Navigating around the Long Man

The weather clouds predicted rain by the time we'd finish this walk, but the four who met in the car park at Long Man were attired in various clothes to dispute the intentions of those threats of the Met Office. The intention was to walk around the base of Windover Hill, up to Lullington Heath and then into the footpath toward Alfriston.
The first track was steep and heavily rutted with the traffic that had used the route between Wilmington and Folkington. Our concentration on maintaining balance and grip was focussed as we walked along the flint and chalk based terrain. each step became a small challenge and with the first threat of drizzle in the air it was starting to look as though our timing had backfired.

Every now and again there were breaks in the fence and hedges allowing glimpses of the valley expanding beyond the immediate fields.
The track continued through a wooded area toward Folkington. The trees had dropped a good percentage of their leaves and the track was littered with the rejected brown, orange remnants.
We steadily trudged upwards, still mindful of selecting our steps between the deep gulleys and greasy surfaces.

We eventually came to a junction and soon afterwards negotiated our way passing a couple horses and their riders. There was a moment of the horse stirring, but we allowed adequate space to ensure we were unscathed by the event.

The glimpses of scenic terrain were rarely spotted as conversation distracted the process of ascending even further to the summit where the 360° views opened up. It was the first opportunity to examine the state of the clouds that continued to threaten but no rain of any significance had yet fallen.
Lullington Heath was to our left as we carefully descended down to a valley, then climbed a short distance uphill again.

A short detour, as we reached the 4 mile marker on our walk, we took a brief break for food and drink. As we sat, the rain started to threaten and some of us decided to don our raincoats.

We re-traced our steps back to the junction of footpaths and walked downhill toward Alfriston. The clouds remained dark as we picked out step and soaked in the views around us. Ahead we saw Alfriston come closer into view whilst a feint mist started to descend on the hills beyond.
Arriving in the lane at the bottom of the track we orientated ourselves to consider the best route to take.
We headed along the lane and turned at the junction to find our way into the field and then toward the newly repaired and painted white bridge upon which all the South Down Way walkers would pass over. Just before we reached the bridge we came across a newly constructed stile which had be re-positioned with scalping built up to enable walkers to mount and dismount with barely breaking stride. It was tested for the purpose of balance and good design and qualified on all accounts.

We stood on the white bridge and admired the new signpost. We then headed along side the river which was filling with tidal water and reached our 6 mile point.

The pace had been maintained relatively well at this point, but was aware that the final hill toward the car park at Long Man and few stiles might be testing.

The fine mist that we observed earlier had turned its attention to us and the drizzle was becoming more persistent. For those without raincoats on at this point it was little point in dressing up for the final half mile.

We'd reached 7 miles as we crossed into the field that would lead us to the church where the mighty Yew was rooted to the spot outside the door to the church.

A farmer was spraying toxic smelling chemical fertilizer on his field as we reached the churchyard.
Not to worry, the milometer had clicked onto 7.7 miles as we entered the car park. Completed in 3hrs 13mins....

To Crowlink with a Twist in the Trail

Yes, it was one of the old faithful little hikes that got us out to Birling Gap on a blustery Friday morning, even though the temperature, for the time of year, was remaining in the high teens and an unseasonal time to worry about dressing too warmly.
We were ready with boots laced up and sticks waving we headed toward the first (or was it the last?) sister.

We firstly examined the newly constructed building stood high up on the first elevated position where workmen's vans were almost obstructing our way through.

Once through the gate, we were onto the South Downs Way, the sun gleaming across the sea behind us and a warming breeze to our face. Bell Tout lighthouse came into view and the driftwood littered the beach below us after a few stormy days at sea.

This was one of well favoured walks that has become a sound 'fall-back' reliable walk whatever the weather or time of year. Therefore the description of the walking route has been well documented over previous years and although the good intentions of these blogs are to record all the idiosyncrasies of the walks, it has to be said each time we walk this route something new is experienced or observed as we engage in the mass of deep soul searching conversations as we walk.
The edge of the cliff attracted some concern as we saw a sheep grazing a little close for comfort. We didn't disturb it for fear of it jumping off for an escape.

We had hoped to see mushrooms at this time of year, but alas there were precious little fungi to be found. The walk up through Crowlink had us puffing and breaking out in a sweat.The pace had been relatively encouraged by the wind on our backs as the walked through the small Hamlet of cottages in Crowlink.

