Location: Winchelsea
Grid Reference: TQ904174(OS Map)
OS Map: Explorer 125 Romney Marsh
Distance: 10 miles
Time: 5 hours
Terrain: Flat and easy
Information Available: East Sussex Countryside Management Services - Rye Bay Office (01797 226488)
Directions/Transport: 1. This tranquil walk takes you along the quiet paths by the Royal Military Canal. Built as a defence against French invasion during the Napoleonic wars, the canal now functions as a vital part of the drainage system of Romney Marsh. It is the home of crested grebes, herons, moorhens and swans. From the canal the flat marshland stretches out towards the sea. It is here where the artist Sir John Millais worked in 1856. Behind, the land rises to a band of hills and sandstone cliffs of the ancient shoreline on which stands the medieval Cinque Port town of Winchelsea.
2. To complete its loop, the route turns inland through Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. This area of shingle ridges provides a habitat for many rare plants and animals. With Camber Castle close by, the setting becomes more pastoral again as the path meanders back towards the canal.
Bus Information: 711, Eastbourne to Dover, hourly service, Mon-Sat 711, Eastbourne to Dover, 5 a day, Sun. Phone traveline for further information 0870 6082 608
Train Information: Rye and Winchelsea is on the Ashford to Hastings line with hourly services Mon-Sat and Sun. For further information phone 08457 484950
Car Park Information: 2 - Cliff End and Winchelsea Beach
Guide: Maritime Heritage Trail - 4 circular walks between Hastings and Rye
Waymarking: Metal Maritime Heritage Trail (purple) waymarking disc
Services: Refreshments at Winchelsea, Cliff End and Winchelsea Beach, toilets at Cliff End and Winchelsea Beach.
