Hastings Winter Walks and Talks between November and April 2011

Here's a guide to the many organised winter walks accessible from Hastings, many are free, some do have to make a charge to cover costs and some invite small donations. Most of these walks are accessible by public transport and the start points all have free parking nearby.

 

Walks and Talks

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Battle - Last of the summer time - Saturday 30 October at 10am

Distance: 5 miles (3 hours). An easy-paced walk around Battle and the surrounding countryside, looking at things associated with a bygone era. Meet at: Battle Abbey Gatehouse (Map Ref. TQ 748158).

Leader: John Harmer.

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Guestling - Changing Guards - Friday 29 October at 10.30am

Distance: 7 miles (2½ hours). Starting at the churchyard where Olive Brockwell, immortalised as Alice by A E Milne, is buried. We follow a scenic route with superb views of Guestling, Brede Valley, Doleham and Westfi eld. Prebooking advisable - phone 07918 907265. Meet at: Guestling Church car park (Map Ref. TQ 855144). Leader: Nick Brown. Donations to hospice appreciated.

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Pestalozzi Village -  Halloween ghost walk - Saturday 30 October at 6.30pm

Duration: 1 hour. Do you dare to walk the Pestalozzi Ghost Walk? Make a spell with the witch, dress up as a ghoul and be entered into a prize draw. We look forward to scaring you!! Torch needed. Prebooking advisable - 01424 870444. Meet at: Pestalozzi International Village (Map Ref. TQ 787174). Charge: £3. (steep hill) torch needed.

 

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Robertsbridge - White, Red and Hooded Monks - Wednesday 3 November at 10am

Distance: 3 miles (3½ hours). A circular walk from Salehurst Church, past Abbey ruins and around the historical village of Robertsbridge stopping at the ‘Haunted' Seven Stars pub for Ghostly Goulash and a Monk's Tipple (included in price). Finishing with a short walk back to the Church. Pre-booking essential - phone 01580 880820. Meet at: Salehurst Church (Map Ref. TQ 749243). Leader: Sunny Fathers.

Charge: £10.

 

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Hastings -  Old Town guided walk - Saturday 13 November at 11am

Distance: 4 miles (2½ hours). A guided walk with informative local guide from Ore to Hastings (where

the walk will finish) via the Old Town. Meet at: Ore Station (Map Ref. TQ 824108) (we will wait for the train to arrive before starting the walk). Leader: Kevin Boorman.

 

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Bexhill - Stepping out to Bexhill in World War II Sunday 14 November at 2pm

Distance: 2½ miles (2 hours). In the third walk, through West Bexhill, we hear more about defence in the early years of the war, about the radar which helped win the Battle of Britain, and a late radar installation so ‘hush-hush' that the locals knew nothing about it. A high flight of steps is involved. Meet at: West Parade toilets, opposite Richmond Road (Map Ref. TQ 732069).

Leader: Heather Morrey, Bexhill Museum. Charge: £2.50.

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Salehurst - Silver Hill Walk - Wednesday 24 November at 10am

Distance: 3 miles (3½ hours). A circular walk from Salehurst Church up into the High Weald with good views across the Rother Valley. Walkers are welcome to stop for a drink at the Salehurst Halt Pub after

the walk. Pre-booking advisable - phone 01580 880820. Meet at: Salehurst Church (Map Ref. TQ 749243). Leader: Sunny Fathers. Charge: £3.50.

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Rye -  Festive beach clean - Saturday 4 December at 10.30am

Distance: 1 mile (2½ hours). A pre-Christmas cleanup of rubbish washed up along the beach, followed by hot soup and mince pies afterwards. Meet at: Rye Harbour car park (Map Ref. TQ 941189). Leader: Chris Bentley, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.

