Location: Car Park, Herstmonceux
Grid Reference: TQ634126(OS Map)
OS Map: Explorer 124
Distance: 2 miles
Time: 1 hours
Terrain: Can be muddy in places in winter but is generally accessible all year round.
Directions/Transport: Start the walk at Herstmonceux car park. Leave by the main car park entrance into West End, turn left and continue up the road until you reach the The Ridgeway. Go left into the Ridgeway heading straight ahead until you see a sign post at the end of the cul de sac. From here you can see views looking towards Punnetts Town.
The first kissing gate (1) is a short distance ahead; from here you have a magnificent panorama stretching from Pevensey Bay, along the coast to Eastbourne as far as Black Cap on the South Downs.
With the hedgerow on your right, follow the headland footpath round the corner of the field until you reach kissing gate (2). Go through the gate, turn left and walk to the road to kissing gate (3).
The walk can be shortened here by turning left and following the roadside footpath back to the village. To continue on the 2.5 mile circular route turn right at the kissing gate (3) and walk along the roadside footpath for approximately 300 yards. Cross the road to a kissing gate (4).
The road is very busy - take care!
Once through kissing gate (4), turn left following the headland with the hedgerow on your left to a waymark post, turn left again through kissing gate (5), bear right and walk a short distance to the kissing gate (6). The path then continues diagonally across the field into the far corner.
To the left you will see Buckwell Place where the Reverend Robert Hare, Archdeacon of Lewes and Rector of Herstmonceux lived from 1830 to 1853. He was uncle to the Victorian author and traveller, Julius Hare of Lime Park.
The next part of the Walk follows the route Robert & Julius Hare would have taken as they travelled between the two houses.
When you reach the far corner of the field, you pass through the small coppice into the next field. Looking straight ahead you will see the South Downs and old drovers road running parallel with the footpath. With the hedgerow on your left, walk up the field with Herstmonceux Church in the distance. The Beachy Head Ramblers have built a seat at this point where you can rest and enjoy the view.
Turn left at the waymarker post; bear right to kissing gate (7). Go through the gate, passing the pond on your left you will soon reaching kissing gate (8). The path on the other side of the gate is well defined and passes diagonally across the field to kissing gate (9)
Carry on straight ahead towards a barn, keep to the right of the barn to kissing gate (10). Lime Park and the Old Rectory is on your right.
The blue sheds on your left used to house the equipment used to supply the village in 1909. Herstmonceux was one of the first villages to have its own electricity supply.
Continue on the well defined path to the left, through the iron kissing gate (11) and follow the tarmac path back to the village.
Bus Information: 98, hourly service, Eastbourne to Hastings via Herstmonceux, Mon-Sat. No Sunday service. Phone for further information on 0870 6082 608
Car Park Information: There is a car park in the centre of Herstmonceux, behind Woolpack
Guide: Wren Walks leaflets - Walk, Relax and Enjoy Nature, Strolls for healthy exercise available from East Sussex County Council, 01273 481654
Waymarking: Wren waymarker posts
Services: The Village Store, The Woolpack Inn, The Brewers Arms Pub all in Herstmonceux. The Welcome Stranger is at Chapel Row.
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