Voyage on the Seas of Chiddingly

We'd purchased our tickets at Chiddingly car park and 4 of us met in the car park ready to embark on a voyage unlike anything we had recently been on. Yes... it was a walk, but we were about to encounter some different landscapes. Admittedly, one of us was feeling somewhat disabled with a 'sore' toe. Hobbling a steady pace across the first field and watching recumbent cattle and catching up with each others events of the week, the first mile seemed to glide by.
The voyage took us across both fields and down country lanes towards Gun Hill. We were entering the land of historical iron works, where evidence of previous industry took place in the 17th and 18th century.

The smell of wild garlic and the sight of growing crops in adjacent fields were a clear sign that April was well into its stride. 
We walked along a lane running near to Welhurst Golf Club. No signs of wayward tee shots or cries of 'fore'!! could be heard. We turned down a muddy track, and came out onto the parallel road which would eventually lead into Horam.

Thankfully we turned off the road as the traffic seemed more intent on using the road as part of a cross country rally. The wooded areas held captive our attention as we started to see the increasing tide of bluebells in which trees stood rooted to the sea-bed.

Another field and we briefly came onto a third road and down a trackway which led to Stream Mill where extensive ironworks carried on at the Stream Farm in the 16th century by the Frenches. The pond, whose waters impelled the machinery, still remains, though now but three acres in extent. The articles chiefly wrought were great and small ordnance (cannon and guns), chimney-backs, irons for supporting logs in a wood fire, and smaller commodities. Bells were also cast at the same works.

Unfortunately our access to view the water cascading down from the pond was not possible as from both sides of the bridge there had been a fence erected as well as some cleverly cut branches to spoil the steep track to the stream below. We stopped briefly for a snack and to compare flasks (not hip).
But there were a few more wet muddy tracks to navigate before getting to the next ocean of blue in the nearby wood. The colours were significantly getting stronger as we looked over the fence into the fields. The trees looking like mooring posts where Gondolas should be tied to.

A combination of gates and stiles between each of the fields enabled us to trace our way back toward Chiddingly using the church spire as a homing device.

We were meeting back at the Six Bells in Chiddingly with another group member, so the final 45mins were spent traversing protected paths and checking up on the campers at a site which the path ran alongside. A few people were sat outside as the sun kept breaking through the clouds. A few dog walkers were also out exercising their breeds of choice, breaking the sound of the birdsong and their owners called for obedience.

Walking through a farmyard, we entered the 30 mph sign and into Chiddingly, where the sight of the Six Bells awaited after a 7.5 mile walk. It was time for a drink and discuss our May Day Challenge for next week.

Exploring Fullers' Follys

A sun-kissed landscaped greeted us this morning as we drove toward St. Thomas à Becket church, Brightling. After boot inspection, we strapped the backpacks in place and headed through the church grounds and were soon confronted with a flock of sheep with young lambs chorus of bleating. 

Some sat quietly and allowed us to pass without too much disturbance. Their identification numbered woolen backs were clearly helping them identify each others parents. The grass was still long and they had much to consume whilst imprisoned next to Jack Fuller's pyramid mausoleum.

After observing the likeness to the Egyptian pyramids we continued down the path and crossed over the road and turned the corner where the view south with a glimpse of Derwell Reservoir. After passing through several gates we walked uphill towards the Hermits Tower  which is hidden from general view within a clump of trees and holly bushes. We entered the doorway and climbed the metal spiral stairs and the final ladder to spy the view from a circular window. 

Onwards we walked the opposite side of the tower and crossed the road and started the next phase of our walk down a farm track. Animal life was in abundance as more sheep shared occupancy with ducks and the growing number of pheasants. The Brightling village cricket team weren't out practicing today, and the pavilion looked unprepared for any visiting team, yet behind it on a small hill stood The Temple. 

The path was well marked, indicating the way to Sugarloaf, however we weren't to head that way today. Another set of stiles and gates through a short copse where we discovered evidence of Ray Mears survival class or a Duke of Edinburgh award challenge. Clearly the shelter was incomplete and the log mattress left much to desire the most hardened wild camper.

We came out from the small wooded area and turned left onto a well used track through Coblye Wood and made steady progress, observing the enclosures where pheasants had been reared for later shoots and eventually stopping to admire a small Keepers cottage. It overlooked a small stream and valley section of the wood. There was no shortage of wood for the fire, and the veranda platform looked an ideal spot to watch the wildlife pass by. We continued through Prinkle wood where the gorse blossom was in abundance on sections of the track. We came out briefly onto a main road and straight opposite into Birchen Wood where the tracks appeared to be prime dog walking routes. 

