A Cinque Gin breakfast martini isn’t a bad way to start a Saturday morning. It proved an ideal stiffener for a brilliant seven-mile trek around Winchelsea taking in the best local food and drink along the way, and a chance to explore some exceptional countryside and wildlife.
The Winchelsea Gastronomic Promenade on Saturday 25 July is the latest event from the team behind the Rye Harvest Food & Wine Fair, with more walks planned including one around Rye.
A hundred locals and visitors set off from the New Hall in Winchelsea, sent on their way by a short history lesson about the town from Mayor David Page and a blessing from Rector Nathanael Hayler.
A quick stop to explore one of Winchelsea’s medieval cellars then it was down to The Strand and a walk along the Military Canal and into the Pannel Nature Reserve, with swans patrolling the river and birds of prey flying high above on one of the hottest days of the year. Uphill next to the Hogg Hill Windmill at Icklesham (no sign of Sir Paul, we checked), past the church and lunch with jazz at the Queen’s Head.
A chance to chat with fellow walkers admiring one of the best views of Rye, it was down into the Brede Valley crossing the railway line twice passing reed beds and sheep grazing. A brisk climb to Winchelsea Beacon, pausing to admire the spectacular landscape below, before heading to the garden of the New Inn in Winchelsea for an afternoon of classy music, fizz and a special pudding created by Natasha Robinson – the Winchelsea Doucette paired with Charles Palmer sparkling.
To finish, seven miles later, a walk down the hill to the vineyard for music, Chardonnay and a selection of local cheeses. Not a bad way to end the day either.
The Winchelsea Gastronomic Promenade is inspired by the Ludlow Magnalonga said organiser Jane Brook. Every year visitors gather in the Shropshire town for a walk stopping along the way for local food and drink.
She said she was thrilled by how the day had gone, “It was a really lovely day, with so many people telling me how much they enjoyed both the walk and the food and drink on offer. It brought in loads of visitors, with some staying over and making a weekend of it. We’ll definitely be doing more, perhaps every season, but always celebrating the local countryside, our farms and the amazing local produce here.”
Image Credits: James Stewart , Rye Harvest .