Blackboys, Framfield & Bees

The forecast is remaining steady and although the sun was struggling to break through the mist of morning, there was expectations of another warm day brewing. Without too much hesitation the four of us parked up and equipped our back-packs and set off from a small parking bay in a residential area of Blackboys. The walk had been trodden by a couple of us on several previous occasions but we were soon in good pace down through a plot of almost neglected allotments.
The pace however was interrupted by the muddy track and 'kissing gates' which remained water-logged. We crossed over quiet lanes that saw the occasional tractor and delivery van. Horses were less than interested in our progress through the fields.

The sound of birdsong and rushing water from the overfilled Tickerage Stream were the only background accompaniment to our our conversation. Woodpeckers in a nearby copse were the unmistakable sounds that were heard amidst regular barking dogs which guarded the large houses along the route of the lanes.

The marshy fields were still clearly sodden with the previous month's rainfall and careful routes had to be found to ensure safe passage.

We climbed through the wood which had conveniently positioned boardwalks which prevented us losing grip in the mud. At the other end of the small wooded area, we ascended through another field. It was warming up and layers required removing. A brief exchange with a young lad with fishing rod in hand and Labrador by his side gave an indication as to his intentions for the day. An isolated brace of beehives were seen, which at first were considered to be some elaborate type of high risk horse jump that would land horse and rider into a thicket. The heat was getting to us perhaps?

We arrived onto Sandy Lane on the outskirts of Framfield and found our way to the church opposite the Hare & Hounds Pub. We took a break on the seats beneath the Lynchgate of the church and poured beverages from flasks.

Several paths from the graveyard provided momentary confusion to our next route, but soon identified the path we required. Although at first muddy with a trickle of water running down the centre, the final part of the path turned into a very dry sandy track. After coming out into Pump Lane we walked south east, firstly along the lane, then crossing another stile and into a large field with a path which was virtually undefined. It overlooked a large fishing lake, where several tents lined the edge with fisherman baiting their rods for possible bites.

We crossed the B2192 briefly and then into Bushbury Lane and just after a number of houses, followed the wooden signs into another field marked with the Wealdway. This took some navigating, as again the path on the map suggested we traversed directly across the field, however there was no sign of a path and therefore made our own way along tractor treads to the opposite side of the field.
Down through a small gully where a wooden boardwalk once again assisted our ability to reach the opposite side and then into a field where compass readings were directing us more than signposts.

The sound and sight of traffic guided us into Beechy Rd and then Hollow Lane, where we opted to walk rather that trample more marshy tracks. As we turned the next corner there were a couple peppermint beehives, one of which was actively keeping its buzzing residents busy. An orderly line of bees were entering and exiting the hive as the increasing tree blossom was attracting them to collect pollen.

The Blackboys Inn was in sight after coming through Kiln Wood where the promise of wild boar sculptures didn't materialise. Perhaps they had a limited lifespan given their construction of small branches and twigs.
The sun remained bright and warm on our backs as we arrived back at the car and eased boots from our feet whilst congratulating each other in achieving the 6.5 miles in a little over 3 hours.

Chattri & Windmills

This was a good day to walk and although only 3 of us were able to lace up the boots at Ditchling Beacon car park, we were aiming to achieve a long awaited goal. The Chattri Memorial sits overlooking Brighton and was built to remember the Indian soldiers who were hospitalised during the first world war in the Brighton Pavilion and other locations in the area.

But our walk had some initial terrain to encounter as we walked south through fields and wooded copse towards the A27. The sun and the blue sky was a welcome sight as we continued our trek and watched growing sheep in fields that we walked across. We stopped briefly as we watched one sheep who was continuously sneezing. A sight we agreed was an extreme rarity but one that couldn't be caught on camera. The following field had a herd of cattle who occasionally looked up from their grazing to see us trudging through the mud. 

We arrived on the southern most track and made our way westwards to follow the signs.

