Follow in the footsteps of history on the 1066 Country Walk, a 31-mile (50 km) trail across East Sussex in South East England. Linking the coast at Pevensey with the medieval town of Rye, it traces the story of the Norman Conquest, weaving through the site of the Battle of Hastings and the rolling landscapes of the High Weald National Landscape.
This is a trail where walking holidays blend heritage, countryside, and seaside exploration. From castles and abbeys to marshland and ridgelines, it’s a rewarding outdoor adventure for walkers looking to combine culture and history with peaceful landscapes.
Pevensey to Battle
Begin at Pevensey Castle, where William the Conqueror landed in 1066. The path leads through open farmland and quiet villages, arriving at Battle Abbey, built on the site of the Battle of Hastings.
Battle to Winchelsea
From the historic town of Battle, the trail continues across the ridges and woodlands of the High Weald National Landscape, offering wide countryside views before reaching the old port town of Winchelsea.
Winchelsea to Rye
The final stage runs through lowland marshes to the medieval town of Rye, with its cobbled streets, timbered houses, and harbour atmosphere.
The route connects a string of characterful towns and villages that make ideal walking bases: Pevensey, Battle, Winchelsea, and Rye. Each offers a mix of cosy inns, B&Bs, and boutique guesthouses, plus plenty of cafés and pubs for post-walk meals.
Thanks to good rail connections (notably at Battle and Rye), the trail is accessible for weekend walking breaks as well as longer holidays. Several operators offer self-guided walking holidays with luggage transfer, making it easy to enjoy the route at a relaxed pace.