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Sedlescombe - Geese on the Green! - Saturday 27 November at 10.30am

Distance: 6 miles (2¼ hours). Starting at Sedlescombe Village Green, we enjoy some superb viewsof Westfield before picking up the 1066 country walk path going through Battle Great Wood. Prebooking

advisable - phone 07918 907265. Meet at: Sedlescombe public car park, Brede Lane (Map Ref. TQ 781180). Leader: Nick Brown. Donations to hospice appreciated.

 

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Salehurst -  Birds of a feather - Wednesday 15 December at 10am

Distance: 2 miles (3½ hours). A circular walk from Salehurst Church around country lanes and footpaths

finishing at ‘Feathers Wild Bird Care' for advice on feeding birds and species around the local area. A chance to make a simple bird feeder to take home (included in price) and to stock up on quality bird feed at the shop. Pre-booking essential - phone 01580 880820. Meet at: Salehurst Church (Map Ref. TQ 749243). Leader: Sunny Fathers. Charge: £5.

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Bexhill  - Time Walk - Wednesday 29 December at 11am

Distance: 3 miles (2 hours). Reflect back on 2010 by walking the historical Bexhill time walk. We will visit 12 of the Bexhill clocks that can be seen from the highway. Meet at: Bexhill Clock Tower (Map Ref. TQ 737071). Leader: Paul Lendon, Local Historian. Charge: £2.

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Winchelsea - Town Cellar Tour - Saturday 15 January at 10.30am

Distance: 2 miles (2 hours). Uphill walk from station and then level walk around Winchelsea visiting properties with ancient cellars. Steep steps in many places. Cellars originally used for wine trading when Winchelsea was a port. Bring a torch. Pre-booking essential - phone 07891 556897. Meet at: Winchelsea station (Map Ref. TQ 899184). Leader: John Spencer/ Sam Bryant, Sussex Community Rail

Partnership. Charge: £5 for cellar charity.

 

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Pett Level - A Winter Ramble - Sunday 30 January at 10.30am

Distance: 4 miles (3½ hours). A closer look at winter birds with a good chance of Golden Plover and

perhaps a Peregrine hunting them! Bring lunch. Meet at: Roadside pool at Pett Level (Map Ref. TQ 903146). Leader: Chris Bentley, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.

 

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Salehurst - Silver Hill Walk - Wednesday 16 February at 10am

Distance: 3 miles (3½ hours). A circular walk from Salehurst Church up into the High Weald with good views across the Rother Valley. Walkers are welcome to stop for a drink at the Salehurst Halt Pub after the walk.

Pre-booking advisable - phone 01580 880820. Meet at: Salehurst Church (Map Ref. TQ

749243). Leader: Sunny Fathers. Charge: £3.50.

 

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Hastings Country Park - Winter Trees - Saturday 12 February at 2pm

Distance: 1-2 miles (2 hours). A walk in beautiful Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve to learn how to recognise trees in winter. Our expert leader will highlight the buds, bark and patterns of branches that help identify different species. Bring binoculars and a camera. Meet at: Fairlight Road Picnic Site (Helipad) (Map Ref. TQ 847117). Leader: Owen Johnson, Friends of Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve.

Charge: £2 (free to FHCPNR).

 

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Winchelsea -  Winter Lecture: A Natural History - Saturday 19 February at 2.30pm

Duration: 1½ hours. An illustrated talk from Patrick Coulcher, organised by the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Meet at: Winchelsea Beach Community Hall (Map Ref. TQ 914165). Leader:

Richard Holmes, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Donations appreciated.

 

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Rye harbour - Fun Bird Activities - Wednesday 23 February at 12 noon

Duration: 3 hours. Drop into Lime Kiln Cottage anytime between 12noon and 3pm for some handson

fun making tasty treats to take home for your garden birds. Meet at: Lime Kiln Cottage Information Centre (Map Ref. TQ 945186). Leader: Lucy Balmforth, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Donations appreciated.