All the way, we could see the Chattri memorial on the opposite hill, as our appetite increased for both a break and to get up close to see this white symbol standing out amidst the green fields.

A steady climb back across the Downs led us passed small clumps of gorse bushes that were breaking into yellow bloom. As we stopped to take a closer look, we disturbed a small grouse that appeared to be nesting underneath the bush. It flew low across the field as we claimed our 'shoot beaters' credentials.

It was around an hour and half into our walk as we entered the gate into the grounds of the memorial. We read the stone which commemorated soldiers that had died and where their remains were 'committed to fire'.

We walked around the memorial and soaked up the marvel of the view and the positioning of this unique memorial. There was a growing number of clouds that cast shadows over the dome of the memorial. We sat and decanted our flasks and took on some energy snacks to ensure our continued walking pace would not faulter. A few more photos as the sun shone down and we set off as the grey clouds turned darker but with the hope that it would not start raining. The sun remained to shine on nearby hills, and the tracks were muddy and at times puddled wet.

Our next goal was to reach the Jack & Jill windmills, one of which was within sight as we traversed ourselves through another wet gateway. What was apparent however was that the top white wooden part of the windmill was missing. There were a growing number of walkers as we got close to the South Downs Way footpath and a few brief exchanges were provided. The dismantled windmill was now in full view, but just beyond the second proud windmill stood overlooking an amazing view.

We walked around the car park for a few minutes and then returned along the track where we had just walked. Our options for the remaining 2 miles back to the car park were to walk along a closed track. The track had suffered  serious weather damage on the first few hundred metres but could then see where what appeared to be several loads of rubble and broken up chunks of Tarmac had been tipped along another length of the track. We realised it was unfit to use as a bridle way on horseback, however for us mere walkers the adventure was manageable.

A series of Dew Ponds lined the SouthDowns Way as we walked east. As we looked at one of them we saw drops of rain breaking the surface. It was our cue to step up the pace, not that it had ever relaxed through the previous 3 hours, but as we had not come out with waterproofs and with the sky looking more and more threatening, we thought it best to briskly finish the last half mile.

Our final ascent to the summit of the brow in front of us and the car park was in sight. At just over 8.5 miles it was a particularly rewarding and enjoyable walk that perhaps will need to be repeated with others in the group, and when it's a little drier also.

Famous Five Find Food (...think there's a theme evolving)

It was a case of keeping check with the weather in order to top up with more Vitamin D after last Fridays trek across the local hills. There was a special offer being advertised across this part of the country for blue sky and some good, sea dazzling sunshine.

So we 5 gathered again on Butts Brow and took to the trig point on the hill top whilst the dog social world were interacting around us. There was a slight mist around and some clouds bubbling on surrounding horizons, but it seemed like we had clear passage south as our aim was to make invasion on the East Dean Market.

 Bell Tout lighthouse was still there in the distance, despite concerns that the eroding cliff edge. The news have been declared that Birling Gap Hotel was having part of the sun lounge taken down. But we weren't going that far today.
The sheep allowed us through into the next field and scattered as dog walkers were maintain tight control on their pets. Although looking relatively drier there were still areas of extreme mud trails where our boots were unable to maintain good grip.
But this was soon to pass as we descended through the East Dean housing complex. We observed the well maintained gardens fronting the impressive looking houses as we walked down towards the main road. Quickly crossing the road for fear of our impeding the speed limit of traffic going in both direction, we encountered the famous Squeeze Gate next to Went Cottage. We all got through with ease and saw the gathering milieu of East Dean folk at the market.

On previous occasions whilst visiting the market, we had the delights of finding the Pastie seller and once again she was there in prime position ready to attract our healthy appetites. Moroccan Lamb, Beef and Horseradish and several other flavorsome delights were soon sold, consumed and more bought to carry home. Fish, Wild Boar and apple juice were also on offer, not to mention the kindling wood that had received a 100% price increase since our last visit in November.


It was time to head for the golf course and dodge any wayward shots. The protected footpath was sheltered for most of the way and footprints of sheep were evident in the muddy track.

