Hastings to Rye, magnificent Saxon Shore Way

Hike the first part of Saxon Shore Way, through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is a hilly cliff walk with four steep climbs and a remote naturist beach. GRADE: Intermediate/, 21km / 13 miles, 460m of ascent and approx 6 hr walking time. This is a spectacular walk, linear, from Hastings to Rye, with breathtaking views of the dramatic chalk sea cliffs on the English Channel coast in south-east England. Saxon Shore Way is a long-distance walk, 257km (160 miles), linking Gravesend to Hastings, following England’s southeastern coastline. Starting from the Hasting railway station, we are heading through town towards the coast. Hastings nowadays is mostly connected with the battle of 1066, although it existed long before as a small community. It became a Saxon settlement after the Romans left early in the 5th century, taking its name from the group of Saxon invaders, the Haestengas. We continue walking on the coastal path and enter Hasting Country Park. As we walk to the top of the sea cliffs, we enjoy the spectacular coastal views. We hike through the wooded Ecclesbourne Glen and Meadow and several woods and fields before arriving at Fairlight. We cross the village before continuing on the cliff footpath towards Cliff End. At this point, we join the Royal Military Canal towpath, leading us inland towards Winchelsea before entering the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and following the River Bride to Rye.

MEETING POINT & TIME: 08:50 at London Bridge train station, in front of the main train ticket office. Second meeting point at 10:50 at Hastings station.

TRAINS: Trains from London Bridge station. We will take the 09:24 Southeastern train to Hastings, arriving at Hastings at 10:47 (journey time 1hr 32 min, direct). Return train from Rye. You can purchase group save tickets (minimum group of 3) or with Network railcard approx at approx £35. WALK STARTS: 10:55 at Hastings station WALK FINISHES: Approx 18:00 at Rye. Hike Leader: Fofi What to bring: packed lunch, snacks, water, suitable clothing, and hiking footwear.