Bodiam Castle and back
An autumn walk to Bodiam Castle, National Trust, East Sussex
The forecast looked promising, so we packed up the van and set off for a day out exploring around Cranbrook and Hawkhurst. We managed to find parking near the St Laurence's Church in Hawkhurst, put on our boots, and set off to follow a route we’d found on Outdoors GB.
The woodland path was stunning with the autumn colour, leaves carpeting the path. We passed ploughed fields and wandered along quiet marked footpaths (East Sussex County Council footpaths), enjoying the fresh air.
After a while, we had a short break in the woods to rest and have a snack. Sitting there among the trees, gazing up at the canopy and the soft grey sky beyond, was wonderfully peaceful.
Back on the route, we followed a narrow footpath bordered by beech hedge on one side and open fields on the other. Gradually, Bodiam Castle came into view - its towers rising above the landscape, with neat rows of vines stretching out in front.
As we got closer, we could see the castle sitting surrounded by moat. Unfortunately, by the time we actually arrived, we’d missed the opening hours, but it was fun to sit and imagine how life might have been.
The visitor centre was still open, with lots of information about the castle. We learned that people have been drawn to this area for over 8,000 years - from the first hunters chasing wild boar and catching fish in the river, to early farmers clearing oak, ash, and hazel for farmland. By 40 BC, there was already a permanent settlement on the site of the castle.
After reading the history boards, we wandered to the nearby pub, The Castle Inn, to warm up by the fire. Basil made himself at home, on his PACMAT, toasting himself by the fire.
It was dark, so we wrapped up with hats and gloves on, and Basil in his coat, ready for the walk back. Walking by head torch, listening to the owls as we went. Up the path through the woods reaching Hawkhurst where the van was parked.
Before heading home, we popped into another pub for a warm-up. Basil was happily exhausted. It had been a good day out.
20KM, Elevation 315m.
Two picnics, Two pub stops and Two counties; Sussex and Kent