The day was sunny and as we were on a road trip I picked up a route from the
Ordnance Survey book of walks for East Sussex. The walk started at Pevensey
Castle and took a figure of Eight route over the levels inland from the castle
based around the Pevensey Haven river.
We parked in the public car park next to the castle (the reason for the day
trip), and before exploring the castle we left for the short stroll.
We started off going down the car park extension (note it had a barrier, but we
could park outside it luckily). this led into the recreation ground then the dog
park
Leaving the park by a path into the church yard of St. Mary's.
Beyond the church we came out on the village main street before turning up a
lane to castle farm. At the farm we went through the farmyard and into the grass
field beyond.
The field ended at a narrow path up to and across the A27. On the other side we
dropped back into open grass land. the path only recognisable by open gates.
Just before the river we went through a closed gate and into a sheep field.
The route up to the river was a little obscure and tussocky . However aiming for
the bridge (we did not use) then turning left and following the river bank. The
river curved around to the north as we followed it through a field of cows
(luckily they were not interested in us).
A U-turn around Bridge farm as we left the river on the far bank.
Down a country lane, until we turned off it into a cow field ... four of the
occupants started towards us so we hurried on across it.
A pause for refreshment as we crossed a stream with views up to the observatory
at Herstmonceux
. the field ended at a sheep crush and run in an open chalk area
before re-joining the back lane which had curved away and back to meet
us.
The lane curved around Chilley farm and then we left down a track beside the
closed farm shop and camping area. back into the fields heading towards the
castle standing up above the hedges.
The path led back to the river we had followed earlier and we crossed over the
bridge we had touched as well. On the far side we picked up the river path
heading back towards Pevensey through a large number of sheep.
Along the river and onto a track that turned towards then over the A27
The narrow track continued on the other side of the road until it came out against the castle walls. Just a short way down from the car park.
We did not return directly to the van, but took a diversion through the eastern gate and visited the castle. After a leisurely stroll around the ruins and lunch back at the van we headed home.
