Why this ride
Out of Balcombe, one way: 497 km, roughly 6 h 55 in the saddle. On the way it passes Hastings, near West Mersea, Scenic stretch in Maldon and Kettering.
CURVESCOUT / MOTORCYCLE RIDE
Hastings Cliffs and High Weald · short arc
Plan this ride
- Recorded distance
- 497 km
- Riding-time estimate
- 6 h 55
- Journey
- One way; return travel is separate
Distance and timing basis
Ordered leg totals agree within rounding. Stop distances are approximate sums of rounded legs. Stops, delays, approach and any separate return travel add time. Basis: producer-declared routed record.
Reading history stays on this device. My road watch requires a separate selection; opening it does not subscribe this ride.
Distance and riding time are measured on the routed road. Check local closures and conditions before you ride.
Waypoint introductions and full write-ups
1. Fuel stop in Balcombe
Planning note
Hastings Cliffs and High Weald is where the day begins. Next is Hastings Cliffs and High Weald food stop.
2. Hastings
The battle of 1066 did not actually take place in Hastings. William of Normandy landed at Pevensey, moved east to Hastings, and fought King Harold on a ridge about ten kilometres inland, at the place now called Battle, where the abbey he built to atone for the bloodshed still stands. But Hastings gave its name to the battle and the date, and the town has embraced the connection, with the ruins of William's first castle on the West Hill above the old town.
Read the complete Hastings write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
Hastings Cliffs and High Weald food stop is where this day stops to eat. Next is High point near West Mersea.
3. High point near West Mersea
Planning note
about 236 km into the recorded legs you reach High point near West Mersea. Next is Scenic stretch in Maldon.
4. Scenic stretch in Maldon
Planning note
Scenic stretch in Maldon, about halfway. Next is London motorcycle escapes return.
5. Near Kettering, on the way back
Geddington, a stone village a few kilometres north-east of Kettering, owns one of the most moving monuments in England. In the middle of the village stands the Eleanor Cross, a tall, slender, triangular stone spire, put up in the 1290s by Edward I in memory of his wife, Eleanor of Castile. When she died in Lincolnshire, her body was carried to London, and at each place where the procession rested overnight the king raised a cross. Twelve were built; only three survive, and Geddington's is the best preserved of them.
Read the complete Near Kettering, on the way back write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
London motorcycle escapes return sits at 402 km, late in the day. Next is Photo stop near Bicester.
6. Photo stop near Bicester
Planning note
The route ends here after 503 km.
Leg by leg
Fuel stop in Balcombe to Hastings
Fuel stop in Balcombe → Hastings is 82 km of getting across. Ride it tidily and keep the enthusiasm for what comes after.
High point near West Mersea to Scenic stretch in Maldon
High point near West Mersea → Scenic stretch in Maldon is 25 km of rhythm rather than effort. Let it flow and let the view breathe.
Scenic stretch in Maldon to Near Kettering, on the way back
Scenic stretch in Maldon → Near Kettering, on the way back is 150 km of getting across. Ride it tidily and keep the enthusiasm for what comes after.