Doing Justice to the South Downs around Firle Beacon Walk

Not to overplay the weather cliche of it being 'unseasonally warm' for this time of year, we couldn't believe our luck once again. As we congregated in Firle Beacon car park to start our autumn season of walks to feel a warmth in the breeze whisking past us as we started our walk toward the pair telecommunication masts was a pleasant start.

The incline up to the masts was steady and once arriving at the top of the hill we took a short-cut path down to the second gate. The masts were behind us, but they were to be our point of reference for the entire walk. We headed south along a well trodden bridleway with 'America Farm' on our right, and started to soak in views toward the sea.

There was Snap Hill to our left and Newhaven's new landmark incinerator was in our line of sore-sight ahead also, but we concentrated on the Ravilious landscapes of the ploughed chalk fields.
We were riding on the crest of the rolling Downs which gave good rhythm to our pace which was being maintained at a steady 3mph.

This was becoming a walk of constant 360 views. Whichever way we looked, there were stunning views and the sun captured the light of the moment.
Birds swooped in the distance seeking their prey and sheep grazed on the numerous fields which they appeared to have free access to all areas.

For some of us there was a need to disrobe and take on water as we got halfway up a steeper incline and a few fields later it was necessary to take out the map and check our position and confirm our next path to take. The reward at the top of the field waited patiently and the views all around delivered more bonus shots.

We saw the next gate in the distance and decided that it would a good opportunity to stop and open up flasks and check out what snacks that were being carried. The sheep nearby didn't appear to be too bothered by our presence as we munched on various delights and swigged from flasks of tea and coffee.

After 15 minutes we were ready to commence our second part of the walk and conversation continued as we trudged across a field of newly planted turnips. Soon they would grow and become food for the local livestock... no doubt the sheep will have an appetite.
The 2 masts seemed deceptively close to our left whilst our knowledge reminded us that they were still nearly 2 miles away (as the crow flies).
We reached the summit of the hill where footpaths converged momentarily and then directed our way back to the main South Downs Way. Through the penultimate gate, we were on the more famliar route that ran between Alfriston and Southease.

A lone horse rider came toward us yet avoided coming into close contact with us. 
Firle Beacon was in our sight whilst the 2 masts seemed to be just as far away as before. Other horses were gathered on the ridge of the hillside, fenced off and therefore preventing them from having freedom to roam onto the footpath. Their view was as stunning as ours all the way round.

There were a group of hikers congregating at the Trig Point at the brow of Firle Beacon. Their fitness seemed no better than our own, but the distance they were walking was nothing in comparison (probably).

The final mile back to the car park from Firle Beacon was the final test of stamina for the day. The sun remained bright yet at this time of year a little lower. The final gate was ceremoniously opened and closed and we completed our 6.3 mile hike in just over 2¼hours, giving reverence and full respect to the South Downs that presented themselves so well for us.

Navigating around the Long Man

The weather clouds predicted rain by the time we'd finish this walk, but the four who met in the car park at Long Man were attired in various clothes to dispute the intentions of those threats of the Met Office. The intention was to walk around the base of Windover Hill, up to Lullington Heath and then into the footpath toward Alfriston.
The first track was steep and heavily rutted with the traffic that had used the route between Wilmington and Folkington. Our concentration on maintaining balance and grip was focussed as we walked along the flint and chalk based terrain. each step became a small challenge and with the first threat of drizzle in the air it was starting to look as though our timing had backfired.

Every now and again there were breaks in the fence and hedges allowing glimpses of the valley expanding beyond the immediate fields.
The track continued through a wooded area toward Folkington. The trees had dropped a good percentage of their leaves and the track was littered with the rejected brown, orange remnants.
We steadily trudged upwards, still mindful of selecting our steps between the deep gulleys and greasy surfaces.

We eventually came to a junction and soon afterwards negotiated our way passing a couple horses and their riders. There was a moment of the horse stirring, but we allowed adequate space to ensure we were unscathed by the event.

