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.