We reached the church and inspected the pond. The recent rain fall had filled the small reservoir and an information board notified onlookers of what should be seen.

We descended toward East Dean village after taking a short refreshment break at the seat after passing through the graveyard. The seat upon which we rested informed us that the area upon which we looked across was locally known as 'Hobbs Eares'.

The sun was creeping out from the clouds that stirred with grey magnificence in the sky. The people of the village were going about their business as three of us stopped and viewed the contents of the shop whilst the other entered to purchase some cheese from Snowdonia.

We were on the walk back towards Birling Gap, passing the cricket ground where a large pile of wood and pallets were starting to gather size in readiness for the firework display on November 5th.
The variety of sheep in the next field were looking at us with varying suspicion and/or concern.
For the final phase we decided to re-direct out way back and head across the back of Birling Farm and head toward the Bell Tout Lighthouse.

The views and perspectives changed as we looked down toward Birling Gap. We had been walking just over 2 hours and had made good progress. We had momentary intentions to walk up to take a closer look at the lighthouse, but decided on walking along the lower path and watch make our final approach to the car park from the lower level.
The car park was getting fuller as the weather had drawn numerous people and school groups to the area. We had completed this 5.2 miles hike in just over 2.5hrs...

Horsey Trek around East Hoathly

The weather forecast tempted some of us to dig out waterproofs and yet with sunny intervals interspersed with showers we could expect to be rained upon at some point during this hike around the fields and lanes of East Hoathly as we met outside the church. Only four were setting out on this adventure and decided on an extension of a described walk set by East Sussex County Council which would take us past Hesmonds Stud and beyond.

The first section however uncovered a new addition to the East Hoathly community. Just after leaving the graveyard of the church we discovered that a once piece of unused field had been converted into allotments for those green fingered citizens wishing to grow their own had been allocated portions of some healthy looking soil. Harvest time was yet to come as we had yet to experience any frost despite some chilly nights.
We crossed over the road and moved aside as the local refuse collection lorry maneuvered its way down the same driveway as we were heading toward the Stud Farm. At the end of the drive the gated community of stables looked securely encased as signs for where the footpath was made certain we wouldn't be trespassing on any hallowed turf.

Another drive slightly uphill walk, we looked to our right and behind us and noticed a newly built white building which looked a little out of place amongst the green surroundings. "Grand Design would have been interested in following this development" we discussed.
At the top of the drive, more 'footpath' signs and we now continued uphill towards a small section of wood (Great Wood). We'd visited the three graves of the horses previously, but gave them a second look to check on the names in case we'd placed any bets on them in whilst in their prime.

We continued on the well signposted Wealden Way footpath through the wood, but when we arrived a few minutes later at the stile to enter the next field, we found a double line of electric fencing inside which were a small flock of sheep.

Somewhat perplexed by this obstacle, we started to circumnavigate the boundary of the field, thinking we could avoid hurdling the wires that had every chance of delivering some effective electrical current through our bodies. Unfortunately when we arrived at the corner of the field, our path was still blocked off and hurdling the wire was the only option. Luckily, with the assistance of a wooden hiking stick, we were able to force the wire lower to make our hurdling efforts much easier.
This process had to be repeated on no less than 6 more occasions.

We reached a lonely looking tree standing in the middle of the next field which was the junction of footpaths. the direction post had been uprooted and despite trying to position it correctly to help future hikers, our map gave better assistance to trek to the boundary fence and hurdle over our final electric fence.

The path dropped into a darkened deep gully through which a small stream flowed. It was a thin north west section of Six Acre Wood which, once we'd come out into the next field would see us crossing over Beechy Road and then follow the Wealden Way into the field opposite. The boundary of this next field proved to be the better option as the field had been freshly ploughed and sowed with sprouting plants. It looked a bit muddy, so the grassy perimeter route was the preferred option.

At the far end of the field, we descended into another deep slippery path with wooden bridge which was equally slippery in the wet mossy covered surfaces. But the hedgerows were a mass of colourful berries, so was this the sign of a hard cold winter we had to look forward to?

We climbed out at the opposite side into another recently ploughed and sowed field, but this time deciding that if we stepped lightly, we wouldn't carry too much mud on our boots into the next field. Our plan came good and as we climbed a further couple stiles we were out on Bushbury Lane. A green woodpecker had quickly flown as we moved towards this final stile but it was good to walk for a while along the lane after the uneven terrain of previous fields.
At the end of the lane we entered a short footpath that led us into Hollow Lane. The gates into the field were equipped with heavy duty chains and padlocks. Clearly this was a hot spot for agricultural gate theft and the locals were doing everything possible to prevent it continuing.

