Just to the East of Battle in East Sussex is Battle Great Wood, perfect for a spot of walking.
Battle Great Wood at a glance
Battle Great Wood is a 450-acre area of ancient woodland. Historically, it had links to Battle Abbey and from the 16th to 19th century, wood from here was used for shipbuilding, charcoal and the production of gunpowder. Managed by Forestry England, today it’s a delightful mix of tall conifers, oak, sweet chestnut, streams, well-maintained paths and areas of heathland. If you’re lucky, you may spot deer, and you’ll certainly hear plenty of birdsong. The wood is cut through the middle by the 1066 Country Walk but there is also a tapestry of well-maintained paths.
Getting here & practicalities
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By car: There is parking at Marley Lane, a short drive to the east of Battle town. They have now introduced parking charges here.
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By train: There is a train station in Battle, and it’s just over one kilometre from the station to the edge of the forest. The town is well served by buses.
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Difficulty: Easy to moderate. There are some gentle climbs.
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Accessibility: Although in winter there are muddy patches, there is also a network of well-maintained (if a little bumpy) paths.
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Distance: Approx. 5 km, or less depending on variations.
The walk: Exploring the forest
This is a walk with options. If you wish to do a circuit of the wood, it’s about 5 km, depending on which path you take. It’s pretty easy to navigate, particularly if you have the Ordnance Survey App or something similar. From the car park, you are straight into the woods and on a bright February day, we heard the first woodpeckers of the year, busy at work.
The 1066 Country Walk
The 1066 Country Walk is a 50 km trail from Pevensey Castle to Rye, which goes right through the middle of Great Wood. Along the route are a series of 1066-inspired sculptures, one of which is in the forest: a large wooden crown.
If you want to follow the 1066 Country Walk through the wood, start in Battle, cross the wood until it brings you to the edge of Sedlescombe Golf Course and then loop back to the town via the south edge of the wood. It’s a distance of about 6 km.
Back at base
Back in Battle, there are lots of coffee shops and pubs to choose from for a spot of refreshment. We stopped in Battle Deli and Coffee Shop just outside the Abbey for local cake and locally made Kombucha. And we picked up a jar of Battle honey!
Final thoughts
In an area that is dripping in historical interest, this is a great spot for a leg stretch and a healthy dose of nature and quiet. If all you have time for is just a couple of kilometres, then this is the place for you, but if you want to linger longer, then carry on strolling and explore the many different paths.
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