 

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Pett Level -  Beating Napoleon - Saturday 26 February at 10.30am

Distance: 6½ miles (2½ hours). A lovely route taking in the Royal Military Canal, Pannel Valley Nature

Reserve, Pett village and Fairlight Cove, with a superb cliff top path finish. Pre-booking advisable - phone 07918 907265. Meet at: The Smugglers Inn car park, Pett Level Road (Map Ref. TQ 890134).

Leader: Nick Brown. Donations to hospice appreciated.

 

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Rye Harbour - Spring Beach Clean Saturday 12 March at 10am

Distance: 1 mile (3 hours). We should see the first wheatears and sandwich terns while helping to remove the winter's rubbish. Hot soup served at end. Meet at: Rye Harbour car park (Map Ref. TQ 941189). Leader: Chris Bentley, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.

 

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Robertsbridge - A Good Country Walk - Wednesday 2 March at 10am

Distance: 5 miles (4½ hours). A circular country walk from Robertsbridge station through woodlands and across fields with a short rest at John's Cross pub. Returns past the spectacular Chestnut Avenue and

Mountfield Court and across fields to Robertsbridge. Pre-booking advisable - phone 01580 880820. Meet at: Robertsbridge Railway Station (Map Ref. TQ 734235). Leader: Sunny Fathers. Charge: £3.50.

 

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Herstmonceux -  The Delights of Herstmonceux - Sunday 13 March at 10.15am

Distance: 8½ miles (5 hours). An attractive area of fields, woods and fine views along with many stiles,

stopping at Catkins Tea Rooms en route in the afternoon where tea can be purchased. Meet at: Car park behind Woolpack Inn, Herstmonceux (Map Ref. TQ 634126). Leader: Graham Thompson, Eastbourne Rambling Club.

 

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Ninfield - Stocks, Iron and Hopping - Thursday 17 March at 2pm

Distance: 4 miles (2 hours). A walk around the rural village of Ninfield looking at its former industries and their remains. Meet at: Junction Church Lane and A271, Ninfield (Map Ref. TQ 707126). Leader: Graham Kean, Wealden District Council.

 

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Battle - Explore with Map and Compass - Saturday 26 March at 10am

Duration: 6 hours. A great opportunity to acquire basic skills and confidence in using a map and compass, whilst enjoying friendship and fun. Full details with information pack are sent when a booking is

confi rmed. Pre-booking essential - phone 01424 773998 (evenings/weekends at least one week in

advance). Venue: Battle. Leader: John Harmer. Charge: £10 (reduced rates available).

 

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Icklesham - Panoramic Gastronomy - Saturday 19 March at 10.30am

Distance: 4½ miles (1¾ hours). Starting and finishing at a pub famed for its excellent food and great views over the Brede Valley - the walk's almost as good with a windmill, canal and nature reserve.

Pre-booking advisable - phone 07918 907265. Meet at: Queen's Head pub (Map Ref. TQ 878165). Leader: Nick Brown. Donations to hospice appreciated.

 

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Bexhill -  Earl de la Warr's Bexhill - Sunday 27 March at 2pm

Distance: 1½ miles (2 hours). During the last quarter of the 19^th century the 7th and 8th Earls de la Warr planned to turn sleepy Bexhill into a smart resort. Look at some fine Victorian buildings (and some photographs) which hint at how far they succeeded. Meet at: Bexhill Sailing Club (Map Ref. TQ 745072). Leader: Heather Morrey, Bexhill Museum. Charge: £2.50.

 

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Winchelsea -  Lecture: How we record our weather - Saturday 19 March at 7.30pm

Duration: 1½ hours. Find out more about meteorology with David Powell, weather recorder

for Hastings Borough Council. Organised by the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Meet at: Winchelsea Beach Community Hall

(Map Ref. TQ 914165). Leader: Richard Holmes, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Donations appreciated.

