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.