The glimpses of scenic terrain were rarely spotted as conversation distracted the process of ascending even further to the summit where the 360° views opened up. It was the first opportunity to examine the state of the clouds that continued to threaten but no rain of any significance had yet fallen.
Lullington Heath was to our left as we carefully descended down to a valley, then climbed a short distance uphill again.

A short detour, as we reached the 4 mile marker on our walk, we took a brief break for food and drink. As we sat, the rain started to threaten and some of us decided to don our raincoats.

We re-traced our steps back to the junction of footpaths and walked downhill toward Alfriston. The clouds remained dark as we picked out step and soaked in the views around us. Ahead we saw Alfriston come closer into view whilst a feint mist started to descend on the hills beyond.
Arriving in the lane at the bottom of the track we orientated ourselves to consider the best route to take.
We headed along the lane and turned at the junction to find our way into the field and then toward the newly repaired and painted white bridge upon which all the South Down Way walkers would pass over. Just before we reached the bridge we came across a newly constructed stile which had be re-positioned with scalping built up to enable walkers to mount and dismount with barely breaking stride. It was tested for the purpose of balance and good design and qualified on all accounts.

We stood on the white bridge and admired the new signpost. We then headed along side the river which was filling with tidal water and reached our 6 mile point.

The pace had been maintained relatively well at this point, but was aware that the final hill toward the car park at Long Man and few stiles might be testing.

The fine mist that we observed earlier had turned its attention to us and the drizzle was becoming more persistent. For those without raincoats on at this point it was little point in dressing up for the final half mile.

We'd reached 7 miles as we crossed into the field that would lead us to the church where the mighty Yew was rooted to the spot outside the door to the church.

A farmer was spraying toxic smelling chemical fertilizer on his field as we reached the churchyard.
Not to worry, the milometer had clicked onto 7.7 miles as we entered the car park. Completed in 3hrs 13mins....

To Crowlink with a Twist in the Trail

Yes, it was one of the old faithful little hikes that got us out to Birling Gap on a blustery Friday morning, even though the temperature, for the time of year, was remaining in the high teens and an unseasonal time to worry about dressing too warmly.
We were ready with boots laced up and sticks waving we headed toward the first (or was it the last?) sister.

We firstly examined the newly constructed building stood high up on the first elevated position where workmen's vans were almost obstructing our way through.

Once through the gate, we were onto the South Downs Way, the sun gleaming across the sea behind us and a warming breeze to our face. Bell Tout lighthouse came into view and the driftwood littered the beach below us after a few stormy days at sea.

This was one of well favoured walks that has become a sound 'fall-back' reliable walk whatever the weather or time of year. Therefore the description of the walking route has been well documented over previous years and although the good intentions of these blogs are to record all the idiosyncrasies of the walks, it has to be said each time we walk this route something new is experienced or observed as we engage in the mass of deep soul searching conversations as we walk.
The edge of the cliff attracted some concern as we saw a sheep grazing a little close for comfort. We didn't disturb it for fear of it jumping off for an escape.

We had hoped to see mushrooms at this time of year, but alas there were precious little fungi to be found. The walk up through Crowlink had us puffing and breaking out in a sweat.The pace had been relatively encouraged by the wind on our backs as the walked through the small Hamlet of cottages in Crowlink.

We reached the church and inspected the pond. The recent rain fall had filled the small reservoir and an information board notified onlookers of what should be seen.

We descended toward East Dean village after taking a short refreshment break at the seat after passing through the graveyard. The seat upon which we rested informed us that the area upon which we looked across was locally known as 'Hobbs Eares'.

The sun was creeping out from the clouds that stirred with grey magnificence in the sky. The people of the village were going about their business as three of us stopped and viewed the contents of the shop whilst the other entered to purchase some cheese from Snowdonia.

We were on the walk back towards Birling Gap, passing the cricket ground where a large pile of wood and pallets were starting to gather size in readiness for the firework display on November 5th.
The variety of sheep in the next field were looking at us with varying suspicion and/or concern.
For the final phase we decided to re-direct out way back and head across the back of Birling Farm and head toward the Bell Tout Lighthouse.

