Fields of Gold

‘You’ll remember me, when the west wind moves, upon the fields of barley’ -  Sting (1993)

Thursday 26th June 2014, the three hikers set off from Upper Dicker to trace a route provided by Wealden walks entitled water water everywhere. However, not being inclined to adhere to convention our intrepid three made many of their own tracks in completing this circuitous route.

With the sun on our backs and just the threat of an occasional shower (Carol had said we would be unlucky to find one) we set off in the opposite direction to that advised by Wealden walks, from Bedes school at 09.30hrs. Bedes school used to be known at St Bedes, however, to have a greater international appeal to people of all faiths it lost its saint and became just Bedes. Walking past the day scholars resplendent in their green and black uniforms we made our way West along the public footpath past Clifton Farm and soon found ourselves at the most northerly point of our walk at Marnhull Farm to pick up the Vanguard Way heading towards Chalvington.

En route we discussed the decline of English football and listened intently as the salty sea dog of the group recounted tales of his latest sea expedition and fortunately for us he omitted all of the cornish sea shanties although later took to demonstrate some sharp moves on the dance floor and his methods for attracting people of both sexes to be his dancing partner!

We made our way south westward for a couple of miles along a seldom used ‘c’ road whereupon we arrived at bungalow farm where a small industrial unit was renovating classic and prestige motors.

We continued on the Vanguard way towards Berwick, passing by a small mansion house that we remarked was quite a few bricks short of Mountfield Court that we had visited in recent weeks, however, set in its own grounds and overlooking the Cuckmere valley  one could be forgiven for expecting to see the farm hand and the scullery maid cavorting in the corn fields after their duties were fulfilled for the day!

We had yet to see any water until a badly sited marker led us through the back garden of a comely house and grounds ensuring we maintained both our footing and a respectful distance from both

house and ornamental pond. After exiting the garden it became clearer as to the path we should have trodden and would of course have seen the appropriate marker had we not been completing our circuit ‘the wrong way round!’ Continuing on the Vanguard way we arrived at Arlington Reservoir and stopped for brief refreshment, a quick lesson in fly fishing and listening in to others very loud conversation. The reservoir of 120 acres was created in 1970 and supplies 5 million gallons of water each day to the Eastbourne area, it is fed by the Cuckmere river and has become a wildlife sanctuary with over 170 species of birds calling it home and 10,000 additional seasonal feathered visitors.

With spirits lifted we headed off around the perimeter of the reservoir  for about a mile before departing in search of the Weald Way that would take us back towards Upper Dicker and our journey’s end, however due to an incompatibility glitch between the 1874 map we were using and the siting of the Weald Way we ended up creating our own new routes taking in both fields, tracks and very busy main roads back towards our vehicle. (ed. hi-vis vest?)

When in site of the local pub the Plough we found the officially re-sited route of the Weald way and to celebrate both this discovery and the end of our thirsty walk we felt obliged to calm our nerves by taking refreshing alms from the array of fine beers on offer and quenched our thirst before the final 1/2 mile back to the start/end point. 8 miles completed, some new pathways cut and the promise of a lie down in the back garden with a good book to further aid the digestion.