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.