Exceat Exercise Expedition

There had been a break from the usual weekly routine of hiking across the local terrain, so the group of 5 were keen to tread some miles and lever the boots on outside the Cuckmere Inn which overlooks the Seven Sisters Country Park.
The forecast meant that there was little reason to carry waterproofs and only headed out with a
variety of light snacks and plenty of water.
The route took us from the car park onto the footpath south toward the coast, but no sooner getting into our stride we turned west and followed the footpath onto Chyngton Lane.

The hedgerows were showing signs of an abundance of unripened blackberries. We watched also as a herd of cattle were politely queuing to drink from a gurgling water trough. They clearly had seen the forecast as we had and thought wisely about the amount of water required to survive the day.

We arrived at the junction of the lane and the main coastal link road between Seaford and Eastbourne. Traffic was frequent but we soon managed to find safe passage to the other side.

We entered a continuation of the same lane on the opposite side until we turned onto a narrow grass track, which would lead us to meet the Alfriston Road. Toward the end of this footpath we came across a bottle of water and a dog bowl. Clearly it was a dog friendly gesture to ensure the dogs were being hydrated by a kindly local resident.
The track, after crossing the Alfriston Road, started to climb gradually. A flock in excess of 200 sheep filled the field to our right. Their conversation was only occasionally translated into intelligible expletives although they were all enjoying the sunshine and views as much as we were.

We reached the elevated point on Frog Firle and were soon walking alongside a hedgerow of sloes which were also showing signs of potential ripening. Nobody was brave enough to sample it however reflected on the merits of previously making Sloe Gin in a past life.

We were now walking amongst the sheep referred to previously and they seemed willing to allow us free passage through whilst watching various off-spring still determined to sucker nourishment from their mothers.
We reached the end of the field having viewed the valley below to our left.

The Rathfinny Estate has been establishing one of the finest vineyards in the country in this area. Read more.

We started a steady descent towards the river below, under the gaze of the white horse. As we crossed the bridge we stopped and rested for a short snack and to ensure our hydration levels were at an optimum level.

The river path was our route back toward the car park. There were 4 women on the opposite bank that gave rise to our concerns. They were static, staring across toward the edge of the wood beyond us. Not certain what it was about exactly, but were glad to get pass them without any curse or spell put on us.... well no evidence of it thus far.

We saw a 'herd' of fish swimming back and forth as black headed gulls swooped down to consider a catch of the day. A little further and a 'challenge' of canadian geese stood firm on the opposite bank. A couple of dogs were mildly tempted to make a chase of it, but were under strict command of their owner not to... (we assumed).

There was little more to do but cross the busy coastal road again having given directions to some young lost looking tourist types who were in search of the seven sisters. We sent them in the opposite direction. (no, we didn't really!)
We released our boots having completed the 5.5 miles circuit and not feeling too exhausted despite the sun beating down on the cars that were giving an excessively high temperature reading of almost 30 deg C... til the next time.

The Heat is On (Glenn Frey - 1984)

The weather forecast spoke of it being the hottest day this year with threats of storms later, but that wasn't going to stop the 5 strong pose gathering under the gaze of the Long Man in Wilmington.
With due consideration to the fluids to carry and which direction to undertake the circuitous venture we strolled toward the church's graveyard and paid our respects to the majestic Yew tree, chained and supported in position.

The fields were turning more golden and made an easy paced stride down the first few fields toward Milton Street and onwards towards the river Cuckmere.
The breeze was keeping a cooling pressure on our face as we walked alongside the river. Cattle grazed on the opposite bank and watched us with some curiosity. The temperature was rising to the high 20s at this point and before we turned into the small village of Littlington we stopped on a bench which was conveniently in the shade and took on much needed fluids. After a brief exchange with a dog walker who was checking for cattle occupancy we saddled up and moved onto the road for a short time and then followed the road toward Clapham  Farm. Running up the lane appeared to be an option for a couple of us, but soon ceased when the shade of trees became a more attractive idea.
At the top of the hill the activity of agricultural machinery filled the air. The rampant tossing of hay or straw was maintaining the attention of the driver as we crossed his path with little awareness of our presence it seemed.