We stopped and unpacked the flasks and took sustenance for a while before ascending back onto the South Downs Way. Golf Balls scattered everywhere, not to mention fine weather golfers who were also making best of the conditions. Did it improve their swing? I think not....

Turn left at the top of the track and the clouds remained on the horizon. From this distance, even Hastings was looking good. We arrived back at the car 7 miles clocked up and exchanged considerations for the next time and perhaps if the sun keeps shining thinking about packing some factor 30 next time.

Famous Five Find Flood

The numbers are swelling... a new member joined the group today, brandishing a well honed piece of yew that served him well during our trek that was testing in both stamina and initiative.
The weather was looking favourable as the blue sky backdrop gave enthused appetite to walk after the previous week's wet walk.
We met in the National Trust car park at Crowlink and considered options. It was agreed to head toward the cliffs and join the South Downs Way half way along the Seven Sisters.
We headed west... and were soon confronted with a SSW wind into our face as we climbed the 'Brass Point'.

We caught our breath at the summit and viewed the continuing sequence of remaining Sisters... whilst also giving a glance to the view of Bell Tout in the distance behind us.
The further climbs were named thus...  'Rough Brow', 'Short Brow' and 'Haven Brow'. Each were challenging our initial sharp pace and the welcomed stops to absorb views were our only respite.

We started a steady descent towards the Cuckmere Exceat having enjoyed the landscape from the final high vantage point. We met a lone walker, heading in the opposite direction who made a point of suggesting a change of route as the footpath below us was flooded. We acknowledged his advice and continued to walk down to eventually see that the path was indeed under water. In fact the entire area toward foxhole campsite had been transformed into a small lake. We could see several other walkers making valiant yet unsuccessful attempts at getting through the water.

They turned back, whilst we headed around the hill down which we were descending and managed to find our way to the farm building which led to a gate, enabling us to walk over the next hill and return to our former destination. Sheep in the field looked on bemused as we strolled past them.

In fact, the photos taken at the time, you can see how the sheep were spelling out the words 'FLOOD' in the field as we neared it. Just how clever were these sheep.

We got to the main road and navigated our way across the busy coast road and arrived at the seats that overlooked the entire Cuckmere Haven. The meandering river line had been severely disrupted by the amount of water lying in the field toward the sea.
The sun continued to shine, yet the breeze kept any threatening clouds moving briskly across the sky. A little bit of cumulus nimbus if I'm not mistaken... with a little bit of stratus for good measure.

We'd taken a 10 minute or so break and refueled ourselves before heading down into West Dean. The erratically spaced steps and green slime banister did nothing for our confidence as we precariously arrived at the junction of road and footpaths. After a quick discussion of options, we turned right and headed along one of the many tracks through Friston Forest. The track was straight and the spring birdsong was apparent as we found gaps in our conversation.

The pace was constant and only a little more navigational processing found us making one final ascent towards the road at the junction of Friston Hill, Jevington Rd and Seaford Rd. The muddy track upwards was our final test of both stamina and grip. The yew walking stick found its use again and desperate foot-holds were accidentally found. A runner came passed us with greater ease. We exchanged comments about following his technique, to which he responded "no technique, just size 12 feet'!
That just about summed up our day, but we arrived back at the car park and witnessed other happy hikers, heartened by growing signs of spring as the sun remained bright in the sky.
Just over 3 hours and we had the 6.5 miles completed.

Walk til you Drip!

