Around Iden

Alison and Clive Gilbert

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The village of Iden, just a couple of miles from the popular town of Rye, boasts the title Domesday Village, recalling its entry in the Domesday book of 1086 or thereabouts. Small it may be, then, but it has stood the test of time and this gentle amble is a chance to enter into history in a most enjoyable way. There is a good network of well-maintained paths within and around the village, which means that there's always an option to short cut back to the start if the weather changes, or hunger overtakes enthusiasm for exercise!

Iden perches on an ancient wooded cliff-line, overlooking the Rother marshes – an area swept by the tides in the pre-Medieval period. The marshes are still below sea level and the land flooded in winter storms. You can gaze down on all this and imagine how it used to be, as you begin your walk around the southern side of the village. Initially you will pass through sheep-grazed farmland before crossing the main road and entering fruit-orchard country. In spring they are a froth of sweet-smelling blossom; as autumn approaches, the swelling fruit hangs heavy and appetisingly (no scrumping please!) on the branches. Later, windfalls gently ferment amid an exuberant aroma of cider. The orchards continue downwards as you walk towards the River Rother, but if you look carefully, you'll notice the occasional hop-pole or bind in the hedges, companion to the many cone-topped oast houses hereabouts and evidence of former industry. Iden Mote (a 'mote' is a fortified manor-house) is long gone, but the horseshoe-shaped moat can still be discerned and there is an information board in situ which tells a little of its history.

History apart, this is a charming exploration of varied farmland and riverside (where a motionless heron may await you, a bevy of cygnets, or if very fortunate, a glint of vibrant kingfisher blue). It's a place to absorb the charms of an English country village, rounding things off in its centre, wherein lies yet another of its delights – an English country pub!

England - South England - East Sussex - Countryside