaimed by Henry III in 1247. Likethe other south coast ports, Ryeendured numerous attacks fromFrench and Spanish raiders and wasfortified with a stone wall, parts ofwhich remain, together with theLandgate and Ypres Tower.Residents and visitors to Rye includeConrad Aiken, Joseph Conrad, H.G.

Wells, and G.K. Chesterton,Radcliffe Hall and Rumer Godden.Lamb House was lived in by bothHenry James and E.F. Benson. In1891 Edward Burne-Jonesdedicated a stained glass window toSt. Mary’s Church.

Decoy site As you cycle along thetrack you will notice two strangeconcrete huts. These huts are calledStanton Sectional Shelters and arerare examples of decoy huts used tofool German bombers. The area youare standing in used to containseveral of these huts which whereused, along with lighting, to givethe impression to bomber pilots thatthey were over an importantindustrial site. They would thenbomb this area resulting in themmissing their real targets furtheralong the coast.

Directions

1 Turn left on to the A259.2 On the bend, turn right onto

Station Road3 Pass through the gate onto

the bridleway to Rye.4 Keep right: do not follow the

farm track uphill.5 Continue the route by

turning right and rejoiningthe main road, or stop inRye.

6 After crossing the river, turnright onto the bridleway.

7 Turn right onto Sea Road,and return to Winchelsea.

Start & finish Winchelea Church. TQ 905174.

Distance5 miles/8 kms.

TerrainLevel off-road route:mountain bikesessential.

ServicesPubs, toilets, shop andteashop in Winchelsea.All services available inRye. Bike stands at RyeStation and TIC.

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of HM Stationery Office. Crown Copyright. East Sussex County Council. 2004. 100019601.Royal Military Canal

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Cycle route 2 Bike to the beach

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Start & finish Winchelsea Church. TQ 905174.

Distance12 miles/19 kms.

TerrainUndulating route. Onroad route.

ServicesPubs, toilets, shop andteashop in Winchelsea.Pubs and shops in Pett,Cliff End andWinchelsea Beach.

Hog Hill Windmill This black,tarred post mill was moved to HoggHill from Pett in 1813. An unusualfeature is that its winding fan ismounted above the roof and not onthe side. It is a private residence,not open to the public, but it is wellworth walking up to it and enjoyingfantastic views across the Rye Baytowards France.

Petrified Past (at the foreshore ofPett Level). This area is of greatgeological and biologicalimportance. The remains of asubmerged forest can be seensticking out of the mud at low tide.These are the only recordedexamples in British Wealden strataof this age probably belonging tothe now extinct family of tree ferns,the Tempskyaceae. The forest is5,000 years old and becamesubmerged with the isostaticsubsiding of south east Britain atthe rate of 1.2mm a year.

Pett Pools This Sussex Wildlife TrustReserve attracts numerous migrantwaders during late summer andautumn. The four shallow lagoonswere excavated in 1946 to provideclay when the present sea wall wasconstructed. There is now access tothe Reserve, excellent views fromthe laybys.

Directions

1 Turn left and cycle along untilyou meet a sharp right-handbend just outside the town.

2 Do not follow the bend roundbut carry straight on downWickham Lane, passingthrough the New Gate

3 Continue ahead, at thejunction carry on aheadtowards Pett along PannelLane.

4 At Pett turn right along themain street until you turn leftdown Rosemary Lane.

5 Follow down the lane downto Cliff End passing the‘Smugglers Pub on your right.

6 Continue along the straightSea Road with the sea Wallon your Right to WinchelseaBeach.

7 Follow the road through thevillage, with its sharp left turnbend until you reach thejunction with the A259

8 Turn left and then left againup the hill, passing throughthe old gate, back toWinchelsea.

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

A circular route which will take you up into the High Weald and provide excellent views across the Rye Bay.You will pass through the village of Pett with its pubs and down to Cliff End. If you fancy a rest, theshingle beach is an excellent place to sit or go rock pooling. If you are interested in bird watching then stopoff at Pett Pools to see what migrant birds are visiting, before heading back to Winchelsea.