They say an army marches on its stomach, and this outing attracted the regular troop of walkers with an added Easter bonus. The added bonus of parking the motorhome up at Birling Gap meant that not only would we have an opportunity to have a cuppa, the fridge was stocked with some added brunch food. A morning which, after the previous weeks outing in shirts and shorts, had us wrapped up in coats and gloves battling against a strong wind as we walked across the peaks and valleys towards Beachy Head. There were a small group filming a lady in period costume, standing near the edge. They didn't seem interested in employing us as extras, so we kept on walking. The first hour and we passed the empty car park at Beachy Head. The ice cream van was looking lonely. White Horses were charging across the channel making the idea of a ferry crossing less attractive.
A little further and we reached the golf course. We expected it to be sparsely populated because of the windy conditions, but no. There were groups on many of the fairways. Once again (and sorry if I'm repeating myself) the strained pleasantries were exchanged as we ducked a nearby shot. We also encountered several other groups (a dozen or more) of hikers, examining their maps and hiking poles being shakily gripped. Again, glances of acknowledgement were exchanged as they broke off their conversations with their company.
But our mission had been set. Getting back to motorhome HQ by midday, in order to put the gas on and do some cooking. East Dean was operating as usual, and the sheep Centre was attracting a crowd of Easter children.
The resulting meal was the only incentive as we realised the wind had created a blistering pace to our walking. Back at Birling Gap, and our Easter Brunch had been consumed. 2hrs 40mins and just over 8 miles completed. Gloves off, we were feeling warmer and replete.
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