We continued to soak in the blue-skied landscaped which surrounded the top of the hill. The bleating sheep echoed from a nearby field. Another small hill, then we dropped into a short wooded area that gave much appreciated shade.

The heat was causing some serious melt-down conditions in several of us and another liquid re-fuel was required before walking up the next half mile incline. On several occasions we had come across a flurry (or plague?) of blue butterflies (common blue?) that were attracted to piles of fresh horse poo! Once at the top, it was a chance to take a rewarding break and look out across Lullington Heath National Nature Reserve. Meanwhile the peaceful surroundings were almost deafening as the gentle breeze kept us all ventilated (to a degree).

A final stretch and we were navigating our way across toward Windover Hill. We stopped and admired more landscaped vistas across toward Firle Beacon.

A half later we were overlooking the Long Man of Wilmington and checking on water levels in Arlington Reservoir and viewed upon the unique patchwork of fields that lay beneath us.

As we descended the hill we noted the recently reported 'corn circle' that had appeared overnight a few weeks ago. It was but a simple pattern that could have been quickly overlooked as a practice circular attempt which didn't warrant further expansion. Either that, or the designers were caught amidst their valiant treading of corn stalks.
We had concluded our walk registering 7.6 miles on the pedometer in around 3 hours. Rehydration was the order of the day in the hope of cooler walks to come.

Aromatherapy & Alpacas

The Hikers were out in force, as the 5 strong team of booted personnel congregated in the car park of the Merrie Harriers, Cowbeech with the July sunshine already raising the temperature to around 19°C. We'd stated that we should approach this venture as a 'stroll' and not a challenging route march as the heat was destined to rise to the mid 20's.
The lane opposite the pub invited our steps for the first mile, that soon turned into faithful footpaths. The lanes were only occupied with the occasional Range Rovers today and a healthy wave of acknowledgement as we stood aside was offered in gratitude rather than recognition.
A horse and its rider trotted passed us, commenting upon the rarity of seeing 5 men out hiking along the local lanes.... we assured her that it happens very rarely.

We then came across the site of some Alpacas in a farm yard area. Dr Doolittle of our group tempted them for some affectionate stroking (so he informed us) however we were more concerned that one in particular was setting up his aiming technique for some saliva driven target practice. We quickly turned and got back into our stride.

Down a short track and we were soon in the sheltered area of a small wooded area before entering into the large orchard full of fruit laden trees of Greenway Fuit Farm. Firstly pears, then apples and some plums. Rows of cherry trees were captured in nets to stop tempting birds to devour the produce. But not only the sight but the smell of fresh fruit permeated the fields as we walked, and the large pylons towered over the entire area.

We arrived on the lane and walked a short distance to another field where normally horses are grazing. However today, there were no livestock and the following field only had a collection of large circular black plastic bundles of hay, grazing quietly. To the north the views of the Weald were illuminated by cloudless blue sky and bright sunshine.

We crossed over the main Cowbeech road and entered more fields. This time crops of sweetcorn were in partial growth with no sign of cob development yet. We again entered another small wooded area (Little Gensing Wood) which we surmised was being used to cultivate chestnut trees for using as stakes. We found a small area of cut logs where we then sat and took on fluids and a small snack.

We crossed another field before walking down the long drive of Blackford Farm. Through the heart of the farm and out the other side along a concrete drive, we turned right and came out to cross our last challenge, whilst looking at what appeared to be 2 large soaring birds of prey, the name of which escaped us all even though we had several good guesses. The challenge that lay ahead of us was not just a field of new growth of grass, but in it was a tractor, spreading fountains of liquid manure. Thankfully he had gone to the top end of the field, however we had to encounter the area of field over which he had just spread the contents of the trailer. The aroma was noticeable and was in complete contrast to the more pleasant and distinct fragrance of the fruit farm. In fear of both our lives and the tractor returning, we hastily walked to the gate through which we could escape the perils of further muck spreading.

Our final half mile back to the pub was a simple trek along the road which connected Cowbeech to Vines Cross (Hammer Lane). We arrived at the car to discover (just by chance) that the pub was open for business. It seemed only right to take a beverage there, as they'd be kind enough to provide their car park to us. Re-hydration was accomplished within half hour unlike our 2 hour, 4.5 mile stroll.
I'll drink to that!