A steady ascent and as we approached a corner there were a couple with binoculars stood, evidently listening out for rare bird song. We conversed about the birds heard. Nothing rare although they were keen to point out the tune of the skylark although we both had heard the hammering of a woodpecker just a few minutes before. We parted, wishing them well in their endevour to hear more. 
The sight of the Gypsum conveyor came into view shortly after and stopped to crack the seal on flasks and zipped food bags. The transportation of Gypsum wasn't operating today, so our stop was peaceful and apart from 2 horses passing by and 'Henry', the riders dog, who frantically checked our bags for possible scraps.

The route took a sharp right after crossing a newly built bridge courtesy of Wealden District Council, where the terrain became relentlessly steep and muddier as we reached the summit. We came out onto Mountfield Lane, a little further than expected, however soon re-entered the wood and found a path lined with bluebells standing proud. We then came out onto Kent Lane and walked a half mile into a small hamlet, Hollingrove, where a removal lorry was unpacking its load into a small cottage as its new owners looked excitedly on and gave a proud nod to us as we passed by.

The final phase of the walk took us through what initially appeared to be a driveway into another small cottage, but eventually came out on the same track as we came to find the Hermits Tower.
We retraced our steps through the gates and looked back a final time to view the landscape again.
The lay-by where we'd left the car was just around the corner and it was time to relieve the pressure of the boots and congratulate each other on a good spring walk that was a few steps short of 6 miles long...

click on folly names for more information

Wealden Walks... more Up Hill than Down

With the sun regularly warming the soil, we'd have hoped for a drier, mud-free walk than we bargained for. We four stalwart strollers weren't going to fade from our duties with backpacks and flasks, for it was spring and the colours of the season were changing as we drove to our starting point in Rushlake Green. We spotted another group of 20 plus ramblers congregating on the village green and thought we would get invited to join them. Once the bootlaces were tied we walked towards them and they started to head off in the opposite direction as we were heading. Summer Wine Hikers might be small but we claimed a higher standard of walk compared with the group of ramblers who turned their backs on us as we disappeared into the back garden of a small cottage a few doors along from the Horse & Groom. It's OK.... it was an official footpath, however each time you walk along the stepping stones set out in diamond formation, you think that its the closest you'll get to trespassing (and get away with it).

Not to worry, it was the first ascent (of many) through fields of freshly sown crops which were strengthening as the days passed by and the trees were now adopting their spring tinge of green and buds turned to new leaves on the branches.

There were the occasional wet areas which were easily circumnavigated and we reached Chapman Towns Road, crossing directly opposite onto another footpath. The sounds of spring were also in evidence once the sounds of passing cars on the next road disappeared, and we reached a junction then headed north west along a track. Moss covered tree stumps lined the track and small blossoms were showing above the growing lengths of grass.

Streams descended a small waterfall as we detoured around the smallest tracked marked as private property. Dogs barked and we hastened our stride to find further options of footpaths. Curiously we entered a protected pathway alongside a driveway to a farm. It led into a field then through the canopy of St Dunstan's Wood. There were numerous imprinted animals that frequented the track as we kept a close eye on the best route to take, seeing badger, fox and probably deer prints; but we survived the test and emerged into daylight onto the B2096.

It was virtually a minutes worth of walking across the road before we turned south again, through a gate and onto a farm track. We were escorted by 2 young lads with trials bikes, that were seemingly being tested in the nearby wood. They respectfully passed us freewheeling, as the sound of the engines may have disturbed our delicate hearing.

We were closing in on Old Heathfield church and once arrived in the grounds found an inviting tree seat where we took stock of the surroundings and refueled. The church looked over us magnificently with the blue sky backdrop.

After 10 minutes we were ready to go, although tempted by the opened door of the Star Inn which backed onto the Church. A 14th Century Inn which had seen many an ale served to the congregation I suspect.

The next field entrance was decorated with some creative tree carving, as the remaining stumps had been turned into a couple of rustic thrones. There were more sodden fields to encounter as once more we descended towards Nettlesworth Lane, crossing it and edging around a large pond where a selection of antiquated pieces of machinery were scattered.
More fields to navigate and we were then heading towards Sapperton Wood, where once again a junction of footpaths gave us choices to where and how long we should walk. And as if this wasn't enough, there was the optional test of whether we should use the small wooden bridge or a pipe that was there as a more gymnastic test. Suffice to say only one of us took the high risk option yet survived.

Our compass heads led us toward Vines Cross and were soon trekking through Nettlesworth Wood and out onto the same lane again near Vines Cross. The footpath continued directly opposite and whilst noticing the ground was still very marshy under foot, there were other parts where the soil was dry and cracked.

Our next port of call was St Mary the Virgin Church in Warbleton and once again had us walking across another freshly grown crop of wheat. In fact something we hadn't observed on the entire walk were sheep and wondered whether this particular area didn't favour livestock.

