Group retrace King Harold’s final journey

A GROUP of walkers have completed an epic 100 mile journey, retracing the final steps of King Harold.
Battle Abbey Group photograph.Battle Abbey Group photograph.
Battle Abbey Group photograph.

Led by David Clarke, the group reached Battle Abbey after walking the 100 miles from Westminster Abbey.

Starting in January, and walking an average of 10 miles a month, the journey on public footpaths, has visited Greenwich, Dartford and Rochester before turning south to Maidstone, Staplehurst, Sissinghurst and Bodiam Castle. The final climb to Battle Abbey coincided with the anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.

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This new long distance walk is based on the Roman road network that was still in use in King Harold’s time and traces his probable route to the Battle of Hastings.

Walkers from Derby, Portsmouth and London took part in Walk 10, Bodiam Castle to Battle Abbey via Sedlescombe and although the omens had not been good, the luck of Harold saw the forecast change to perfect walking weather.

The walkers collected their walk ‘stickers’ to add to their 1066 Harold’s Way Passport in the Kings Head in Battle and celebrated with a toast to Harold.

Paul Whitehead from Sutton, London said about the walk: “Just wanted to say a big thank you for organising yet another most enjoyable walk yesterday. Some fantastic views, and a great running commentary as always. How you managed to get us some lovely weather into the bargain, I’ll never know.”

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1066 Harold’s Way, written by David Clarke and published by Bretwalda Books, tells the story of 1066 reflecting on the history along the way and includes tourist and travel information and full step by step instructions.