The main fact was that during the months of May and June, illness of one of our brethren meant that walks were halted as much coordination and routes were held by him. Hence the dearth of walks, even though, in his absence, the remaining troupe marched upon the Downs overlooking Eastbourne.
But the posse are back and the bout of illness has been brushed aside with a rehabilitation programme of walks now planned. Not too much hill climbing is preferred at the moment, but there will be views to be captured regardless.
We therefore congregated in the church car park of Chiddingly last Thursday and ventured to set a 4 mile circuit toward Gun Hill.
The weather was warm and with blue sky and sun is was looking like a potentially pleasant day. A slight breeze kept us from overheating and the pace of the early stages of the walk ensured we didn't exhaust ourselves. At least that was the plan.
We crossed over the first lane and entered through a gate where, to our right, were a dozen or more beehives with evidence of much activity of bees entering and departing on their daily pollen collecting mission.
We descended down toward the stream, where levels had reduced markedly since the last time we trailed this route.
The grass and other flora had made its summer growth difficult to pass through on several stages of the walk. A small machete may have been useful for the leading walker to swipe through at times.
The next field provided sustenance for some of us who preferred an early snack of broad beans. The plants had small pods in which some sweet beans were to the tasted. At the far side of the field a group of walkers were coming toward us. The gap of the path meant that polite conversation inevitable. We pointed out that they'd probably appreciate the beans also, but with happy smiles they seemed disinterested in the plants and walked on.
A small section of road walking along a lane where the aroma of a lorry collecting waste from one of the cottages perfumed the air as we passed by. The Gun pub on our right didn't appear to be open for business yet, but no doubt they were preparing food for the hungry masses for lunch later.
Soon after, (opposite the car park) a left turn onto a farm drive that would allow us passage through the centre of farm buildings. Once through the gate at the far end, we encountered a sheltered gulley where it was necessary to navigate our way through some muddy patches.
We were heading toward the first lane we crossed about half a mile north and into a riding school, where a loud barking dog came to check out our authority pass as horses being put through their paces by some junior riders and their family watched.
We continued toward the next wooded area and then climbed over a fragile stile into a track.
It was time to stop for a short refreshment break and consume fuel.
We were just over half way round and more barking dogs ensured we didn't stray from the well marked footpath after setting off from our resting place. However once over the bridge which crossed the river ouse, we encountered more overgrown foliage that restricted our ability to decide exactly which way to turn. Like intrepid gorilla warriors we battled through and with minor scratches we were soon out in daylight again and climbing over a stile and into an open field.
A steady walk up the field where grass had been cut and bundled into convenient rounds of winter feed, to the final stretch of road and Chidingly church spire was coming into view.
But not before we had a chance to sample more broad beans and also cross paths with the same walkers we had seen an hour ago. The sight of the spire was getting closer and maybe our pace quickened also. And for good measure there was another stables where horses and workers were hard at work and another dog made certain we knew he was in charge.
A final stretch of legs through fields and climbing over of stiles, we observed the grand site of what may be Chiddingly's mascot... a goat. Sitting majestic and soaking up the grandeur of his estate.
We had completed the 4 mile walk in around 2 hours without the aid of air sea rescue, which in itself was an achievement worthy of note.
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