We could not have picked a hotter day for our Summer Walk Swim this year on Sunday 10th September, following the Rye circular via Winchelsea Beach. Dutifully warned by the weather men, we made sure we carried plenty of water and sunscreen. The party of seven (David, Derek, Lisa, Mary, Mike, Nick and Time) met at St Pancras to catch the 9:37am to Rye, also packed with other sun seekers heading for the beaches. Luckily we scuttled onto the train quick enough to all get seats.

Arriving at Rye Station there was a short discussion on which was the clockwise, or anti-clockwise, direction before successfully choosing the latter. It was just a short walk along the B2089 before plunging down a path and into the glorious countryside of East Sussex laden with sweet juicey blackberries, which did seem to slow David’s pace a bit.

The route crossed the railway line a few times before arriving at the ancient town of Winchelsea with its enchanting 13th century church dedicated to St Thomas the Martyr Church (Thomas Becket). Equally enticing was the New Inn pub across the road serving some much needed liquid refreshment for our parched mouths. These cold drinks proved to be one of the highlights of the day.

Then onwards and upward to Hogs Hill for our packed lunches with glorious views out to sea with fields of wind turbines and our destination of Winchelsea Beach. We sat in front of an old military pill box, reminding us of the menacing position this idyll vista offers.

After a short detour round the wet lands of the Dimsdale Sewer (who said we got lost?!) the party headed for the sea and a very welcome swim. The tide was out so it was a bit of a walk before we could finally get our shoulder under, but so refreshing after all that excersion.

Next stop the beach cafe for tea and cakes, and then the final strectch to Rye station for the 6:48pm back to London passing Camber Castle built by Henry VIII in 1539 to protect the coast from French invasion (one of our pioneering Brexiteers).

In total we walked around fourteen miles and our feet and legs were a little stiff getting off the train at St Pancras, but so worth it. Looking forward to our club Swim Walks 2024.