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...
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