1066 Country Walk stage 1 – Pevensey to Battle

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 route is the first stage of the official 1066 Country Walk, and begins at Pevensey. We recommend arriving by train to Pevensey and Westham station – from there it’s a short 15 minute walk to the start point of the route, or just outside Pevensey Castle there is the Cattle Market pay and display car park with around 70 spaces. Beginning at the official start point of the 1066 Country Walk, you’ll spot ‘Landings’ – a sculpture of a Norman longboat. This is the first of five sculptures on this section of the route 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 beginning of this walk is gentle, as you follow the Pevensey Haven river through flat marshland at Pevensey Levels with a view to the Herstmonceux science centre on the horizon. There’s a short climb towards Herstmonceux that makes for stunning views as you look back over the Levels, and an opportunity for a rest stop just off route at Herstmonceux Castle, where you’ll find toilets and a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating.

Well-trodden dirt paths through fields make for an undulating walk through Wartling, past woodlands and fields with horses and sheep. Take your time admiring the beautiful oast houses and farm buildings through Brownbread Street and Penhurst, as you’ll be grateful for the break as you begin climbing Tent Hill! Thankfully there’s a bench at the top of the hill to rest your legs – one of many benches en route that were specifically installed for the 1066 Country Walk, easily recognisable with the carving of an arrow on the top. The village of Catsfield provides the last pub and facilities stop before Battle, an hour’s walk from the end point of this stage of the 1066 Country Walk. Stop in at the White Hart Inn for friendly service and highly rated food.

The last hour of this walk mostly follows shaded woodland paths, where you’ll spot your last sculpture of the day, ‘Bound Division’, tucked among the trees just outside Battle. Orange signposts guide you along the entire route so it’s difficult to get lost, and one of the last posts before Battle tells you how far you are from the town to motivate you on the last part of your walk! Once you arrive in Battle, you’ll be greeted with the sight of Battle Abbey. Here you’ll find Medieval ruins and the site of the Battle of Hastings, and there’s an interactive exhibition and cafe. The Abbey is owned and maintained by English Heritage, so entry charges apply.

Battle has an abundance of cafes and pubs in which to reward yourself after a long day of walking! For your onward journey, Battle train station is a short 12 minute walk from Battle Abbey, and you can easily catch a train back to Pevensey and Westham via Hastings or St Leonards Warrior Square.

If you’re bringing your dog along for this walk, be aware that this section of the route takes approximately 5.5 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. There’s an abundance of wildlife and farm 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.

Find pages for each stage of the 1066 Country Walk:

Stage 1: Pevensey to Battle

Stage 2: Battle to Three Oaks

Stage 3: Three Oaks to Rye

Full route