ROUTE PLAN No.2 The East Rother, East Suusex
Introduction
This fabulous trip starts at Bodiam Bridge by the beautiful moated Bodiam Castle which has impressive views from the top of the keep. The river flows gently alongside the Kent and East Sussex vintage railway through Northiam. Then on around the levels skirting the isle of Oxney and on to Scots Float just north of the Cinque Port of Rye.
Maps
Ordnance Survey Landranger 189 (1:50,000)
Access Points
The best access point is at Bodiam Bridge GR 783253.
The river is non tidal above Scots Float so access is pretty easy.
Journey
A lot of the Rother and its smaller tributaries were tidal once upon a time and the Isle of Oxney was pretty much an island. These water ways were once very well traveled by commercial craft. The river runs from east to west through the lovely flood plain meadows between the low hills.
Tides
The Rother is non-tidal above Scots Float Lock. Tide at Rye Harbour is more or less the same as at Dover.
Other
Bodiam castle is National Trust.
There is camping near Bodiam Bridge and Near Northiam.
A great family day out would be a short canoe trip to Northiam and a steam train ride back.
