Puddle Jumping near Alfriston

Firstly, apologies to anyone who stumbles upon this blog page with regular attention. A few of us took a 7 mile hike from Alfriston to Firle Beacon a few weeks back, and have failed to upload some pics and report on the adventure which took place on 30th Nov 2012.

We set off to climb up the hill, walking along the South Downs Way path. The weather had been atrocious over previous days (in fact weeks) but this was the day we'd been waiting for. The sky was blue, cloudless and the air was fresh and cold. But the sheep weren't phased by the temperature.

Our aim was to reach Firle Beacon, then descend to the Coach Road and walk back to Alfriston. Although with an abundance of views all around us, we were tempted by staying at altitude and walk towards Frog Firle. However with some consideration, we continued west and took a break at the trig point on Firle Beacon.

The flasks were charged with a hot beverage. There were numerous other walkers passing along the top path and exchanging positive comments about the marvelous views and weather, but a drink of coffee wasn't offered to them.

The ground was frozen, but had thawed in areas where it was exposed to the sun. But our descent was on the north, sheltered side which was unlikely to get any sunshine until next spring. The walk down to coach road had to be taken carefully and with our sticks to aid balance managed to get to the lower road.

There were a few muddy puddles which meant some small diversions at certain points. But nobody could have prepared us for the final track towards Alfriston, which was more of a muddy river and therefore unable to avoid getting boots fully submerged.

But the sun kept shining and after wiping the mud from our boots on a nearby grass verge, the final half mile was on the road which led us back to our cars.

Wealdway vs the Vanguard Way

Out last Friday to test out some new Berghaus Boots that were delivered earlier in the week. The previous pair were letting in the water, and it now being October and pretty much wet every day, it was time to afford some new boots.

Just the 2 of us were out for a relatively short walk between Chiddingly and East Hoathly.
We headed out on the Wealdway and returned slightly north of our outward trek on the Vanguard Way.

The path took us through fields and farmyards. Spotting some autumn mushrooms, later to be identified as 'parasol' mushrooms, but left in place as we were uncertain of their edibleness.

We also witnessed a heron in full flight above us, being chased off by a couple of well intentioned crows who were not giving permission for the heron to fly in their air space.

Our westward trek eventually descended into the village of East Hoathly where the rich brewing aroma of hops brewing in the 1648 Brewery next door to the Kings Head.

We turned right and found a bench upon which was inscribed an inspiring verse.

The boots were holding up well as we were trampling across wet grass and muddy gateways. Walking adjacent to a caravan park, we noted various caravans and motorhomes occupying both the wooded area as well as the open field pitches.
The clouds had cleared and were privileged to have blue skies and strong warm sunshine.

We headed south back towards Chiddingly after a couple hours and an enjoyable 5.5 mile walk.

almost forgot we walked last week

 3rd August 2012
Well, It was almost a week ago now that 4 of us likely intrepid adventurers met up at Birling Gap and went in search of any rogue mushrooms that had been overlooked by the recent passers by.
It was a fairly early start to avoid the massing hoards of visitors. In fact they never appeared and we had much of the car park to ourselves.
I took the trusty motorhome and parked up in readiness for our return to cook up a fairly basic brunch.
Although, actually I had some Ostrich meat that had been sitting in the freezer for a while.
The walk took in some of the outstanding views across the seven sisters and beyond. The tide was creeping in as we turned inland to Crowlink and then down to East Dean. Noticing the abundant number of manure bags near a stables, it was clear that the world of gardening had been put on hold. Not unless they were planning to make an Olympic sport out of allotment produce, I think the bags would be staying there for the next few weeks.
We briefly visited a local 'micro' brewery where there were no samples on offer... only the raw materials... malt! a little late for breakfast cereal, but interesting flavours.

We shouldn't have stopped there, as within a few minutes of leaving and on the final 10 minute walk back to the car park, the sea mist turned into torrents of rain, which had us all soaked, by the time we sought shelter in the motorhome.

Not to worry... the feast was soon cooking, and although no mushrooms were picked, a contingency supply of bought mushrooms were an ample substitute, alongside an egg, black pudding, onion, kidneys and of course, the Ostrich!

The Friday Brunch club was back on form.

Chiddingly is getting overgrown

A favourite starting point for where the Wealden Way and the Vanguard Way meet at the car park near Chiddingly Church car park. There were options to go in different directions however we replicated a circular walk completed a couple months back (see April 15th 2012) , but in the opposite direction.
The only hazardous experience was battling our way through areas that a month or so ago, were easily accessible, but now looking lush with various vegetation which were at times intent on preventing us from accessing certain secluded paths.
The weather didn't look too threatening (according to the forecast) however aware that cloud density was increasing whilst on our 2 hour hike around the fields and lanes around Chiddingly. Most noticeable was the amount of honeysuckle growing through the hedgerows. The water under the Old Stream Bridge was in full flow and the hammer pond next to it looking a little deeper than the last time we visited.
Back to the car park in Chiddingly. around 6 miles completed and time for lunch.

An East Dean walk in the mist

Realised that I hadn't put on record that a few of us managed to get a circuit from Butts Brow to East Dean and back on top to the Golf Course last Wednesday.
The only reason I had not made a big deal about it was because we were mainly walking up in the clouds and didn't see much sunshine.
No photos were taken so a bit of a short report on this one, but a very surreal experience as the atmosphere
The highlight was getting down to East Dean Market and making a purchase of a tasty little pasty.
We did the round walk in around 3hours... not a big rush for around 8 miles.... (or as recorded on the GPS... 11km?)

a little break, a little longer

sorry guys.... the plans went  bit pear shaped today, so another walk will be planned and posted shortly for next week.

A Little Break and Ready To Go

I must admit it was not my plan to take a rest, but the other summer wine hikers were taking it steady whilst I was exploring, this time last week, the heights of Snowdon. Yes, all 1085 metres of it. A walk up which took my wife and I 4 hours to the summit and another 2 hours to descend.
But it was a sense of achievement despite saying, once we had completed the walk.."never again".
The weather couldn't have been better... a little sunny at first with a slight breeze on the top ridge. Not even a need for a raincoat of any description.
So now we're back, there's a call to walk this coming Friday at 9.30am at Butts Brow.