A wonderful opportunity to explore this historic and atmospheric area at Christmas. Our series of walks will take us to some beautiful locations to soak up the atmosphere of times gone by and breathe in the fresh sea air.

On one day we will visit Winchelsea, a fine example of a Medieval planned town, established by Edward I on a grid system. It was designated an Ancient Town affiliated, along with Rye, to the Cinque Ports, a series of coastal towns established for trade and military purposes. Our walk will take us along a section of the 1066 long distance country walk route.

We will head to Dungeness on one day, about half an hour from our base, to enjoy the eerie atmosphere of the shingle beach overlooked by the enormous power station. On the shoreline road, we will find Derek Jarman’s garden designed by the film director (amongst other things) using flotsam washed up by the sea and salt loving coastal plants. It is a truly unique sight and not to be missed. Along the headland we will find a series of wooden weatherboard beach houses plus a number of homes built around old railway coaches. For nature lovers, Dungeness is an internationally important area for conservation with many plants and insects which are found nowhere else in Britain.

During another of our walks we will see Camber Castle, a Grade I listed 16^th century device fort built on the order of Henry VIII during a time of increasing threat from France.

The holiday will be 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 cafes and pubs too.

Itinerary (subject to change):

Day 01: Arrival and a short orientation walk through Rye.

Day 02: Walk from Rye harbour through the Nature Reserve with a view of Camber Castle

Day 03: Walk to Winchelsea and back using the 1066 country walk trail

Day 04: Trip to Dungeness to explore the shingle beach and Derek Jarman’s garden

Day 05: A shorter walk to Playden, a former fishing village, using the Saxon Shore Path.

Feedback from a previous trip: “As this was my first time going away on a women’s walking holiday,
the experience was brilliant! Barbara was a caring, competent, wonderful guide and so funny! I laughed so much and the company of my fellow walkers combined with walking out in nature was just what I needed. I went to sleep every night with a big smile on my face. I feel I have gained a lot of confidence and experience to go on much longer hikes by myself and with others. Rye was a great base and it was fun to try out different restaurants in the evening.” Neeta
“I had a great time with Barbara and the group in Rye. The walks were excellent, the information just right, the tour of Camber Castle and the bird hide special and the choice of evening restaurants varied.” Bridget

• Price
• Grade
• Accommodation
• Guide
• Travel

£920 in a single occupancy ensuite room. £140 discount per person in a twin shared ensuite room Included in Price 4 nights bed and breakfast hotel accommodation; Packed lunch each day; Dinner at the hotel each evening; Transport to DungenessNot included Travel to Rye; Personal expenses; Insurance

Walks of around 6 miles taken at a leisurely pace with plenty of stops for photos, refreshment breaks, taking in the scenery. The pace will be leisurely with no need to rush. Walks may involve some ascent / descent but these will be taken at a comfortable pace and will be on good paths although there may be uneven ground and walking on shingle beaches. Low moderate walks are longer at around 8 miles and some have a little more ascent and descent but nothing overly strenuous.

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/

Your guide will be Clare Kelly, owner of Her on a Hill. Read more about Clare here

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.