We set off to climb up the hill, walking along the South Downs Way path. The weather had been atrocious over previous days (in fact weeks) but this was the day we'd been waiting for. The sky was blue, cloudless and the air was fresh and cold. But the sheep weren't phased by the temperature.
Our aim was to reach Firle Beacon, then descend to the Coach Road and walk back to Alfriston. Although with an abundance of views all around us, we were tempted by staying at altitude and walk towards Frog Firle. However with some consideration, we continued west and took a break at the trig point on Firle Beacon.
The flasks were charged with a hot beverage. There were numerous other walkers passing along the top path and exchanging positive comments about the marvelous views and weather, but a drink of coffee wasn't offered to them.
The ground was frozen, but had thawed in areas where it was exposed to the sun. But our descent was on the north, sheltered side which was unlikely to get any sunshine until next spring. The walk down to coach road had to be taken carefully and with our sticks to aid balance managed to get to the lower road.
There were a few muddy puddles which meant some small diversions at certain points. But nobody could have prepared us for the final track towards Alfriston, which was more of a muddy river and therefore unable to avoid getting boots fully submerged.
But the sun kept shining and after wiping the mud from our boots on a nearby grass verge, the final half mile was on the road which led us back to our cars.
