It was our first venture on to high ground in 2015 and having all 6 of us together again, rendezvousing on the western fringe of Alfriston meant that our view of the first hill was in our sights before we'd got out of the car.
Previous hikes up this hill had caused some of the group to shake in dread and anticipation of another grueling ascent.
The dogs were as ready as we were and set the pace for the following half mile ascent toward a junction of footpaths and took in the full view of the Weald below us. Wendover hill to our right and Firle Beacon to our left, there was a grand panoramic vista below us as we headed into the first field of sheep where the wind strengthened around our ears.
The simple task of walking was hampered by the continuing buffeting of wind, but the sun kept threatening to shine on us through grey clouds. After another mile of discussion and sheep counting, we turned south and straight into the wind. We caught glimpses of the ferry maneuvering on the sea outside Newhaven. The conditions out there didn't favour a particularly smooth crossing to Dieppe today, but it slowly disappeared from sight as we descended into the sheltered valley on Green Way.
We weren't the only ones out treading the chalk downs as we encountered several other people making progress across the network of surrounding footpaths.
At the foot of Blackstone Bottom we opened the new gate and started the steep ascent which provided a test of both stamina and grip for our boots. The awaiting bench at the top gave perfect opportunity to sit and refuel ourselves. Flasks and other post Christmas leftovers (and breakfast cereals) were devoured with relish, with dogs looking on for any dropped scraps.
After setting off back inland we soon encountered the company of a circling light aircraft that at around 500 feet was struggling with the similar buffeting wind that we had experiencing as he was trying to head into the westerly wind. Shoreham Airport, we assumed? He soon gave up and was seen with tail wind speeding at nearly the speed of sound. We admit we didn't hear any supersonic boom, but after 10 minutes he was making another overhead pass and making better progress than his previous attempt. He was soon out of view as we courteously passed through a sequence of older gates heading eventually to find a few people who had driven to the car park at Bopeep.
The sun tried to creep through the grey clouds, but with little effect as flocks of crows circled on the next horizon, no doubt disturbed by the windy conditions or by other wildlife that were competing for food sources.
At least the weather hadn't deteriorated despite seeing some serious dark clouds ahead. At least we didn't get rained upon. The sheep looked perplexed as we all arrived at the top of Borstal hill and pervade the scene across the Weald once more. We had reached the high point of the walk, and saw a lonely seagull struggling to get back to the coast with little chance of achieving his objective for the day unless the wind at 200 feet decreased considerably.
A steady descent now along the same path we had walked a couple hours previous. The view of Alfriston and the flooded fields next to the Cuckmere river was all the confirmation we required for the decision to remain on the high ground rather than circumnavigate our route (as we had done before) down towards Frog Firle and for a final walk alongside the river.
Several more dog walkers exchanged pleasantries with us and we were back at the junction of footpaths and steadily walked down the chalk stone trackway.
On our final descent more aircraft. 2 jet aircraft zoomed without any hindrance of the weather conditions as they banked and showed off their profile towards the sea.
The cars were in sight as we reached the bottom of the track and the gardener who was diligently cutting the hedge when we left was still hard at work with his petrol trimmer, filling up his trailer with cuttings.
We unlaced boots and after our 7 mile hike, we congratulated each other on the first walk of the year and made plans for another walk the following week.
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