We walked for almost another mile down Hollow Lane back toward East Hoathly, passing road signs in desperate need of repair or replacement and observing houses that looked on the brink of being derelict if it hadn't been for noticing the bin was out the road ready for emptying. We admitted that these were roads we'd ever even driven down least walked along.

Our final field walk had us turning into a field around which we walked, again ignoring the direction of the arrow on the signpost. At several points we had reason to stop and forage for an abundance of chestnuts that had been shaken from their tree by the almost gale force wind that was whipping along the side of the field.

We were now into the final phase of the walk and now at the rear of the white house we had seen earlier. We crossed the final few fields and into a short wooded area before coming out onto the main road into East Hoathly.

The sign on the opposite side of the road reassured us that we were 48 miles of Bow Bells (St Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside, London EC2V 6AU) and that if we chose to walk further, it would probably only take us little over 2 more days. But there didn't seem much motivation to undergo this trip juts yet, and decided on walking back to the car after our 5.5 mile walk, or 44 furlongs if we were horse racing!! and without a drop of rain falling upon us.

A solo hike around Blenheim Park

Strictly speaking the reporting of walks on this blog are designed for when the group of us go out and stomp around the local footpaths... however last Friday there was an opportunity whilst being out of County to get out on the trail again on my own.
I'd driven to Oxfordshire early morning to visit relations (well, my passenger was also) and left me with a couple hours to spend exploring the nearby Blenheim Park.
I set off with the intention to find the Oxfordshire footpath that cuts across the long driveway at the rear of Blenheim Palace. After almost a mile walk along a lane, the footpath sign came into view, and then turned onto the path which ran along the boundary of a field of recently cut corn. The sun was starting to creep from between the clouds, even though some of them looked menacing. As I walked alongside the corn stubble I could hear the sound of the remaining stubble popping and crackling.

At least that's what I assumed it was, as on closer inspection I confirmed that it wasn't the rain. Some hikers heading in the opposite direction confirmed my theory as I stopped them and asked if this was possible.

I was walking into Blenheim Park and was confronted with a high 7ft high wall and hoping there was at least a gap or gate in order to access the area. I was definitely following the correct path, and just around the corner saw there was a large set of wooden stairs to enable my to scale over the wall and down the other side. On the stairs were footpath signs for both the Oxfordshire Way and the Shakespeare Way, the latter path being one which started in Stratford Upon Avon and finished in London.

I was setting a good pace and after a few more gates I walked onto the main driveway running from the rear of the Palace in excess of a mile. Clear evidence of sheep grazing was in abundance and although keeping on the tarmac drive I was often wandering onto the grass heading steadily toward the Palace. The livestock grids to prevent the sheep from straying were covered in wooden sheets. They were clearly allowed to wander where they please and the signs were directing owners of dogs to ensure they pets were on leads and under direct control at all times.

The drive veered to the left as I neared the Column of Victory. It went out of view for a a while as I circumnavigated the Column. The Column was started five years after the 1^st Duke of Marlborough's death, the Column of Victory was completed in 1730 at a cost of £3,000. The height of this Doric column, surmounted by eagles is 40 metres, including the lead statue of the Duke by the otherwise unknown craftsman, Robert Pit.

The area was fenced off with an electric looking fence apart from a wooden stile which I duly climbed over. The footpath then ascended to the higher position where the Column came into view to my right again.  To my left the grand bridge came into view and beyond that, the Palace stood with all its grandeur and majesty. The occasional jogger and walker passed me by as I made my way across to the other side where another stile was conveniently positioned.

Another enclosure of sheep awaited me as once again a third stile enabled me to walk through a gulley towards a junction of footpaths. The signs were showing me the way as I consulted the OS map which confirmed my direction. A steady climb upwards along a tree lined drive, I eventually found my way out through a large gate from the park and into a lane. It appeared to be a frequently used place where dog walkers would park their cars and head into Blenheim. There were signs for a 10k run which had either taken place or was in preparation. Perhaps that's what the joggers were doing around the park.