The views and perspectives changed as we looked down toward Birling Gap. We had been walking just over 2 hours and had made good progress. We had momentary intentions to walk up to take a closer look at the lighthouse, but decided on walking along the lower path and watch make our final approach to the car park from the lower level.
The car park was getting fuller as the weather had drawn numerous people and school groups to the area. We had completed this 5.2 miles hike in just over 2.5hrs...

Horsey Trek around East Hoathly

The weather forecast tempted some of us to dig out waterproofs and yet with sunny intervals interspersed with showers we could expect to be rained upon at some point during this hike around the fields and lanes of East Hoathly as we met outside the church. Only four were setting out on this adventure and decided on an extension of a described walk set by East Sussex County Council which would take us past Hesmonds Stud and beyond.

The first section however uncovered a new addition to the East Hoathly community. Just after leaving the graveyard of the church we discovered that a once piece of unused field had been converted into allotments for those green fingered citizens wishing to grow their own had been allocated portions of some healthy looking soil. Harvest time was yet to come as we had yet to experience any frost despite some chilly nights.
We crossed over the road and moved aside as the local refuse collection lorry maneuvered its way down the same driveway as we were heading toward the Stud Farm. At the end of the drive the gated community of stables looked securely encased as signs for where the footpath was made certain we wouldn't be trespassing on any hallowed turf.

Another drive slightly uphill walk, we looked to our right and behind us and noticed a newly built white building which looked a little out of place amongst the green surroundings. "Grand Design would have been interested in following this development" we discussed.
At the top of the drive, more 'footpath' signs and we now continued uphill towards a small section of wood (Great Wood). We'd visited the three graves of the horses previously, but gave them a second look to check on the names in case we'd placed any bets on them in whilst in their prime.

We continued on the well signposted Wealden Way footpath through the wood, but when we arrived a few minutes later at the stile to enter the next field, we found a double line of electric fencing inside which were a small flock of sheep.

Somewhat perplexed by this obstacle, we started to circumnavigate the boundary of the field, thinking we could avoid hurdling the wires that had every chance of delivering some effective electrical current through our bodies. Unfortunately when we arrived at the corner of the field, our path was still blocked off and hurdling the wire was the only option. Luckily, with the assistance of a wooden hiking stick, we were able to force the wire lower to make our hurdling efforts much easier.
This process had to be repeated on no less than 6 more occasions.

We reached a lonely looking tree standing in the middle of the next field which was the junction of footpaths. the direction post had been uprooted and despite trying to position it correctly to help future hikers, our map gave better assistance to trek to the boundary fence and hurdle over our final electric fence.

The path dropped into a darkened deep gully through which a small stream flowed. It was a thin north west section of Six Acre Wood which, once we'd come out into the next field would see us crossing over Beechy Road and then follow the Wealden Way into the field opposite. The boundary of this next field proved to be the better option as the field had been freshly ploughed and sowed with sprouting plants. It looked a bit muddy, so the grassy perimeter route was the preferred option.

At the far end of the field, we descended into another deep slippery path with wooden bridge which was equally slippery in the wet mossy covered surfaces. But the hedgerows were a mass of colourful berries, so was this the sign of a hard cold winter we had to look forward to?

We climbed out at the opposite side into another recently ploughed and sowed field, but this time deciding that if we stepped lightly, we wouldn't carry too much mud on our boots into the next field. Our plan came good and as we climbed a further couple stiles we were out on Bushbury Lane. A green woodpecker had quickly flown as we moved towards this final stile but it was good to walk for a while along the lane after the uneven terrain of previous fields.
At the end of the lane we entered a short footpath that led us into Hollow Lane. The gates into the field were equipped with heavy duty chains and padlocks. Clearly this was a hot spot for agricultural gate theft and the locals were doing everything possible to prevent it continuing.

We walked for almost another mile down Hollow Lane back toward East Hoathly, passing road signs in desperate need of repair or replacement and observing houses that looked on the brink of being derelict if it hadn't been for noticing the bin was out the road ready for emptying. We admitted that these were roads we'd ever even driven down least walked along.

Our final field walk had us turning into a field around which we walked, again ignoring the direction of the arrow on the signpost. At several points we had reason to stop and forage for an abundance of chestnuts that had been shaken from their tree by the almost gale force wind that was whipping along the side of the field.

