This ancient tradition was a way of remembering boundaries in the days before maps.
It takes place on Saturday 17th May 2025.
The route is 4.2 miles long, mainly flat (some low cliff-top path), it will end at the same place as the start, and includes the sites of the first two railway stations to serve the town:-
Bulverhythe temporary station (Jun – Nov 1846) and Hastings & St. Leonards, later West Marina station (shut in the Beeching era) – the line belonged to the LBSCR, and came eastward from Lewes.
Other historic features along the route include the site of an old harbour, and remains of Napoleonic and World War II defences.
Much of it is off-road – the route turns off the A259 at Sheepwash Bridge, going northward by the Haven River, and around the marshy area behind the Bull Inn, then under the railway line at Glyne Gap, and returns along the coastal path. At each stone / feature, the participants beat it 3 times, saying ‘mark, mark, mark’, meaning ‘remember’. To join in fully, bring a willow wand or similar stick / bunch of twigs – a garden cane would do; and the wearing of silly hats was a local tradition.
People unable to do the whole circuit can do part of it.
We set off at 10-30am and expect to return at about 12-30pm.
Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Well-behaved dogs on short leads are allowed, at the discretion of the walk leaders.
Public conveniences are near the start at West Marina Gardens, near the statue of Harold & Edith, and about half way at Glyne Gap.
Nearby railway station (to the start) = West St. Leonards Station, on the Charing Cross line.