WALKS AND RIDES.
The neighbourhood of Hastings abounds with some of the finest scenery to be found on the southern coast ; and with respect to the number and picturesque beauty of its valleys, stands unrivalled. Not to mention other instances, few places, we think, can be put in competition with the rich luxuriance of the vale of the hop gardens, bounded by its woods, and the glen of the Old Roar ; or that wild and romantic valley of Ecclesbourne, opening to the sea between cliffs little less than 300 feet in height.
We will now proceed to point out those places most worthy of the visitor's attention.
THE TOWN OF WINCHELSEA
is eight miles from Hastings. The ride to it through the village of Pett is considered one of the most beautiful in the neighbourhood. Leland, in his Itinerary, gives the following account. " The old town of Winchelsea, of six or seven years together, fell to a very sore and manifest ruin, by reason of the olde rages of the sea, and totally in the time of the aforesaid six or seven years . In the space of the aforesaid years, the people made suit to King Edward the First for remedy and a new plot to set them a town on, 'which he gave them;' and so there was seven score and ten acres limited to the new town, whereof part is in the king's mede, without the town, and part in hanging of the hill. The king set to his help in beginning and walling new Winchelsea, and the inhabitants of old Winchelsea took by little and little and builded it. The new town was netely well furnished, and dayly -
