The 31-mile 1066 Country Walk is a relatively easy, low-level route through the countryside that witnessed the Norman Conquest. Starting at Pevensey Castle (and heading north towards the Pevensey levels), it passes Herstmonceux Castle, the historic 1066 Battle Abbey and Battlefield, medieval Winchelsea, ending in historic Rye.
Thanks to a grant of just over £160,000 secured from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development by Rother District Councils Cultural Development & Events Officer, the 1066 Country Walk has been improved with new signage, information panels, benches and sculptures in situ.
Much of the walk passes through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a typical medieval landscape with rolling hills and valleys, atmospheric marshes, ancient woodland, historic towns, quaint villages, old churches, rustic farms, elegant estates, oast houses and windmills, and plenty of cosy pubs and cafés along the way.
One of our core partners are 1066 Country who are leading on all the marketing for this revamped pathway. You’ll also find out more about the stunning 1066 Country and places to stay, eat and explore. 1066 Country Walk – Visit 1066 Country
You’ll also be able to download a family-friendly 1066 Country Walk Walkers Guide with beautiful illustrations by local artist Ness Mann, watch a fabulous short film created by local filmmaker Sam Moore and visuals of our 10 stunning sculptures by Sussex artist Keith Pettit. The new information panels were created by local firm The Sussex Sign Company, with all the history and local tales researched by Naomi Robinson, of local arts organisation 18 Hours Ltd. Mandy Curtis of 18 Hours Ltd also developed a sister project called the 1066 Walk Puddings and Pathways Festival which has been very successful for all who’ve engaged, offering a diverse programme of street theatre along the pathways and at cafes, pubs and a winery along the walk to date. Keep an eye on their website for updates on local events 18 Hours – Inclusive, sustainable, accessible, high quality, diverse events and cultural experiences, education and research.
One of the main successes of this project has been the enthusiasm of local champions, businesses and tourism destinations along the route that have shared the passion and vision for this project and we know are ready to welcome new visitors.
We hope you enjoy the walk!
1066 Walk Map
A high-resolution, printable copy of the map is available to download.
Sculpture Locations
Five remaining sculptures and 18 information panels will be installed soon.
Sculpture | Location | OS Map Ref |
---|---|---|
Landings – Norman Longboat | Pevensey Castle (accessible by wheelchair) What3Words: ///Dolphins.Warping.Apprehend | TQ 64575 04809 |
Isti Mirant Stella – Halley’s Comet crossed the sky just before the invasion | Herstmonceux Castle (accessible by wheelchair) What3Words: ///Boarded.Ditching.Remains | TQ 65131 10211 |
Rest – The horses that played a vital role in the invasion | Ash Tree Inn, Ashburnham What3Words: ///Remit.Mercy.Wobbling | TQ 67593 114876 |
Window – The animals depicted in the border of the Bayeux Tapestry | Beside Great Park Farm (accessible by wheelchair) What3Words: ///Blurs.Unhelpful.Assure | TQ 72697 14575 |
Bound Division – King Harold, King William and the Crown | Hidden in trees by the path, outside Battle Abbey What3Words: ///Nightlife.Training.Heartened | TQ 74465 15645 |
Hidden Truth – The crown over which the battle was fought | Battle Great Woods What3Words: ///Repeating.Handy.Settle | TQ 574505 15682 |
Farbanks Henge – Monoliths overlook the Normans’ new realm | Pattletons Farm, Westfield What3Words: ///Pipe.Robe.Rich | TQ 83095 16185 |
Legacies – Saxon and Norman roots entwine in the English language | Lower Snailham Farm, Guestling What3Words: ///Handlebar.Attention.Robe | TQ 83110 16162 |
The Watcher – A sentry watching for the arriving Norman fleet | Wickham Manor Farm, Winchelsea What3Words: ///Eyelash.Fabric.Tower | TQ 89825 16405 |
Treow (Old English for Tree) – A Bayeux Tapestry tree | Start of the path at Rye (accessible by wheelchair) What3Words: ///Impaired.Defeat.Something | TQ 91303 20241 |