Rye Harbour Triangle
7 miles · Easy · Mostly traffic-free
The Rye Harbour Triangle is one of our favourite short rides from RYED. At around seven miles, it combines quiet trails, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, Camber Castle and the coastline, with plenty of opportunities to stop along the way.
It’s an easy ride and a great introduction to exploring Rye and Rye Harbour by bike or e-bike.
The route
Start at RYED and turn left onto Harbour Road, heading towards Rye. Before crossing the River Brede, turn left onto the first path and follow the yellow and blue waymarkers.
Pass through the first gate and you’ll find yourself riding along the track bed of the old tramway that once connected Rye with Rye Harbour. Around 50 metres after the second gate, follow the path to the right towards the entrance to Castle Water.
Once inside the reserve, take the path closest to the water. This is one of the most scenic sections of the ride, with views across the wetlands and plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Continue through two gates and across the field towards Camber Castle. From the castle, bear right, pass the Starfish Bunker and pick up the path alongside the River Brede, heading upstream.
After leaving the field, continue along the concrete road and then onto the tarmac. When you reach Sea Road, turn left towards Winchelsea Beach.
Turn left onto Dogs Hill Road, ride around the green and then turn left when you reach the beach. From here, you’ll enter Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.
Through Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
There are miles of traffic-free trails through the reserve, making this one of the best places locally to explore by bike. The paths are shared with walkers, dogs, families and other cyclists, so keep your speed sensible and give everyone plenty of space.
On your way through, you’ll pass the old lifeboat station and the memorial to the crew of the Mary Stanford.
Continue until you reach the River Rother and turn left.
The Rye Harbour Discovery Centre makes a great stopping point for a coffee or a wander before continuing into Rye Harbour village.
The village itself has a pub, café and small shop if you fancy extending the ride.
From Rye Harbour, take Harbour Road out of the village and join the cycle path shortly after passing the church. Follow it all the way back to RYED.
Route highlights
- Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
- Castle Water
- Camber Castle
- Mary Stanford Lifeboat House
- Rye Harbour Discovery Centre
- Mostly traffic-free riding
RYED tip: We recommend riding the triangle anti-clockwise. Take your time through the nature reserve — this route is definitely more about the scenery than speed.