Some 1066 tracks to find

It was a last minute plan to get out, after Easter Bank Holiday Monday was a wash-out. Options and availability of some of the usual gang meant that we were down to 2 of us checking out a walk that would start in the car park in the centre of Battle and head out across fields, under the Battle to London railway line.
Guided by a dog walker, we headed toward the Great Wood car park off Marley Lane. The traffic came as somewhat of a shock after the quiet field walking for the first half hour. Onwards we trod across an almost inaccessible footbridge.
It led us into a series of rear gardens. Not small gardens I must add. At least 3-400 yds from the house. the first garden had converted his lawn into a vineyard. More stiles and more gardens. The instructions said 8 stiles, but think we lost count. The stream alongside us was running fast from the previous nights downpour. A few more footbridges and we crossed over into a large field and saw a lone fox crossing a few hundred yards from us, unperturbed, it continued its trek across the field.

We crossed a main road and directly opposite was another stile with a large dog barking and looking like he wanted an early lunch. Thankfully he was on the opposite bank of the river and the owner went to congratulate its vigilance in bringing us to her attention. We smiled as we passed by on the opposite side hoping that there was no access for him to reach us.
Just on the hour, and we had arrived at our destination, Seddlescombe. A quiet village most people see fit to drive through. The British Queen was the main pub in the centre playing host to a group of geese that were wandering across the centre green.
We took refreshments at the shelter on the green which housed a pump.

Rested after 10 minutes or so, we re-traced our steps for the first 500 yards, then took a different route across the fields towards the Great Wood. There were signs for the Seddlescombe 10066 walk.

We became a little confused however, when after passing through a small wooden gate, we saw a milestone for Rochester. I think it might have been rescued from a different place as there was a lonely '1 mile' engraved upon it.

The woods were beckoning and soon we were tracking through muddy paths which eventually opened up into wide grass rides. A place mainly occupied by dog walkers and horses.

The finishing post was in sight, but not before walking up the long hill road toward the level crossing. It remained open for us as we reached it, although a rest might have been a preferred option.

The main High Street in Battle was full of visitors and local shoppers. We were back in the car park just before 1pm and completed the 6 miles hike without major incident (which was the plan!).