Somerset to Romney Marsh

[Gutta Percha]

Hello - I'm travelling from South Somerset to a dot on the edge of Romney Marsh, just north of Rye, in September. I want to avoid the M25 (me wimp) and also the M27/coast road via Brighton etc. Was thinking of picking up the A272 at Winchester and staying on that until Heathfield, then connecting with the B2089 to Rye. Time is not an issue and will be travelling after 9am. Is this a good idea? Bad idea?! Any help or advice would be appreciated. I did pass the IAM test yonks ago but have got out of the habit of motorway/fast driving due to being out in the sticks!

[Red Devil]

The A272 is superb if you get a clear run. Whether you will depends on the day of the week and the time of day.
For example I did Castle Combe circuit to Cowfold yesterday (Saturday) in two and a quarter hours (5.45pm - 7.00pm).
Almost completely devoid of traffic. Had it been busy it could easily have taken another 30 minutes, maybe more.
Not a fan of the section east of Bolney tbh. Too many villages, 40/50 speed limits, and white paint...
.
This would be the route I would take to Rye - https://goo.gl/maps/W76ASNPfixto8dCq8

[Gutta Percha]

Hello Red Devil - thank you so much for your reply and for taking the time to map out an alternative second bit of the route. The original was rather zig-zaggy/villagey towards Rye and your route has shaved an hour off the time. I don't think it will be as quiet as your trip last evening (amazing!) as I'm travelling on Friday morning after commuter time. Good to know about the A272!

[Sticks.]

That's a nice drive though I'd guess Polegate, Bexhill Winchelsea might be quicker even with coming through Hastings. Broad Oak to Rye is very pretty.

I've had a holiday let in Rye for 9 years so if I can help with any local info, feel free to ask.

[Gutta Percha]

Hi Sticks - thank you for your suggestion - good to hear about the Broad Oak to Rye stretch. Also thank you very much for the offer with local info. We're staying near Fairfield in September so I may well have some questions later!

I (and others I know) am under the distinct impression that driving in 'The South East' - which is anywhere east of Salisbury - is a nightmare compared to here but that impression appears to be false and of course I forget the nightmare that is trying to drive anywhere in the holiday season in the SW!

[Sticks.]

Funnily enough I sometimes head your way for a break, Shaftesbury. I'd say it's marginally quieter there but, as you say, holiday periods are a 'mare.

I've been meaning to visit the church at Fairfield for a while, along with some of the others on the Marsh.

[Red Devil]

Sticks. said:

That's a nice drive though I'd guess Polegate, Bexhill Winchelsea might be quicker even with coming through Hastings. Broad Oak to Rye is very pretty.

The issue with going via Polegate is getting there!

The A27 from Southerham roundabout (eastern end of the Lewes by-pass) is nearly always subject to heavy traffic.
If you get stuck in a camel train behind a HGV it can be sheer purgatory. Very few opportunities for an overtake.

If going that way, Polegate to Little Common (west of Bexhill) is OK but it's a real PITA slog from there through Bexhill and Hastings.
A better alternative would be this which links to my earlier route via Broad Oak - https://goo.gl/maps/Hg7g11ZLh8JsLxDW8

Sticks. said:

I've been meaning to visit the church at Fairfield for a while, along with some of the others on the Marsh.

Fairfield is one of the 11 lost Marsh villages. The church sits in the middle of a field - https://goo.gl/maps/aAk38kxBBH7pjJ4s8
Surrounded by sheep and the only access is on foot - https://goo.gl/maps/VSzzKeeB4GBWKhvs9

[Gutta Percha]

Red Devil and Sticks - the church at Fairfield and the other Marsh churches/lost villages are one reason for heading to that area. Looks amazing on those links, Red Devil, and not too far of a walk from where I'm staying. I am, apparently, a 'church crawler', which sounds somewhat HP Lovecraftian, but love seeking out remote country churches.

The alternative link also looks good, RD. Thank you both: easy now to plot a far more pleasant route than A303, M3, M25 and A21!

[Pica-Pica]

Having lived around there in my youth and returned on occasions, I can add that:-
Some roads before the marsh are very potholed.
Beware the ditches on the marsh, especially where two cars cannot pass.
Beware mists on the marsh too.

[Sticks.]

Sounds interesting. You need to get the key for Fairfield Church from the farmhouse - a friend visited recently. There is a church crawlers page on FB which has some interesting photo's.

I'd also recommend Winchelsea church, which is unusual, and has Spike Milligan buried in the graveyard. And Rye church, for the pendulum, clock, and the views. If you like rootling around old things, Winchelsea also has tours of its many cellars.

Nick

[Gutta Percha]

Thank you chaps, for all your replies - first time on this Forum and you're so helpful Thank you for the warnings, Pica-Pica, especially the dodgy ditch danger. Potholes are a thing here too! As for mists, well that's another attraction for me (with due respect for driving in it) - adds to the mysteriousness. Moors and marshes should only be encountered in mist.... Thank you Sticks for the info on the churches (and the FB page) - all worth a visit. I'm travelling with an Aged P but I think they might get a little bored while I 'crawl'!

[Saleen836]

Where in South Somerset are you setting off from?

[Red Devil]

Somewhere quite close to the A303? - https://goo.gl/maps/uzH6crGD4gnk2rWp9