The Winchelsea Circuit
15 miles · Moderate · Our most popular route
If you're only going to do one longer ride from RYED, make it this one.
The Winchelsea Circuit is around 15 miles and takes in quiet lanes, historic Winchelsea, vineyards, countryside, Pett Level, Winchelsea Beach and Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.
It's a brilliant showcase of this corner of East Sussex and one of our most popular routes.
We strongly recommend riding this route anti-clockwise. You'll understand why when you meet Chick Hill.
Rye to Winchelsea
Leave RYED and turn left towards Rye.
At the top of Harbour Road, turn right onto the A259. After approximately 150 metres, just before crossing the River Tillingham, take the track on your left.
Dismount to cross the railway and then turn immediately left when you enter the small park.
You're now on National Cycle Network Route 2.
Follow NCN 2 towards Winchelsea through a lovely mixture of paths and quiet roads, including Dumb Woman's Lane, Winchelsea Lane and Station Road.
Where Station Road meets the A259, you'll reach the hairpin climbing towards Winchelsea.
There's a steep section here, but this is exactly where having an e-bike comes into its own.
Before the main road swings right, bear left through Pipewell Gate and then turn right up School Hill.
This brings you into the centre of Winchelsea.
Winchelsea to Pett
Winchelsea is well worth exploring before continuing. Despite now sitting inland, it was once one of England's most important medieval ports.
When you're ready, leave via Monks' Walk and bear left onto Wickham Rock Lane, following signs towards Charles Palmer Vineyards.
These country lanes can be narrow and may have mud or loose grit on the surface, so ride carefully.
You'll eventually reach Wickham Manor, home to Charles Palmer Vineyards. Even if you're not stopping, the setting alone makes it worth riding past.
Continue towards Pett and turn left at the T-junction onto Pett Road.
You'll pass the Royal Oak before eventually reaching Chick Hill.
And this is where things get interesting.
The descent is extremely steep, so take your time, control your speed and be particularly careful in poor weather or when there's debris on the road.
It's also exactly why we recommend riding the route anti-clockwise rather than attempting to climb it.
Pett Level to Rye Harbour
At the bottom of Chick Hill, turn left onto Pett Level Road and then right up the gravel road towards the seafront.
You'll find a short promenade overlooking Rye Bay with huge views along the coast.
At low tide, you may also be able to see the remains of Pett Level's ancient submerged forest, with preserved timber emerging from the beach.
Continue east towards Winchelsea Beach and join the path running parallel with the coastline.
From here, the route takes you back into Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.
Follow the trails towards the River Rother and Rye Harbour before picking up the cycle path along Harbour Road back to RYED.
Route highlights
- National Cycle Network Route 2
- Historic Winchelsea
- Pipewell Gate
- Charles Palmer Vineyards
- Pett
- Pett Level
- Winchelsea Beach
- Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
- Fantastic countryside and coastal views
RYED tip: Ride this one anti-clockwise. Chick Hill is seriously steep, and descending it is considerably more enjoyable than trying to pedal up it — even with a motor helping you.