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...