Join Barbara for this fascinating linear walk through Sussex and the High Weald AONB. The 31-mile 1066 Country Walk is a relatively easy, low-level route through countryside that witnessed the Norman Conquest. Starting at Pevensey Castle , it passes Herstmonceux Castle, the historic 1066 Battle Abbey and Battlefield, medieval Winchelsea, ending in historic Rye.

Much of the walk passes through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a typical medieval landscape with rolling hills and valleys, atmospheric marshes, ancient woodland, historic towns, quaint villages, old churches, rustic farms, elegant estates, oast houses and windmills. There is also a sculpture trail – the 10 wooden sculptures are inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry and the heritage of 1066 Country. A visit to Battle Abbey is included in the itinerary.

The holiday is based in Rye, whose centre contains well-preserved Medieval streets complete with cobblestones and half-timbered buildings. It really does have the air of somewhere lost in time. There are plenty of independent shops to browse around and we will head out into the town to eat most evenings.

Day 1: Arrive in Rye, a beautiful medieval town with cobbled streets, a varied history and interesting high street. There will be a holiday briefing before dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Today, we head to Pevensey to begin our walk. Starting at Pevensey Castle, a medieval castle and former Roman Saxon Shore fort, we walk across the beautiful Pevensey Levels heading north towards the imposing bulk of Herstmonceux Castle and on to the tiny, picturesque village of Boreham Street. An 8 mile gentle walk to start our journey.
Dinner in Rye.

Day 3: We return to Boreham Street to begin our walk to historic Battle Abbey. A few more ups and downs on this route where the path takes us up onto Tent Hill where William the Conqueror’s troops camped on the eve of their historic battle with King Harold’s army. A 9 mile walk takes us to the iconic Battle Abbey to finish our day.
Dinner in Rye.

Day 4: We start our day with a visit to Battle Abbey before continuing our journey towards Icklesham, overlooked by Hogg Hill Mill, a converted windmill. A 9 mile walk through woodland and farmland with one or two climbs to reach our destination of Icklesham which offers stunning views over the Brede Valley. Dinner in Rye.

Day 5: The final section of the 1066 path takes us from Icklesham back into Rye via the beautiful and peaceful town of Winchelsea with its lovely 13th Century church with stunning stained glass windows. A relatively easy walk of 5.5 miles to finish our adventure. Depart for home mid to late afternoon.

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£690 in a single occupancy ensuite room £120 discount per person in a shared twin ensuite room. The single occupacny price will be applied if there is nobody to share the room. Price includes: 4 nights' bed and breakfast hotel accommodation; Packed lunch each day; Transport to walks; Entry to Battle Abbey Not included: Evening meals – your guide will arrange for the group to eat together each evening. Prices from around £18: Travel to Rye; Personal expenses; Insurance

The 31 miles of this route will be split over 3.5 days with up to 9 miles per day. The route contains rolling hills which are not too steep. There should be plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and sites along the way.

We will stay at the lovely 3 star River Haven Hotel which is well positioned on the banks of the quay overlooking the River Tillingham. Perfecly located, clean and friendly with parking facilities. http://www.riverhaven.co.uk/

Having guided walks and walking holidays for the last 20 years, Barbara is still keen to ‘look round the next corner’. Based in London, she specialises in walking in the south of England and also runs her own guided day walks for women in London.

By Train: Trains to Rye station run once an hour from London St Pancras and take around 1 hour 10 minutes changing at Ashford. Trains from further north usually go via London and Ashford. The station is around 10 - 15 minutes walk from the accommodation and there is a taxi rank at the station too. By Car: The hotel is situated on the main A259 trunk road from channel ports. There is a parking area in front of the premises that provides ample parking for each room. Additional parking is provided in the adjacent car park.