I navigated my way through the final phase of my walk. In the next lane there was a gap and sign directing me to Combe - 1 mile. This was the way again confirmed by my map, and I was striding along a footpath which eventually came to a recreation field marked up for football and some distance children playing in a playground. Combe church was just behind me and after a sit down to take in the views, catch my breath and have a sandwich and drink of tea from my flask, I strolled through the graveyard and out onto the Village Green. Opposite was the Cock Inn and a memorial. The village was quiet and the occasional delivery van buzzed through.

I had completed the walk in around 2 hours and completed a distance of 5.7 miles.

Stiles marathon walk around Chiddingly

This well trodden path by various members of the group had been completed over previous years and we never tire of the variety of vista and testing terrain throughout its 5.5 mile course.
Again, a depleted group of 3 set off toward the more equestrian sector of the village and made our way through several fields. We had, within minutes of setting of, acquired a canine accompaniment in the shape of a small black furry terrier type chap, who despite our best efforts to deter him from following us through stiles, seemed to artfully stay in tow for a couple of fields. We eventually arrived at a gate where we quickly escaped his scent.

The first horse was being put through his paces as we walked alongside the stables and bullpen. There was a scurry of a few rabbits disappearing from sight as we continued along the path. The next field's content had changed considerably from the first time we had walked through it several years ago. We had noted that well kept turf that used to be in this field had gone, and was now planted with thriving turnips. We looked back to see the Church spire disappearing in the distance.

We were soon hurdling over our sixth stile and walking down Stalkers Lane and getting through numerous fields via gates tied with pieces of nylon string. Turning left into a protected gulley footpath, where pheasants were scurrying around in rich abundance, we crossed a footbridge which took us over the small stream which flowed south and eventually join the River Cuckmere. We spied through to see the tree roots thirsty for the moisture of the stream. Little rainfall over the previous month was causing the streams to run fairly low.

Over the bridge at Stream Mill where there was once an iron foundry and we were soon heading towards the newly developed buildings around the Stream Farm. 

We crossed over the road and started the second phase of the walk which led beside the woods where earlier in the year we'd seen a carpet of bluebells.

The gates had signs on them, warning dog owners about the risks of allowing their pets off lead where livestock occupy the fields. We didn't however see much livestock but during a brief pit stop to rehydrate and refuel, we heard the sound of a double barreled shotgun discharging it's cartridges in a nearby field. Strangely it was the only shot we heard.

We took a quick look into the barns where a local car maintenance company were reviving classic MGs and Jags etc., then out on the road for a 10 minute walk passing some houses and cottages that were displaying information about the Chiddingly Festival... open art studios were nearby, but we had little time spare for exploring unfortunately.

Once again, a footpath beckoned running through Gray wood, where back gardens from both sides fenced the path. In fact a section of it well furnished with an attractive arbor.

We then headed along the boundary of another field which backed onto a camp site where a selection of different caravans were nestled away in sections of Broomfield Wood. A quiet retreat for those campers who wished to get away from their usual world.

The trees on the opposite side of the field were showing signs of autumn. Nobody were going to tell these trees anything different. They were starting to show signs of tinged reds and browns with a golden glory as if to celebrate their efforts through the spring and summer months.
It wasn't too long before Chiddingly church spire was coming into view as we encountered several more tricky stiles to hurdle. The hedgerows were peppered with blackberries and sloe, as the temptation to pick them before they were shriveled away for another year, were postponed until next year with intentions to make some sloe gin.
The final field we climbed into had a forbidding looking ram that was clearly managing to keep his strength up for the accompanying sheep that were in the same field. He gave us a few menacing looks before moving off with his group of approving followers.

We were back on the lane now, and walking steadily past the Place Farmhouse outside which was a reassuring sign that the 'Friendly Village Shop' was nearby. There is a persistent tradition of a secret tunnel from Chiddingly Place to the church which is supposed to emerge either in front of the monument or at the base of the tower, but this is so far unproven. It is known, however, that part of a tunnel was found at Chiddingly Place which emerges in one of the original rooms of the present Place Farm.
 Around the next corner and the local pub, The Six Bells, came into view. The sign hanging from the building showed the six bells of which the same number of bells are encased within the church belfry.

We strolled back into the Village Hall car park reviewing pros and cons of the walk. The walk had been full of scenic idiosyncrasies which made it unique however in addition to the number of stiles (20) in need of repair or redesign our concentration was frequently tested as the trail had been dappled with irresponsible dog owners who'd not moved or picked up their dog's mess from paths.