Battle, Fore Wood Nature Reserve, Crowhurst and Crowhurst Park

A Walk in Woods and Valleys Around the Site of England's Most Famous Battle

The town of Battle owes its existence to its abbey, founded by William the Conqueror on the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The high altar of the abbey church occupies the spot where King Harold set up his standard and was killed. The town grew up around it in the Middle Ages, providing essential services to the monks and pilgrims.

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Start Point

Battle Abbey

Grid Ref: TQ 74860 15822

Total Distance

8.5 miles (13.7 km)

Total Climbing

365 metres

Estimated Time

4 hours

Difficulty Grade

Moderate

Trail Navigation Files:

💾 Download GPX Route Google Earth (KMZ) 📖 About Battle

Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)

Essential paper map for exploring Hastings, Bexhill, Battle and Robertsbridge:

124 Hastings & Battle →

The Walk Report

The walk starts at the gates of Battle Abbey, passing medieval timber-framed buildings like The Pilgrim's Rest before descending into the sloping valley of the Powdermill Stream.

Crossing into Fore Wood Nature Reserve (RSPB), the route reaches Crowhurst, home to St George's Church and a massive 1,000-year-old yew tree. Nearby stand the ruined oratory of medieval Crowhurst Manor House and The Plough pub.

Returning via Crowhurst Park and historic farmsteads, the walk concludes with views across Senlac Hill back to Battle Abbey.

Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.

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Battle, Fore Wood Nature Reserve, Crowhurst and Crowhurst Park

Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)

The Walk Report

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