Cock Marling, East Sussex

Here is a hamlet that enjoys such a privileged position that it is mostly familiar with walkers and hikers making their way up from the intriguing Brede Valley below to take in views that stretch as far as Rye Harbour and Camber Sands.

These walks can often originate down at Winchelsea Station on the Marshlink Line, a route mercifully and somewhat mystifyingly saved from the notorious Beeching cuts of the 1960s. Even in the modern era with more frequent, modern trains the remote halt was only receiving less than ten thousand visitors a year pre-pandemic, however locations like Cock Marling are there to entice you to add to that number.

East Sussex County Council even have their own four mile recommended circular lap which starts and ends at the staton, takes in Winchelsea itself and – importantly after a steep climb up the valley’s northern side – passes by Cock Marling’s highly regarded pub: The Plough.

A log store outside the front door indicates a warm and friendly environment inside, and two burners help hikers thaw out over the winter months. In summer, you can choose to take advantage of the garden.

Although the pub doesn’t offer accommodation, visitors to the Brede Valley are advised to look at independent holiday homes and country cottages around Cock Marling, or perhaps the higher-end Extraordinary Huts Ltd who offer bespoke rooms in wonderful, purpose built structures with names like “The Staying Inn”, “The Lookout”, “The Hideout” and “The Hive.”

Or perhaps instead it’s time to finish up your meal and ask your weary legs to take you back around and down to Winchelsea Station – but be wary: The line may have escaped Beeching’s axe but trains only run every two hours in either direction. And the valley can be a dark place to be stranded for the evening as you wait for the next service home!