Local walks in and around Camber
Tick off a spectacular and unique sand dune system, rare coastal wildlife and richly biodiverse tidal marshlands, every time you lace up your hiking boots on one of these local walks in and around Camber. There’s something for everyone – from seasoned walkers to scenic strollers.
Camber Sands Beach Walk
You have all you need for a local walk in Camber, with the show stopping Camber Sands, which the Spectator has described as “arguably the nicest beach in Sussex.” Which, of course it absolutely is. Stroll the vast expanses of golden sands and marvel at the dramatic shifting sand dune system.
Distance: Up to five miles
Sustenance: Fuel up before or after your walk at the glorious The Gallivant, pop into the family-run Kit Kat Cafe, or sink a post-walk pint at The Owl.
Image credit: Canva
Camber Sands to Rye
Wend your way from the sandy shores of Camber Sands to the medieval cobbled streets of Rye on this picturesque 3.4 mile local walk. The route meanders along the River Rother with scenic views over the surrounding marshlands and its biodiverse birdlife
Distance: 3.4 miles
Sustenance: Rye is packed with foodie delights, but for a quick pitstop (without any uphills) Mermaid St. Cafe is right at the bottom of town.
Rye to Rye Harbour
Ditch the car and take the two-mile stroll from the centre of Rye to the clinking boats of Rye Harbour. The route is mostly flat, and takes you right to the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.
Distance: Two miles
Sustenance: Billing itself as being “famed as the scene of the Norman invasion”, the William the Conqueror is a good spot for a pit stop.
Image credit: Canva
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve has a variety of circular routes you can take, to discover all it has to offer as one of the more important wildlife sites in the UK. Covering intertidal habitats, saltmarsh, shingle ridges, sand, marsh, scrub and woodland. There’s plenty of rare birds to keep your eyes peeled for.
Distance: Various
Sustenance: The cosy Lime Kiln Café at the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve’s Discovery Centre has a seasonal food and drink menu and views across the saltmarsh.
Image credit: Canva
Rye to Winchelsea Beach
This lovely three-mile local walk starts off in historic Rye. As you swap cobbled streets for marshland you can soak up the tranquillity as you make your way to Winchelsea Beach, with its peaceful shingle stretches.
Distance: Three miles
Sustenance: A hearty breakfast at the Whitehouse or the Fig should fuel you up perfectly for your walk.
Image credit: Canva
Winchelsea Beach to Pett Level
Leave behind Winchelsea’s shingly shores (and Cloudbreak) to walk the scenic coastal shore to Pett Level (and Cliff End Fort). Pett Level Beach has a tremendously interesting history as one of Britain’s largest forests, and was once full of oak, elm and ash trees. Today, a low-tide you can try and find the dinosaur fossils that it is famous for.
Distance: Three miles
Sustenance: Home-cooked dishes with locally sourced ingredients are the order of the day at Winchelsea Beach Cafe, and at Pett Level, there’s Eaters for beach-side dining.
Photo credit: Sara D’Souza
Firehills
Rumour has it Firehills got its name from the fiery sunsets the area enjoys (other theories cover everything from gorse-covered grounds to military fire). Sunset or not, the views are spectacular. Set within the Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve, Firehills is the picturesque stretch between Fairlight Head and Fairlight village. Start at the park’s visitor centre, and following the designated Firehills trail to the cliff top to be treated to (genuinely) breath-taking sweeping sea views.
Distance: Two to three miles if you take the circular route.
Sustenance: Pop in for coffee and cake at the Bale House (within the Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve) or in Fairlight at the popular Coastguard Cafe. For great food, wine and a cosy winter’s fire to warm your hands by, don’t miss The Cove.
Camber Castle Walk (not in Camber!)
Something of a misnomer, the Camber Castle Walk starts in Rye and follows Winchelsea Road before turning into Rye Harbour Road. Here you’ll follow the line of the old railway and get great views of Camber Castle. An old artillery fort built by Henry VIII. Look out for the bird hide and walk on until you spot the waymark post for Camber Castle.
Distance: 4.5 miles
Sustenance: Why not pack a picnic? Using some of the area’s most delicious local produce and stop at any point along your walk.
Winchelsea Walk
Take some time exploring historic Winchelsea with its medieval wine cellars, the 16th-Century Winchelsea Court Hall Museum and the beautiful stained glass windows of the Church of St Thomas the Martyr before heading off on a pleasing local walk, the picturesque 6. 5 Royal Military Canal Walk.
Distance: 4.5 miles
Sustenance: Try the Winchelsea Farm Kitchen for seasonal dishes and a walled garden.
Tibbs Farm
Sitting between The Brede Valley and Tillingham Valley, against a backdrop of the Romney Marshes the natural beauty that surrounds the lovely Tibbs Farm is impressive. Start at the cafe (where else) and pick up a map of the three walking trails on the farm. The sheep are moved seasonally, so the routes may differ.
Distance: Around three miles
Sustenance: Tibbs Farm itself, of course. The fresh produce and homemade cake takes some beating.
Peasmarsh walk
This one is an easy, and mostly level four-mile local walk with some stiles, crossing woodland and field, and passing by the Iden Moat, built by Edmund de Paseley in 1318.
Distance: Four miles
Sustenance: Take the circular walk, which handily starts and finishes at The Cock Inn at Peasmarsh.
Looking to travel further afield? Try these brilliant walks: The Stade Trail, Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest and Hasting Country Park Nature Reserve.
