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1066 Harold's Way facts for kids

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1066 Harold’s Way is a special long-distance walking path in South East England. It was created in 2013.

This path stretches from Westminster Abbey in London all the way to Battle Abbey in East Sussex. It travels through London, Kent, and East Sussex. Along the way, it uses parts of other famous paths like the Thames Path and the Green Chain Walk. It also goes through beautiful areas like the Kent Downs and the High Weald, which are known for their amazing natural beauty.

The path remembers King Harold II’s journey to the Battle of Hastings. This famous battle happened on October 14, 1066. The route follows old Roman roads that were still used back then. These roads went from London to Rochester, then south through places like Maidstone and Bodiam. This route offered clear paths through old forests and gave walkers some of the best views.

The total length of 1066 Harold’s Way is about 160 km (100 miles). Most of the path is on Public Footpaths and other public walking routes. Because of this, it is not suitable for bikes or horses. The path changes from footpaths (about 80%) to bridleways, byways, and roads. About 15% of the path is on minor roads. You can easily reach the path using public transport.

This path also connects with another route called the 1066 Country Walk.

Journey from London to Rochester

Starting from Westminster Abbey, 1066 Harold’s Way follows the Embankment and the Thames Path. It passes famous landmarks like Greenwich, the O2Arena, and the Thames Barrier. The path continues to Erith along the Green Chain Walk. This part takes you through lovely parks such as Marryon Park, Charlton Park, Plumstead Common, Bostall Woods, and Lesnes Abbey Woods.

After Cray Marshes, the path follows the River Darent through Dartford. It then climbs up to the North Downs at Beacon Hill Country Park. The journey continues through Jeskyn’s Country Park and past the Darnley Mausoleum. It then joins the North Downs Way. Finally, it reaches Rochester by following the Strood Community Trail. The path ends at Rochester Castle, which is a historic site managed by English Heritage.

Journey from Rochester to Battle

From Rochester, 1066 Harold’s Way begins by following the Medway Valley Walk. It then joins the North Downs Way (NDW) to climb up to Bluebell Hill. From here, you can see amazing views south over the Medway Valley towards Maidstone. Going downhill, the path passes Kit's Coty House, another English Heritage site.

The path then leaves the NDW and goes through Cobtree Manor Park. It joins the River Medway near Allington Lock. The final walk along the Medway Valley Walk leads to Maidstone and The Archbishop’s Palace. The route continues through the Loose Valley Conservation Area. It climbs onto a ridge to join the old Roman road as it goes down into the Low Weald.

The path continues through Staplehurst, Hocker Edge, and past Sissinghurst Castle Garden (a National Trust property). It goes through Sissinghurst, Benenden, Iden Green, and Sandhurst. It then joins the Sussex Border Path to reach Bodiam Castle, another National Trust site. 1066 Harold’s Way finishes at Battle Abbey (managed by English Heritage). Here, it connects with the 1066 Country Walk, which runs from Pevensey to Rye.

Important Battle Sites

1066 Harold’s Way passes by or overlooks some very important battle sites from English history. These include:

Interesting Places to See

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