Hastings to Rye Coast Walk

Clifftop country park, sand dunes, and planned hill-towns

Route Overview

This demanding walk takes you east from Hastings. You will climb steep sandstone cliffs into the Hastings Country Park, navigate through the steep glens of Fairlight, drop down to the seaside flats of Winchelsea Beach, pass the ruins of Camber Castle, and wind into the cobbled streets of Rye.

Travel & Getting There from London Victoria

By Train: Take Southern from Victoria to Hastings, then local train to Rye. (Station: Hastings / Rye Station (Southern), duration: 1h 35m from London Victoria).

By Bus: Take National Express 023 from Victoria Coach Station to Hastings, connect onto Stagecoach coastal bus 100/101 to Fairlight/Rye. (3h 15m - 3h 45m from London Victoria)

By Car & Parking: Nearest car park is Hastings Country Park Fairlight Car Park (TN35 4AG). Drive time from London Victoria is approx 2h 00m - 2h 35m from London Victoria (70.5 miles via A21 South & A259 Coast Road). From London Victoria, follow A21 south to Hastings, continue onto the A259 Rye Road into Fairlight Cove and Hastings Country Park.

Trailside Cafes & Historic Country Pubs

Refreshment and dining stops located along or near the Hastings to Rye Coast Walk trail:

• ☕ The Bridge Inn, Winchelsea: Traditional pub and refreshment stop for walkers.
• ☕ Simon the Pieman, Rye: Traditional pub and refreshment stop for walkers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I travel to Hastings to Rye Coast Walk from London?

Take Southern from Victoria to Hastings, then local train to Rye. (Station: Hastings / Rye Station (Southern), duration: 1h 35m from London Victoria).

Where is the closest car park for Hastings to Rye Coast Walk?

Nearest car park is Hastings Country Park Fairlight Car Park (TN35 4AG). Drive time from London Victoria is approx 2h 00m - 2h 35m from London Victoria (70.5 miles via A21 South & A259 Coast Road). From London Victoria, follow A21 south to Hastings, continue onto the A259 Rye Road into Fairlight Cove and Hastings Country Park.

How long is the hike and what is the terrain difficulty?

Hastings to Rye Coast Walk covers 20 km (12.4 miles) with an estimated duration of 5.5 hours, graded as Challenging. Starts at Hastings Station and finishes at Rye Station.