1066 Country Walk – full route

The 1066 Country Walk spans 50km through areas of the East Sussex countryside that witnessed the Norman Conquest. The full route links significant places throughout the year 1066 – from Pevensey where William of Normandy prepared his army to meet King Harold, to Rye, passing through Battle where the Battle of Hastings took place. Much of the 1066 Country Walk passes through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making for picturesque views over rolling hills, past dozens of quaint oast houses and rustic farms, and through ancient woodlands teeming with wildlife.

This page gives an overview of what to expect from the full route, however we recommend completing the 1066 Country Walk in stages to truly appreciate the landscape and history of the area as you walk. There are many places to visit en route that provide great insight into this historic year, for instance Battle Abbey, and it’s worth taking your time to allow for visits to these places of interest. For detailed breakdowns of each section, see each of the pages below:

Stage 1: Pevensey to Battle

Stage 2: Battle to Three Oaks

Stage 3: Three Oaks to Rye

Beginning at the official start point of the 1066 Country Walk, at Pevensey Castle, you’ll spot ‘Landings’ – a sculpture of a Norman longboat. This is the first of ten sculptures on the Walk that were inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, depicting the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, and culminating in the Battle of Hastings. The sculptures work seamlessly with the landscape and information boards at each one gives you the opportunity to stop and discover some 1066 history as you walk. There are long stretches of rolling hills and fields throughout the 1066 Country Walk, and these sculptures are welcome points of interest along the way.

You’ll pass through many interesting villages and towns en route, such as Herstmonceux and its science centre, Battle where the famous Battle of Hastings took place, and Winchelsea with its fascinating medieval history. Many of these towns and even the smallest villages have pubs and cafes that provide perfect stopping points to use facilities or enjoy a sit-down meal or light bite, but we recommend taking snacks with you for the journey.

Sussex really shows off the best of the British countryside, as you’ll walk along country lanes lined with picturesque oast houses and thatched cottages, and beside green fields full of sheep, cows and an abundance of wildlife. The terrain throughout the Walk is mostly countryside footpaths, dirt tracks and woodland, though there are brief stints on pavements or quiet country roads. The entire 1066 Country Walk is signposted with bright orange signs at each turn, so it’s easy to stay on track.

If you’re bringing your dog along for this walk, be aware that the full route takes approximately 10.5 hours to complete, and many parts provide no shade in hot weather. Be sure to carry enough water for you and your dog on warmer days, and split the walk into our recommended stages to enjoy a less strenuous hike. There’s lots of wildlife and animals to spot, from field mice and pheasants to sheep, cows and horses, so it’s important to stay alert to these and keep your dogs on lead around farm animals. While there are poo bins in the villages and towns you’ll pass through along this route, there are none through the countryside so make sure you bag up any waste and take it with you until you reach a bin.