It wasn't the greatest weather forecast, and there had been several changes suggested for a Friday walk. Yet another storm was heading our way and with winds expected to be gusting along the coast, we opted to drive to an inland car park in Horam and ventured our efforts to walk the Cuckoo Trail north to Heathfield. A grey day which was likely to get greyer if the forecast was anything to go by.
At around a little over 2 miles, we considered this would be an ample round trip to enable whatever cobwebs had collected over the previous week to be blown away.
The water-proofs were to be put to their best test. Although as we headed uphill to Heathfield we encountered a collection of lesser dressed dog walkers and child-minders who were making leisurely strolls in the opposite direction. The frequency of Horam walkers lessened but after another mile they were exchanged by Heathfield dog walkers who were tempting their dogs out for some exercise. One in particular gave some ferocious growls and barks at one of our group which caused him to have second thoughts about approaching any others for the day.
The rain was relatively light and didn't seem to be affecting us too much. The pace was kicking along at around 2.5mph.
The cuckoo trail was claimed when the last railway connections between Eridge and Polegate, opening in 1880, was closed down in 1968 after a programme of closures put forward by Forest Row resident and British Transport Commission Chairman Dr Richard Beeching.

We walked toward Heathfield and discovered a local resident has used an old crossing gate as part of his fence that backs onto the footpath and other railway memorabilia adorn his garden.

We reached the destination point, the site of the Old Heathfield Railway Station where more skateboarders congregate nowadays than passengers for trains. We regretted not bringing our boards to test out the ramps... but then thought 'we don't own one between us'.

Heathfield High Street was full of Friday shoppers dodging the rain and the wind was increasing gradually.

We navigated our way back to the Trail as the wind and rain started to get stronger into our faces.
The pace didn't relent much and the trek back to the car park in Horam seemed a relatively easy task. It was a steady descent but at least it was the exact opposite as our ascent an hour earlier, so we knew what to expect, even though the landscape did look different from this approach. Dog walkers were fewer than before...
the car park was in sight and the drips from us contributed to the river that flowed by us before getting our boots off and driving home.

Landscape Window for a Walk around Kingston (near Lewes)

It didn't seem possible. A chance to get out walking whilst the forecast for the day before or after was a continual prophecy of rain... and more rain. The land across the area was looking sodden yet the skies were starting to break as we parked up near St Pancreas Church in Kingston near Lewes. There were indications of some blue sky and the need for sunglasses became a credible optional attire.
Us intrepid walkers had been briefed about the route. Something in the region of 7 miles with a couple of steep ascents which would soon be warming our lungs into action and regretfully considering the need for the layers of clothes in some cases. However, the first climb was a challenge not only for its incline but for the need to maintain good grip on the wet muddy turf which remained in our sights until the views behind provided necessary motivation to reach the summit.
The panoramic visibility was excellent and we soaked up the continual discovery of unidentified objects on different horizons. The sun was hitting us hard and the white clouds skimmed through the sky as we stood in gusts which we measured at around 25mph.

We continued west along the South Downs Way and soon the white Brighton & Hove Albion Football stadium came into sight, nestled into the folds of the Downs.
We turned off the path, through a gate and entered the Castle Hill Nature Reserve and dropped through 'Falmer Bottom'. The gusts of wind dropped and we followed the pathway towards a gate in which fields full of growing crops appeared to be ahead of schedule.

Spring was very much in evidence and after turning the next corner we observed a field of Sheep with young (or maybe not so young) lambs who were in full chorus, bleating for their mothers. It was clear that they were unable to read however, as although they had corresponding numbers on their backs, they still relied on the constant calling in order to identify each other and enable feeding to be activated.

After a short break for energy snacks and drinks, we had one final, relentless climb to the highest point of this part of the Downs. But again, the views stimulated adequate distraction as pain thresholds were tested and broken through!

Newhaven, Seaford Head and beyond toward the south east, whilst to the left we could look back at the route we had taken an hour before on the top ridge of the South Downs Way

We dropped down on the other side to see the village of Kingston again and continued to see more signs of Spring. Snowdrops in full bloom as well as crocus and small buds on trees.
Our final stretch took us through a farmyard, and exchanged pleasantries with the farmer as we eyed his collection of cattle. Horses, muddied by the terrain also gave us curious looks as we traversed the final track.

No sooner we passed the Juggs pub, we were back at the cars and peeling off our boots after a little over 3 hour trek.