Landing at Pevensey on the 28th of September 1066, William Duke of Normandy, soon to be known as ‘the Conqueror’, led his army along the coast to Hastings, and then north to an area now known as Battle. It was here, at the southern edge of the High Weald National Landscape, that the Battle of Hastings was fought. The rest, as they say, is history.

Encompassing Kent, Sussex and Surrey, the High Weald is the fourth-largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in England and Wales. The 564 square miles (1,461 square kilometres) contain beautiful country lanes and climbs and stunning rural views, punctuated by charming villages. It’s a veritable playground for road cyclists in the South-East of England.

This three-stage Tour totals 153 miles (253 km) and has more than 8,850 feet (2,700 metres) of ascent, so it’s perfect for road cyclists with a good level of fitness or a love of climbing. Stages one and three contain most of the elevation gain, with stage two providing some welcome respite along largely flat areas of the South Coast.

Starting at Crystal Palace train station, stage one takes you south on arguably the most enjoyable cycling route out of London. Layhams Road and Beddlestead Lane are so popular with local riders that you’re likely to encounter more bikes than cars as you exit the city.

Before long you’ll reach Ashdown Forest, a beautiful area of wooded countryside that’s famed for being the home of Winnie the Pooh. Pooh’s creator, AA Milne, lived for many years near Hartfield, in the heart of the forest. Look out for ‘Pooh Corner’ as you pass through the village, a Winnie the Pooh-themed museum and cafe. It’s definitely worth a stop to marvel at the largest collection of ‘Pooh-phernalia’ in the world!

The landscape of the High Weald gets even more beautiful as Kent gives way to Sussex. Leaving Ashdown Forest behind, stage one heads east, the elevation profile beginning to flatten as you approach Battle, the site of the culmination of the Norman conquest. A highlight of the town is Battle Abbey, a monastery founded by William after his victory. It’s said that the high altar of the Abbey Church marks the spot where King Harold died. Not shot in the eye with an arrow, as it turns out!

Stage two follows much of the South Coast, so is markedly more flat than stage one. Highlights include Pevensey Castle, the Roman fort where William landed his fleet, the seaside town of Hastings, and the picturesque town of Winchelsea, complete with mediaeval town walls.

Rye is one of the jewels of the South Coast, and the perfect resting place for the end of stage two. The final stage takes you back into the heart of the High Weald, passing spa towns like Royal Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge. As with stage one there’s over 3,000 feet (1,000 metres) of climbing on the route, so a good breakfast at one of Rye’s fantastic cafes is a must.

One of the many joys of the High Weald area are the many cyclist-friendly cafes and pubs nestled amongst the greenery. Accommodation options are also plentiful, from boutique hotels and Airbnbs, to local campsites, if you’re going down the bikepacking route.

I’ve included the full Tour if you wish to edit the length and days to suit your needs. There’s also a wide rail network if you want to explore further or detour to a certain area.