Landscape Window for a Walk around Kingston (near Lewes)

It didn't seem possible. A chance to get out walking whilst the forecast for the day before or after was a continual prophecy of rain... and more rain. The land across the area was looking sodden yet the skies were starting to break as we parked up near St Pancreas Church in Kingston near Lewes. There were indications of some blue sky and the need for sunglasses became a credible optional attire.
Us intrepid walkers had been briefed about the route. Something in the region of 7 miles with a couple of steep ascents which would soon be warming our lungs into action and regretfully considering the need for the layers of clothes in some cases. However, the first climb was a challenge not only for its incline but for the need to maintain good grip on the wet muddy turf which remained in our sights until the views behind provided necessary motivation to reach the summit.
The panoramic visibility was excellent and we soaked up the continual discovery of unidentified objects on different horizons. The sun was hitting us hard and the white clouds skimmed through the sky as we stood in gusts which we measured at around 25mph.

We continued west along the South Downs Way and soon the white Brighton & Hove Albion Football stadium came into sight, nestled into the folds of the Downs.
We turned off the path, through a gate and entered the Castle Hill Nature Reserve and dropped through 'Falmer Bottom'. The gusts of wind dropped and we followed the pathway towards a gate in which fields full of growing crops appeared to be ahead of schedule.

Spring was very much in evidence and after turning the next corner we observed a field of Sheep with young (or maybe not so young) lambs who were in full chorus, bleating for their mothers. It was clear that they were unable to read however, as although they had corresponding numbers on their backs, they still relied on the constant calling in order to identify each other and enable feeding to be activated.

After a short break for energy snacks and drinks, we had one final, relentless climb to the highest point of this part of the Downs. But again, the views stimulated adequate distraction as pain thresholds were tested and broken through!

Newhaven, Seaford Head and beyond toward the south east, whilst to the left we could look back at the route we had taken an hour before on the top ridge of the South Downs Way

We dropped down on the other side to see the village of Kingston again and continued to see more signs of Spring. Snowdrops in full bloom as well as crocus and small buds on trees.
Our final stretch took us through a farmyard, and exchanged pleasantries with the farmer as we eyed his collection of cattle. Horses, muddied by the terrain also gave us curious looks as we traversed the final track.

No sooner we passed the Juggs pub, we were back at the cars and peeling off our boots after a little over 3 hour trek.