Originally entitled The Christmas Bells walk, we created this as a diversion for our local walking club, The Iden Fieldtrotters' December 'jolly'. The idea was to count the bells along the way, a prize being given for the most accurate score. This was fine, until someone asked whether we should count all the doorbells in Rye! So, please feel free to count - or suggest it to your children – but assume that whatever answer you come up with is the correct one!

We begin by following a couple of miles of The Royal Military Canal. Built to discourage attacks from Napoleon's men in the early 19th Century, it turned out to be an unnecessary precaution. However, it now provides 28 miles of walking, (if you choose to do it all) through the wide, flat lands of Romney Marsh. Apart from grazing sheep, you may be fortunate enough to spot the grey heron dipping among the reeds, or hear (rather than see) the croak of the marsh frog.

Looking to your left, you can see the ancient shoreline - now a very obvious change in land level. A short, but steepish pathway brings you up into entirely different terrain, lanes, woods and cultivated fields. Iden, a Domesday village is one of very few in the south-east which remains as a nucleated settlement, entirely separate from its neighbours. Do support The Bell, (adding it to your score of bells), or pop into the shop for a sandwich or an ice cream!

The return is downhill, with good views over surrounding countryside and out to the sea. Approaching Rye, you'll appreciate its position on a small knoll, St Mary's Church proudly perched at the highest point. Returning to the car park, through Rye, is an opportunity to explore some of the snickets and alleyways which the casual day visitor won't usually discover. There are plenty of facilities along the High Street, to round off the trip with tea and cakes!

England - East Sussex - Countryside

View a road map to the starting point of this walk.