We were now into the final phase of the walk and now at the rear of the white house we had seen earlier. We crossed the final few fields and into a short wooded area before coming out onto the main road into East Hoathly.

The sign on the opposite side of the road reassured us that we were 48 miles of Bow Bells (St Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside, London EC2V 6AU) and that if we chose to walk further, it would probably only take us little over 2 more days. But there didn't seem much motivation to undergo this trip juts yet, and decided on walking back to the car after our 5.5 mile walk, or 44 furlongs if we were horse racing!! and without a drop of rain falling upon us.

A solo hike around Blenheim Park

Strictly speaking the reporting of walks on this blog are designed for when the group of us go out and stomp around the local footpaths... however last Friday there was an opportunity whilst being out of County to get out on the trail again on my own.
I'd driven to Oxfordshire early morning to visit relations (well, my passenger was also) and left me with a couple hours to spend exploring the nearby Blenheim Park.
I set off with the intention to find the Oxfordshire footpath that cuts across the long driveway at the rear of Blenheim Palace. After almost a mile walk along a lane, the footpath sign came into view, and then turned onto the path which ran along the boundary of a field of recently cut corn. The sun was starting to creep from between the clouds, even though some of them looked menacing. As I walked alongside the corn stubble I could hear the sound of the remaining stubble popping and crackling.

At least that's what I assumed it was, as on closer inspection I confirmed that it wasn't the rain. Some hikers heading in the opposite direction confirmed my theory as I stopped them and asked if this was possible.

I was walking into Blenheim Park and was confronted with a high 7ft high wall and hoping there was at least a gap or gate in order to access the area. I was definitely following the correct path, and just around the corner saw there was a large set of wooden stairs to enable my to scale over the wall and down the other side. On the stairs were footpath signs for both the Oxfordshire Way and the Shakespeare Way, the latter path being one which started in Stratford Upon Avon and finished in London.

I was setting a good pace and after a few more gates I walked onto the main driveway running from the rear of the Palace in excess of a mile. Clear evidence of sheep grazing was in abundance and although keeping on the tarmac drive I was often wandering onto the grass heading steadily toward the Palace. The livestock grids to prevent the sheep from straying were covered in wooden sheets. They were clearly allowed to wander where they please and the signs were directing owners of dogs to ensure they pets were on leads and under direct control at all times.

The drive veered to the left as I neared the Column of Victory. It went out of view for a a while as I circumnavigated the Column. The Column was started five years after the 1^st Duke of Marlborough's death, the Column of Victory was completed in 1730 at a cost of £3,000. The height of this Doric column, surmounted by eagles is 40 metres, including the lead statue of the Duke by the otherwise unknown craftsman, Robert Pit.

The area was fenced off with an electric looking fence apart from a wooden stile which I duly climbed over. The footpath then ascended to the higher position where the Column came into view to my right again.  To my left the grand bridge came into view and beyond that, the Palace stood with all its grandeur and majesty. The occasional jogger and walker passed me by as I made my way across to the other side where another stile was conveniently positioned.

Another enclosure of sheep awaited me as once again a third stile enabled me to walk through a gulley towards a junction of footpaths. The signs were showing me the way as I consulted the OS map which confirmed my direction. A steady climb upwards along a tree lined drive, I eventually found my way out through a large gate from the park and into a lane. It appeared to be a frequently used place where dog walkers would park their cars and head into Blenheim. There were signs for a 10k run which had either taken place or was in preparation. Perhaps that's what the joggers were doing around the park.

I navigated my way through the final phase of my walk. In the next lane there was a gap and sign directing me to Combe - 1 mile. This was the way again confirmed by my map, and I was striding along a footpath which eventually came to a recreation field marked up for football and some distance children playing in a playground. Combe church was just behind me and after a sit down to take in the views, catch my breath and have a sandwich and drink of tea from my flask, I strolled through the graveyard and out onto the Village Green. Opposite was the Cock Inn and a memorial. The village was quiet and the occasional delivery van buzzed through.

I had completed the walk in around 2 hours and completed a distance of 5.7 miles.