Annual Cuckoo Trail Pilgrimage (return ticket)

Its Friday 13th and the weather forecast influenced  our decision today as we wanted to preserve a cross-coutry hike across potentially muddy fields for a better day. With grey clouds and just a glimmer of sun shining through some light clouds, the four of us gathered in the car park opposite Hellingly's historical pub, the Golden Martlett, although no pints had pulled there since a fire swept through the building over 20 years ago and remains as a shell having had little attention since.
We were about to embark on what is likely to become an annual 'fall back' pilgrimage along the old railway track that used to connect Eastbourne to Tunbridge Wells (via Heathfield and Mayfield) which was a branch line that left south of Eridge. The line was closed north of Hailsham on 14th June 1965. The line was one of the nationally unprofitable links in the eyes of Dr Beeching and was therefore doomed to close.

Our pace was steady and purposeful as we ran the gauntlet over the first mile with our canine company through several packs of dogs with their owners, walking back in the opposite direction.
The breeze was occasionally sharpening up however to our advantage the clouds were parting every so often and allowed the sun to shine down.
The trail had a steady ascent toward Horam. Sheep in nearby fields watched from a safe distance as we walked passed with weathered moss decorated benches. There were distant sounds of woodpeckers making familiar drilling noises to impress their nest making ability.
Just small signs of spring were evident. Fresh buds on nearby bushes and scenes of ploughed fields being prepared for planting. Thats not to say it could still turn cold and a late fall of snow could scupper and chance of early crops.

Nevertheless, the remains of Horam train station came into sight after passing through a small complex of houses. Signs for the nearby Wessons cafe was almost tempting after reading the diagram of the trail that started at Heathfield and showed distances south to Eastbourne. It seemed like at least another 3 miles (or was it 2.5 miles?) until we would get to Heathfield.
We exchanged glances of encouragement and continued under the bridge and started a slightly steeper incline.

We'd seen no cyclist until now. Two came past us looking a little weary and worn by the effect of the hill. We were at least pacing ourselves for the final mile or so and we exchanged pleasantries as they continued uphill. The clouds were gathering and it had darkened as though it could deluge at any minute. zipping up our raincoats, we prepared however without cause to, as no rain fell.
There was a growing number of dog walkers again as we were getting nearer to Heathfield. Some diverted their gaze with both us and the dogs we had with us. There seemed to be some coded language that we were not privy to.

Down into a short track and up the other side we arrived at Ghyll Road where a new housing estate had taking up the fields that once had accompanied the trail. Imagining the sights that once would have been seen from the windows of the trains that pulled into Heathfield station, there would now be unrecognisable changes for the passengers.
So we stood on the kerbside and decided that as we'd virtually arrived on the outskirts of Heathfield, the need to further into the town centre was a high priority and what we later found out we'd already walked over 5 miles, we were well on the limits of what we needed to be walking in one go and at such a pace. We agreed to retrace our steps downhill and set up our snacks and flasks on a picnic table a short distance back along the trail.

The rest was earned, but couldn't be too long. There was still the threat of rain in the air, so after our flasks had been emptied and healthy nutty bars and bananas had been consumed, we latched on our back-packs and started the descent to Horam.

We observed the rustic sight of an old BMX track with death defying jumps and ramps made from earth that if moved by hand, must have taken several months to construct. We considered bringing our bikes the next time and give it a try, but soon dismissed the idea as being inconsiderate to those younger than us who would benefit from such exercise.

We were making good progress and arrived back at Horam station and again examined the map that informed us of the miles we had left to walk. We needed to set some targets especially as the rain that was well overdue now could fall at any time.

We marched on with semi-empty stomachs and kept a meaningful pace of what felt like close to 4 mph. There was no turning back, as the sheep once again kept their distance from the trail. The clouds were gathering ahead and we once again saw an increase of dog walkers who were hardly dressed adequately for the deluge we were about to experience.

A few spots of rain soon turned into a full downpour and those not wearing raincoats had to quickly don them and make an even hurried walk back to the car park at Hellingly and complete our 10.6 mile hike.