Paul Conway will lead us on a superb coastal walk following part of the old 'Saxon Shore', more or less the coastline existing in late Roman times, which does not coincide completely with today's.

Before setting off, there may be time for a short look around the quaint historic Cinque Port town of Rye. After leaving Rye, for the first few miles the route is entirely level, although it can be hot and exposed, mainly following the route of the Royal Military Canal. We pass close to the Tudor fort of Camber Castle to arrive at Winchelsea, Rye's sister Cinque Port town.  This town was founded anew in medieval times, on a grid pattern, following the destruction of the Old Winchelsea by sea storms. New Winchelsea never achieved its intended potential because of the retreat of the sea and has thus preserved a quaint timeless atmosphere.

After lunch, we will enter the hilly Hastings Country Park. The first part of the park we go into is evocatively named the Firehills. There are several steep ascents and descents as we cross a number of narrow and steep sided valleys. The Victorians dubbed these valleys as glens despite the fact that they were nowhere near Scotland! Finally we will descend into the attractive old town of Hastings where there are a number of pubs and fish and chip shops to walkers' hunger and thirst!

Please note that the walk length and travel times from London mean that you should allow a full day for the trip.