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.