A Windy Firle Beacon!

We were determined to set a few challenges for 2014, and this may have been a good start.
3 intrepid members of the group had, the previous week, been out for a scouting walk across from Butts Brow.
This week the 4 of us decided that the weather shouldn't put us off too much, however with concerns about just how much some footpaths may have encountered the excessive wrath of rainfall over the previous few weeks, we decided to meet on the hill overlooking Firle.
All four of us were dressed in waterproofs, gloves and an array of hat-gear that left us feeling both fashionable and equipped for whatever the elements had to throw at us. The boots were laced tightly and we headed off....
Having said that, we did opt to walk away from the 20mph gusting wind and head east along the South Downs Way.

A high level of concentration was necessary as the wind started to take a side swipe across our faces. The rain was just starting to come down to accompany the wind... but we continued through the first mile across the top of the hill.

We then reached the Bo-Peep car park and decided to descend down the road. Immediately the wind dropped and we loosened the wrap of garments that were keeping us warm. We reached the old Coach Road and turned along it in a westerly direction.
The pace was maintained, however the occasional distraction of unidentified birds (of prey?) soared across nearby fields and accompanied by even more unidentified bird song. The nature spotting continued as we then observed a well fed fox pounding a furrow in another field. A little later we encountered some rather ambitious dogs who attempted to ambush our attempt to walk further. We had thankfully assessed that their bark was far more ferocious than anything that we should have been too bothered about.
The Coach Road had taken its toll of the recent rainfall and the muddy tracks left by triumphant 4x4's caused us to find an alternative way through the the final section of the walk.
A lone dog walker approached us as we took a 10 minute snack break. One dog was proudly showing off a rabbit within its jaws, much to the embarrassment of its owner, whilst the second dog showed a fearful dislike to walk passed us, despite the desperate calls of the owner. Eventually the dogs and owner were re-united, whilst we discussed first-aid procedures should any of us drop to our knees with indications of heart failure. It was pleasing to hear us discuss such aspects of our adventures. I will in future be adding the 'coast guard' and 'air-sea rescue' service numbers to my mobile.

The ascent back up the hill was steady and, as expected, the usual challenge which we paced ourselves for. As we reached the summit, our coats, gloves and hats were replaced as the wind started to hit us full in the face.
The final half mile stretch back to the car park was interrupted by a short, sharp and somewhat stinging heavy downpour. The gate into the carpark was a welcome sight, just as the rain stopped and watched the blackened rain filled sky disappear north.