Round and about Bodiam Castle

Alison and Clive Gilbert

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This walk was originally compiled by Alan and Janet Love, sadly both are no longer with us. Alison Gilbert has kindly offered to take them over. Alison and Walkingworld would like all these excellent walks to remain as a continuing tribute to Alan and Janet. It has been revised and re-routed in 2020.

We start this lovely walk from the NT car park at Bodiam Castle. This is reputed to be the finest ruined castle in the country; it is certainly one of the most picturesque, as it stands surrounded by its deep moat. It was built in 1385 and although it is for the most part a ruin, it is possible to climb the spiral staircases in the towers to enjoy impressive views. This lovely scenic walk straddles the Kent and Sussex border and we criss-cross the Sussex Border Path on occasions. Our walk takes us through farmland and woods, along country lanes and enclosed paths lined with beautiful wildflowers. We go through the grounds and pass the ancient manor-house called Great Wigsell, a privately owned property. We finally walk a track that runs parallel with the River Rother. Following earlier comments, the original walk has been minimally re-routed to avoid a stretch of walking along a busy road.
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England - South England - East Sussex - Countryside

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Castle, Flowers, Gift Shop, Great Views, National Trust, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Tea Shop, Toilets

10/28/2015 - Bridget Elton

We did this lovely walk on a sunny day in late October, and the autumn colours were stunning, particularly the long views between waypoints 6 and 13. If you take the Bourne Lane detour suggested by others, then it's a 5 star walk. Note: the Curlew is not (or no longer) a pub. It's a very nice restaurant with an excellent set lunch, which I recommend, but don't expect to drop in for a pint. Thanks for a beautiful walk.

6/22/2015 - Frank Lee

This was a spur of the moment decision to do a walk and as this was fairly local, it fitted the bill nicely. We had the unexpected attraction of a classic car show being held on Bodiam cricket green which added interest especially when a WW2 fighter plane buzzed us at the end of the walk. Clear instructions made the walk easy to follow. After 10 years there were some inaccuracies where stiles etc were missing but this did not affect the instructions given. The section after Bodiam was so peaceful with an abundance of wild flowers along the route. We stopped for lunch at the Waterside Cafe which was busy but nice. Dogs still are not allowed to my relief. Walking through the grounds of Great Wigsell seamed a bit surreal and we met the American lady owner planting some rose bushes and she gave us a nice greeting. At point 19 we would agree with the comments about walking down Bourne lane instead and keeping off the busy main road. Thanks Alan for a great walk in some beautiful countryside with lots to see.

6/20/2013 - Martin Stimson

Completed this walk on 16 June 2013. Was pleasant enough with some deep, country lanes, interesting views and many emerging wildflowers. The path is pretty obvious despite some minor changes to the immediate surrounds. ie the wooden fence described after the vineyard waymark 3 is no longer there, neither is the farm gate. At 11 the metal bridge has been replaced by a super wooden affair. The overgrown path (16) is still overgrown and a fallen elm requires some physical dexterity to go under it. The section on the road I think is very dangerous, there is no path, and its fast - 60 mile an hour traffic. I would suggest making a longer walk from waymark 19 down Bourne Lane. At 21 just walk down the driveway to the Business Park car park rather than risk the overgrown steps.

2/6/2011 - Walkingworld Administrator

Many thanks to John Ditton for his update for this walk. Adrian (Admin)

8/25/2008 - john moore

At point 20 it is far easier and safer to just follow the drive for bodiam business park. Footpath is very overgrown & comes out at the same place in 50 yards anyway.

2/10/2008 - anthony proom

The lake cafe does not allow dogs and the footpath to the business park, forget it... just walk on the business park road. Much easier. Fantastic views and beautiful woodland scenery. Much enjoyed. Thanks