King Harold’s march from London is encapsulated in 1066 Harold’s Way, a 100mile long distance walk from Westminster Abbey to Battle Abbey inspired by King Harold II’ s epic journey to the Battle of Hastings. There can be no more emotive march.

The talk traces the route along the Roman road network still being used in 1066, from London to Rochester on Watling Street and then south through Maidstone, Staplehurst and Bodiam. It is a clear route through the daunting Forest of the Andreasweald past castles and battle sites with rivers, streams and valleys to cross, forests to forge and hills to climb and Roman roads, green lanes and ancient foot-paths to walk.

Three days of marching, the nights were drawing in, a camp at Rochester, maybe Bodiam too and a final night at Caldbec Hill.

There are few facts, just stories and legends and this engaging account of the King Harold’s march to Hastings will review why it all happened, the reasons for the Battle of Hastings, Harold’s Timeline to the Battle of Senlac Hill and, of course, walking 1066 Harold’s Way.