FREE HIKE ~22km - The Saxon Shore Way - Rye Castle to Hastings Pier

SUMMARY:
🥾 ~22 km | Linear Walk | Ascent: 398 m | Duration: ~ 6 hours
📍 Start: Rye Station Car Park at 10:00
🚆 For trains and group tickets from London, please check with others coming from London
🏁 Finish: Hasting approx. 16:00-17:00
⚠️ Coastal cliffs, Woodland & Steps
📈 Grade: Moderate/Hard

ABOUT:
This linear walk offers a great variety of rivers, inland and coastal sceneries, woodland, English heritage, including the Rye Castle (Ypres Tower) and Camber Castle, as well as the ancient town of Rye. There are public toilets only a few kilometres into the walk and at the end of the walk. We begin at Rye Station Car Park and conclude at a pub near Hastings railway station.

DESCRIPTION:
The walk begins in the historic town of Rye. We head towards the Rye Castle (Ypres Tower), where we can also see the seafront. Shortly afterwards, we head towards Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, where we see Camber Castle. On the way, we pass by a range of rivers, including the River Tillingham and the River Brede.

Our route then leads us to the England Coast Path and eventually Pett Level Cliffs. We stop for lunch somewhere near the Cliff End area, which offers stunning sea views. After lunch, we carry on our scenic clifftop walk towards Fairlight Glen, a shaded ravine in Hastings Country Park and Hastings. We then continue along the cliff path, taking in the stunning coastal views and Hastings Pier. This section of the hike is hilly, so be prepared to sweat and burn those legs.

Our walk concludes at a welcoming pub close to Hastings railway station, where we can relax and reflect on the day’s journey.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Rye Castle (Ypres Tower) – The Ypres Tower was built in the 13th century to defend Rye against attacks from across the Channel, and it served as a fort, private dwelling, women's prison, court hall, and museum.
• Rye Harbour Nature Reserve – One of England's biggest and most biodiverse coastal wetland reserves.
• Camber Castle – This castle, located between Rye and Winchelsea and open to the public, was built by Henry VIII and designed to guard the port of Rye. Around 500 years ago, we would have seen the sea here, rather than fields, and the Camber Castle overlooked the shallow waters of Rye Bay.
• Coastal views – Views of the sea, occasionally ships, and eventually the Hastings Pier.
  Hastings Pier – One of England’s modern piers, reopened in April 2016, nearly six years after it was almost totally destroyed by fire.

COST:

• Free

TRAINS:

• Outbound: For trains and group tickets from London, please check with others coming from London as well as National Rail for details

MEETING POINT & TIME:

• Walk starts: 10:00 from outside the Rye railway station car park
• Walk finishes: Approx. 16:00–17:00 in Hastings railway station

DISTANCE AND DIFFICULTY:

• Total distance: approx. ~22km (~14 miles)
• Ascent: 398 m
• Grade: Moderate/Hard
• Pace: Approx. 5 km/h (~3.1 mph)

GUIDE:

• See the attendee list

WHAT TO BRING:

• Water (2 litres recommended)
• Snacks and packed lunch
• Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing
• Sturdy shoes or hiking boots

SAFETY:

• As adults, you are fully responsible for your own safety and decisions throughout the walk.
• ⚠️Coastal cliffs & Uneven terrain

NOTES:

• This is a group hike led by volunteers. Everyone is welcome to join.
• A few wrong turns? That’s part of the fun!
• While you're free to “hike your own hike,” we encourage group participation, get to know one another, make new friends, and enjoy the journey together.
• Food options are limited en route, bring lunch.

DISCLAIMER:
Event Participation Disclaimer
By signing up for an event we host, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

• The organisers are not qualified hiking leaders, certified first aiders, or formally trained in navigation, survival, or any related disciplines.
• These hikes are informal, self-guided gatherings of like-minded individuals.
• The hosts expressly disclaim all responsibility and liability for any injuries, accidents, or safety incidents that may occur during participation.
• Participation is entirely voluntary, and all attendees are solely responsible for their own safety and well-being.
• These events are non-commercial and are organised purely as a recreational hobby, with no business or financial interests involved.
• Hiking and outdoor activities inherently carry risks of personal injury. By choosing to participate, you accept these risks and take full responsibility for your own actions and decisions.

GENERAL GROUP POLICY:

• Voluntary Participation: Attendance is at your own risk. The group and hosts bear no liability.
• No Professional Duty of Care: Hosts are volunteers, not trained guides or medical professionals.
• Insurance Is Your Responsibility: If desired, you must arrange your own personal insurance.
• Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles at all times.
• Emergency Preparedness: You are responsible for organising your own emergency plan.
• Weather and Safety: Events may be cancelled or changed if conditions are deemed unsafe.
• Self-Assessment Required: You must honestly assess your fitness and ability to keep pace with the group.
• No Guaranteed Rescue: While help may be offered, full rescue capabilities should not be expected.
• No Minors Without Guardians: Participants must be over 21.
• Right to Refuse Participation: Hosts may turn away any individual who appears unprepared or poses a safety risk to others.
• First Aid Preparedness Encouraged: It is highly recommended that each participant carry a small first aid kit for minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, bites, and blisters.

FINAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
By attending this event, you confirm that you are participating voluntarily and at your own risk. Neither the host nor the group accepts responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage incurred.