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Just east of Hastings are some nice opportunities to run to a hilltop castle and then explore some fairly gentle paths along the bluffs above the water. We’ve mapped out a route from Queens Rd. to the Castle, then West Hill, East Hill, and then Ecclesbourne glen/Hastings Country Park. It’s up to 5 miles one-way and nearly 1,000 feet of climbing. Some trails are dirt or grass and they can be muddy.
Hastings Old Town, Castle, West Hill. Explore Old Town, sandwiched between two cliffs with its seaside vibe and tudor buildings. Run on the main streets — High St., Queens Rd., and festive George St. Then take the lift, or run on Castle Hill Rd. to the Hastings Castle. For some more hills and trails, do a loop around West Hill, then back down the hill and west along festive George St. to Marathon Lift (lower station).
East Hill to Hastings Country Park. From here, follow the trail up to and then alongside the cliff, or enjoy some of the other bluff-top trails. Some gorgeous views! Continue through Ecclesbourne glen to Hastings Country Park, an 858-acre area of ancient gill woodland, maritime cliff and slope, cliff top grassland and mixed heather, lowland meadow and sustainably managed farmland, all sitting with the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Note: parts of this, especially up East Hill & Ecclesbourne glen are steeper & challenging — a trail run/hike.
- Shorter Route/Less Climbing: You could park at the Hastings Country Park and run atop the Weald on the relatively flat trails.
- Add-Ons: Explore our waterfront route — it’s 6 miles from Hastings west to Brexhill
- It's up to 5 miles from Hastings to the end of Hastings Country Park
- Hilly -- but depends on route chosen
- Can start in old Hastings. Or can park at the Hastings Country Park Visitor Ctr. to avoid some hill climbing
- Train station in Hastings. There's a funicular up East Hill
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