 

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Hastings - The History of Fairlight Head - Saturday 2 April at 11.15am

Distance: 1 -2 miles (2 hours). The story of the promontory on which stand Fairlight Church, the Coastguard Station, quarry etc, particularly its role as an important national landmark in the days of sail, coastal defence and early communications with France, with well-known local historian Steve Peak. Bring binoculars and a camera. Meet at: Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve Visitor Centre (Map Ref. TQ 860116) (200m. seawards from Fairlight Church). Leader: Steve Peak, Friends of Hastings Country Park

Nature Reserve. Charge £2, free to Friends of Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve.

 

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Bexhill Bexhill in World War II - Wednesday 6 April at 2pm

Distance: 1¾ miles (2½ hours). A look at a small residential and industrial area close to the former Bexhill to Crowhurst railway line to examine how it was affected by the Second World War. Rare photographs and personal memories will help set the scene. Meet at: Former Bexhill West Station, Terminus Road (Map Ref. TQ 732075). Leader: Heather Morrey, Bexhill Museum. Charge: £2.50.

 

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Robertsbridge From Willow to Bat  - Wednesday 6 April at 9.30am

Distance: 2 miles (2½ hours). See and talk to the company who make and hand craft cricket bats for England cricketers Andrew Strauss and Alistair Cook and for legends like W G Grace, one of the most famous Cricketers in history and Brian Lara who scored the highest ever first class (501) innings with the Scoop 2000. Afterwards a short walk around the village and past the local cricket ground before returning to the station. Pre-booking essential - phone 01580 880820. Meet at: Robertsbridge Railway Station (Map Ref. TQ 734235). Leader: Sunny Fathers. Charge: £10.

 

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Rye - Glorious Views! - Tuesday 12 April at 10.30am

Distance: 8½ miles (3 hours). A very scenic but testing route taking in the Tillingham Valley, The Pelsham Estate - a hidden gem - Udimore and the Brede Valley. Meet at: Public car park behind Kettle O' Fish, Rye (Map Ref. TQ 916203). Leader: Nick Brown. Donations to hospice appreciated.

 

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Rye -  Circular walk from Rye via Peasmarsh - Saturday 16 April at 10.15am

Distance: 6½ miles (3½ hours). Inland from Rye via the Tillingham Valley. Meet at: Outside Rye Rail Station (Map Ref. TQ 919205). Leader: John Campbell. Donations appreciated.

 

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About the Walks and Talks

Getting to the start point

A grid reference will help you find the start point, and it's recommended that you use this in conjunction with the Ordnance Survey Landranger (1:50,000) or Explorer (1:25,000) maps for the county.

What to wear and bring

Sensible footwear is essential. For all countryside walks and events please wear stout waterproof shoes or wellingtons. Trainers are not really suitable except for town walks. Warm and waterproof clothing may also be needed.

Bad weather - won't usually stop a walk from taking place, but it may result in the route being shortened. If you decide to leave a walk before the end, for whatever reason, please tell the leader or they will think that they have lost you. In cases of extremely bad weather please try to contact the leader beforehand to find out whether the walk will go ahead (where a telephone no. has been provided)

Food and drink - some of the longer walks stop at pubs or tearooms, but it is advisable to bring some food and drink with you to stifle hunger pangs in between! Remember, however, landlords who serve meals may not take kindly to people eating their own food on the pub premises.

Our Thanks to all the organisations, groups, countryside staff and individuals who have volunteered to lead the walks. Also to you, for taking part in "Exploring East Sussex"; we hope that you enjoy the walks and countryside events.

Contacts

Nick Skelton - Head of Service - Environmental Operations

Main address

Environmental Operations Team, East Sussex County Council

Transport and Environment , County Hall, St Annes Crescent , Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1UE

www.eastsussex.gov.uk

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Rights of Way - Tel: 0345 608 0193

Countryside West - 01273 482670

Countryside Central - 01273 481654

Countryside East - 01797 226488

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve -  01797 227784

 

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