Walking through Wigdens Bottom

It was a morning that the Downs would take some revenge on our decisions to wear appropriate clothes. We met at Butts Brow car park which was a familiar meeting place but little can be done to predict the weather conditions once you've driven to the elevated position.
The wind was chilling especially on the knees one group member, who defied common sense and bravely took his stride and pace, with shorts, as we headed off in the direction of East Dean.

The clouds were always threatening on the horizon and whilst we kept a meaningful 3 mph pace across the Downs the group made good progress along the footpath whilst distinguishing the difference between a text alert coming through on our mobile phone and an off road cyclist coming up behind us, ringing his bell. We moved aside on a couple occasions as cycling appeared to be the mode of transport of choice today, although later saw several walking groups navigating their way around the numerous footpaths that were providing options to our walk. Sheep were happily grazing as we walked through the fields.

Through a couple more gates and we were heading down through the affluent residential area of East Dean and toward the main road, where we crossed and shortly after, discovered the Wednesday market in full flow. Car Park attendants directed lost cars around the small area as the ugly pie company attracted the usual attention for sustenance. Fruit and veg were still in abundance as were other random stalls selling produce and crafts.

We took a rest on the village green and refueled on a variety of packed snacks and flasks of tea and coffee.
The Village was getting prepared for the Bonfire and Firework event in the evening.
As we walked past the Cricket green the bonfire was stacked high with dampened pallets, branches and other oddments wooden fuel. There would be a torchlight procession form the village green later and the fireworks would be set off on the hillside opposite.

We reached Birling Manor and headed around the back to pick up on a network of footpaths that would give us options to cut back onto the South Downs way. The farm in the distance appeared to be ahead of the programme of events and had already ignited a large fire. As we walked along the path next to the farm we saw 2 young farm workers with deckchairs and flasks keeping the fire going with dried bracken. They looked like they were there til dusk or even longer perhaps.

Our walk took a new, different direction heading over a stile and into a field of scattered round hay bales. The area was known as Wigdens Bottom and whilst looking like a well distinguished path on the map, it became increasingly difficult to define exactly where the path was. It didn't help matters as the hay bales became unnecessary obstacles as we weaved our way steadily uphill toward a white house on the horizon. A large flock of gulls and crows were circling over a herd of cows on the opposite hilltop. Hitchcock scenes immediately came to mind.

We reached a stile at the top of the hill and little after a junction of footpaths gave options to the next direction, however we were set on going straight over the main Eastbourne to Brighton coast road and down the hill on the opposite side to then walk along the pathway leading to the golf course through which the South Downs Way ran through.

That was the plan, however we first had to carefully maneuver our way along the edge of a field of sprout plants and then down a steep hill which we all took at our own pace. Some running, some walking and some slaloming their way safely and without too much injury. The knee joints were taking its toll on such terrain for some of us.

 

The walking pace had steadied itself and the need to take short rests once we'd climbed back up the concrete path to the South Downs Way was a necessity. But the views remained impressive as we spied upon the vista below as we were nearing our starting point at Butts Brow.

We knew we were getting back toward the car park as the dog walkers were more prominent. The task complete, we unlaced and congratulated ourselves for completing the 8.5 mile hike however more consideration would be necessary as to whether the shorts would be out again next time.