Rye, a quaint little town whose appearance has changed little over the last hundred years, is about 3 miles from The Salty Dog and Rock Lobster Holiday Cottages. Many of our guests enjoy the walk from Camber Sands to Rye (both with or without dogs). These three routes, our personal favourites, are all great dog walks as your dog can be off the lead for more or less the whole time. If you only want to walk one way then the bus offers an easy way either there or back. If you are in a group of four then you’ll probably find a taxi better value. The taxi rank in Rye is in front of the station.
Along the Coastal Cycle Path...
Along the Beach and the Harbour Mouth…
Follow the beach to the west (right) all the way along to where the river Rother meets the sea. At the river mouth turn inland to follow the river bank as far as the Harbour Master’s House.
Keeping the fence to the golf course on your right continue on the path to the right of the Harbour Master’s House and then continue to follow the footpath signs turning slightly left and keep to a raised grassy path along the edge of the estuary. This section of the walk offers some lovely views of Rye. The path arrives at Rye by the bridge.
Along the Old Tram Line...
Go through the kissing gate and follow the tramline path across the golf course aiming for a square shelter in the middle distance. It’s a level path and dogs do not need to be a on leads provided they are under control, but beware, there are rabbits and flying golf balls! The path takes you to the river Rother where you pass through another gate.
From here you can take a left turn to the beach or to continue into Rye take the right turn inland. Follow the path along the left (river side) of the golf course fence and then keeping right on to the Old Golf Links Tram Station, a brightly painted corrugated shack. From here follow the track along the edge of the golf course towards a rather nice house, the boat yard is on your left.
Continue on the path with the river to your left and the sailing lake to your right. When you reach the end of the lake just past a concrete wartime pillbox follow the cycle path for the final stretch through the sheep field and eventually arriving at the bridge on the edge of Rye.
Rye has an abundance of cafes, pubs, tea and coffee shops, many of which are dog friendly, amongst our favourites (all dog friendly) are:
The Globe Inn Marsh, which has a lovely garden too.
The Standard Inn, I love the pies here!
The Ypres Castle Inn, on the top of the will by the Ypres Tower, nice garden too.
The Ship Inn, down at Strand Quay.
Hoof, on the High Street, great home produced burgers.
The Fig, lovely little cafe at the top end of the High Street, my favourite is anything with poached eggs.
Fletcher’s House Tea Room, by the church, they make lovely scones both sweet and savoury!
Jane Shulver
8 Jan 2020That’s a really useful blog. I love a good coastal walk, especially with a lovely eatery at the end of it.
Carol
9 Jan 2020Thank you Jane, we love to walk to lunch in Rye, or even dinner in the summer when the evenings are longer. There are so many places in Rye that are dog friendly too.
Phoebe | Lou Messugo
9 Jan 2020I never knew about the tram! I thought I knew the area really well but this is the 1st I’ve heard of the old tramline. Thanks for the info, I will definitely do that walk next time in Rye.
Carol
9 Jan 2020All three routes are lovely. The old tram station still has the old tracks outside. I think the station is used as a store for the green-keepers at the golf club now.
Rosie - Eco-Gites of Lenault
11 Jan 2020I didn’t know about the tram line either – what a pity it’s not still running as an eco-friendly form of public transport.
Carol
12 Jan 2020The tram line was initially to get golfers out to the links. The Camber extension was opened in 1908 and further improved in 1938. The war then intervened and after the war the tram line was in such a state it was sold for scrap. It is a shame but we still have a very good bus service into Rye and along the coast.
Chris Robinson
14 Jan 2020Great to have such variety with three different routes. And I also like the sound of a trip to a cafe for a well-earned treat.
Angela Norton
23 Jun 2021Hi there I have an elderly dog and I was thinking of walking from rye bridge near the new skinners and walk to camber sands that way . Roughly how long is it ?
Carol
23 Jun 2021I would say that’s probably about a mile or so. You need to go through some sheep fields before passing beside the sailing club and onto the path along the river. Your dog will need to be on a lead through the sheep fields but after can be on or off the lead.
john dover
9 Aug 2021Could someone advise if the beach path is well maintained. As in if the weather is ok would trainers be sufficient for the amble to town and back ?
Carol
9 Aug 2021In dry weather, yes, trainers are good for the walk into Rye. In winter the path is not really muddy and is well maintained but the grass can be longer and if it’s wet then you might prefer more waterproof shoes.
Andy
15 May 2022Did the walk yesterday,it was so interesting.Usually just walk along to the end of Camber sands.It was further than i thought so will make sure we are better prepared next time.We had to ration half a bottle of water between two people.Eventually arrived at Rye,a lovely little town,had tea and later bus back to Pontins.A great day and adventure.
Carol
17 May 2022Thank you, I’m pleased you enjoyed your day.
Theresa
31 Jan 2023How far are each of these three walks please?
Carol
14 Feb 2023The shortest route is about 3½ miles via the cycle path and takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The beach route is about 4 miles and takes about 1 hour 40 minutes and the golf course route is about 3¾ miles.