How Many Bridges to make a Footpath?

When we set off we didn't realise that we were to encounter a record number of bridges on a relatively short 5 mile walk. A substantial investment of wooden bridges across a variety of streams, rivers and general undulations were in evidence and hence the title of this posting.
The Jubilee bunting was in evidence throughout the village of Rushlake Green as we parked the car. The initial footpath was to take us through both the front and rear garden of a small cottage. A neatly kept area with a small vegetable plot and views down towards two small ponds between which we walked. Both ponds were surrounded by a colourful display of rhododendrons and Azaleas.

Like the bridges, we neither accounted for the amount of hills and vales that this walk would present. Nevertheless, it wasn't to distract from the slightly cooler than recent days enjoyment of heading across new territory. The fields of wheat in rich dark green expectancy of turning golden with the next 4 - 6 weeks.

The footpaths were well signposted and most paths well maintained and trodden as we headed towards Vines Cross. A field with a couple of frisky horses were our only entertainment, as we circumnavigated the perimeter of the field and jumped over a convenient positioned style.

We momentarily went onto the road from one farm, and entered another footpath which directed us into a massive field of well established broad bean plants. Interestingly, one of the residents of Vines Cross, whose garden backed onto this field had also planted a rather sad couple of rows of broad beans. No competition really... the farmer won hands down, and whats to stop the resident from jumping over the fence and picking a cooking for himself, whenever he pleases??

We didn't pass by the Brewers Arms in Vines Cross, but were soon heading into another field of broad beans and going towards Warbleton Church. Both inside and outside there were reminders of the events linked to the Sussex Martyrs. People from surrounding villages and towns were taken to Lewes and burned in barrels for not denouncing their Protestant faith. We had seen the tower several times on the walk around to Vines Cross. But now it was straight ahead of us, standing proud and resolute.
Our pace was steady throughout, but the hills were noticeably getting steeper. The gradient up to the Church had generated a need to take a look inside and inspect the curiosities that had accumulated over the centuries.

After coming back out into the daylight, we descended past the newly named Black Duck on Church Hill. They advertised the Soap Box Derby on a board outside for Bank Holiday Monday (4th June). We walked the route where many intrepid pilots would be steering their man made contraptions next Monday.

A half mile or so of walking on the lane, and we were on the final footpath back into Rushlake Green. A final gate through which we went had a notice declaring the gate had been erected in memory of the death of Ian Price who died whilst repairing power lines in the 1987 Hurricane.

A walk of just over 5 miles, and took (with stops) around 2.5 hours