Castles, Abbey Ruins and Orchards: A scenic walk through the Heart of Sussex
Details
Join us for a richly varied countryside walk culminating in one of England’s most evocative landmarks: Bodiam Castle. Rising dramatically from its moat, this perfectly preserved 14th-century fortress, with its towers, battlements and shimmering reflections, will be our reward as we arrive in the early afternoon. Its cinematic looks have also made it a star of film, featuring in Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Wonka (of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory fame), amongst others.
Our journey there will take us across open fields and gentle hills, through orchards and ancient woodlands, past medieval cottages, weather-beaten barns, old settlements and distinctive oast houses once used for drying hops. Later, we’ll meander through the picturesque River Rother valley, home to a Cistercian Abbey founded during the reign of Henry II, and may even hear, or glimpse, steam trains along the way.
We finish in charming Robertsbridge, notable for its colourful past and present residents, with an optional drink at the wonderfully quirky Ostrich pub, an AAA favourite, in a village granted its market by Richard the Lionheart.
SUMMARY (all info is approximate!)
Distance: 21km/13 miles circular route
Ascent: 350 metres
Duration: 6 hours walking
Grade: Beginner/Intermediate, along good paths, with a few short ascents.
COST AND LOGISTICS
Cost: £10
Start: 10.10am Robertsbridge Station
Finish: 5.30pm Robertsbridge Station / The Ostrich Pub
Recommended morning train from London
08:54 Dep: London Bridge
10:05 Arr: Robertsbridge
Recommended train ticket
Off-Peak Day Return to Robertsbridge
REVIEWS
Trip Advisor | Facebook | MeetUp
PRICE INCLUDES
- Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid.
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Travel costs
- Lunch, drinks or any refreshments
- PayPal fees
RECOMMENDED KIT LIST (complete list)
- Suitable hiking shoes or boots
- Packed lunch and snacks
- Water - 2 litres recommended
- Waterproof jacket and trousers - no jeans please
- Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece
- Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino
CANCELLING/REFUNDS
If you can no longer join the hike, please message the Host listed on here, and update your RSVP status to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the hike is full, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email info@aaalondongroup.com after the event, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund.
QUESTIONS
If you have any other questions, please check visit our FAQ page. If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page.
We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA London Group Terms and Conditions.
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