However, as we trod our boots towards another bench pit-stop, we encountered the call of the Cuckoo. Unique to the Warbleton area, we believed it to be the particular species that habitats the nearby woodland. (might need to do some more research on that though?).
We heard the increasing volume of strimmers and petrol lawnmowers as we climbed the hill (again) towards the church's cemetery. The Gardener's were in full flight, relentlessly cutting down the new growth of grass around the gravestones. We stopped, refueled as promised, on the wooden bench outside the church door. Easter was only a week away and the need to present the church in all its glory was testing the stamina of the Gardeners who may of cast an envious glance at us as we watched their efforts.

Again a church within a stones throw of the village pub, The Black Duck was looking invitingly at us as we walked the route of the annual Soap Box Derby which tested the designs and nerve of many an intrepid Formula One driver.

The final footpath was to be the greatest test of all as there were several extremely testing sections where we found ourselves almost ankle deep in some powerful mud. The area had historically been known for its Iron Works and had it not been for a nearby orange stream, where we were able to clean the majority of mud from our boots, we think we would have been expected to walk home.
It was becoming an increasingly observed fact that the Weald's topography was very undulating however still felt like we'd walked more up hill stretches than down hill.
The pedometer (had we used one) would have been screaming 8 miles completed, as we arrived back at the car and whilst we thought we'd seen and heard as much wildlife as we could have on the walk, once in the car and driving home, the road was briefly occupied by 7 or 8 Roe Deer that appeared from one field, crossing over behind the car and into another opening.

April Apparitions on the Downs

It's now April and the days are longer. But with news of Sahara sandstorms hitting our already polluted air we threw caution to the increasing wind and we four noble hikers started off from Butts Brow overlooking Eastbourne with are sights set on the grand 10 mile circuit.

The usual dog gauntlet corridor was soon passed and the wind had a sharp chill to it as we reached the golfing buggies crossing our tracks. We crossed the A259 (East Dean Rd) toward the dew pond which had retained a good amount of the recent rainfall. We then crossed the B2103 (Warren Hill) to see a field of sheep, some with lambs that looked little more than a few days old.

Our first calling card was dropped at Beachy Head. An hour had passed relatively quickly and with topical conversation distracting us during this time, we set the coordinates toward Belle Toute Lighthouse, 2 miles west of Beachy Head.

This lighthouse was erected in 1831 by M.P. John Fuller. Its short tower was in stark contrast to Beachy Head Lighthouse due to the fact that it stood in one of the most elevated positions on the coast line. Due to the continued threat of erosion over recent years the entire structure had been moved inland in 1999. It now functions as accommodation and cafe.
At this point, and having reached more than half way round the 10 mile circuit, we stopped, rested and took on some  essential liquids and energy sustenance. The farmers were evident across the landscape as we'd walked so far. Ploughing, fence repair and livestock management were activities all being monitored by the ever present seagulls.

After resting for some 10 minutes or so, we descended towards Birling Gap. A place that had recently been attracting media attention due to the excessive coastal erosion after the storms during January and February this year. The Gap was formerly, owing to the easy access it afforded to the Downs, a favourite haunt of smugglers. Alas, Smugglers would have to take on the might of the National Trust if they were able to climb the cliffs today. Due to the recent unsafe state of the shoreline, the steps were out of commission and therefore todays visitors were restricted to only looking on as demolition contractors were dismantling the nearest cottage to the edge of the cliff.

The sun made an effort to shine briefly however never really threatened the need for sunglasses.

The National Trust were doing a good trade in the cafe and shop, so it wasn't as deserted as one could imagine, given the state of the erosion concerns.
We headed off toward East Dean on the road side. Uncertain on who was more startled, a pheasant was disturbed by our walking passed, but not until we were no more than 5 feet from us. It flew off in a flurry, whilst heartbeat was checked for unusual rhythms.
The Sheep Centre around the corner was in business and a dozen or so cars were parked up in the field, accompanied with a large sheep (it was several bails of hay covered with a white plastic sheet on the trailer and a black head) that reminded people heading toward Birling Gap that it was Lambing Time.

The final stretch through East Dean and we walked west, up through a field, toward the Church Of St Mary The Virgin. We stopped and looked back at both the view and the route of our previous 2 hours walk. The final road to cross and we were heading back towards Butts Brow along the Old Willingdon Lane. The fields alongside the single track road were filled with numbered lambs and sheep... a common practice that ensures the lamb and mother never loose track of each other. It was interesting to think where sheep obtain their numerical reading skills.

Our pace slackened very slightly as the final trig point came into view on the ridge of Butts Brow.
It had been as good a walk as we might have been expected with Spring delivering its array of vibrant colours across the landscape.
Our 10 mile circuit was completed in 4 hours and a plan to do some more walking next week.