The Camber Castle Walk is a lovely walk whatever the time of year and although it crosses pastureland it does not get too muddy, even today in January we returned with a (relatively) clean Springer Spaniel.
The walk is easily accessible with just a few minutes drive from our holiday cottages at Camber Sands.
We would recommend parking by the moorings on the left hand side just after Brede Lock on Harbour Road. The circular route from here is about 3½ miles. You could also start the walk at Rye railway station which is about ½ mile away.
We begin by following the route of an old railway line which served the earlier cement, tar and gravel extraction industries of Rye Harbour between 1854 and 1960.
The path skirts round Castle Water and the reed beds where an abundance of wildlife can be seen. There is a short optional detour here to a hide where you can get a better view of the birds on the lake.
A bit about Camber Castle...
Camber Castle, is now managed by English Heritage and open weekends during the summer months. If you are planning a visit do first check opening times with English Heritage. However, even if it is not open it’s well worth peeping though the railings at the ruins inside. Today we were lucky enough to spot a peregrine falcon circling in the air above the ruins.
The castle was built by Henry VIII as an artillery fort to guard the port of Rye and protect the Sussex coast from French attack. Constructed in 1539 it was the very latest in defensive design. It cost £16,000 and had a garrison of 42 men. It was forced to close in 1637 when the shifting coastline made it redundant as the cannon balls fired from the castle could no longer reach the sea!
Our route then crosses the fields passing the remains of a concrete Standen Shelter, a reminder that the area again played an important role in the defence of the country during World War II. Continue to the river bank where the path follows the river Brede back to the lock.
We do advise you to download a copy of the route directions from the East Sussex website before setting out. The website also has a few other local walks worth doing.
