2 for the price of 1

 Part 1 - DEVILS DYKE walk
Another of those long haul apologies as I realised after getting out on the walking lanes of the Weald (E Sussex), I had failed to report on a previous venture a month or so ago.
So this first report is from Friday 12th July when we explored a short part of the South Downs Way, whilst trying to discover the source of a Spring that surfaced some where near Fulking.
It was a Devils Dyke venture that started in a car park overlooking the northern part of the landscape north of Brighton.

We were following a route which took us down into the valley, named as Devils Dyke, and eventually surfacing after a short walk through a wooded area, out onto the road in Poynings. A short roadside walk and we disappeared into fields of sheep and then wheat.

An opportunity to circumnavigate the area as we then shifted our direction south towards Fulking. We came out onto the same road, only a mile or so west but next to one of the ornamental springs, which sadly had no water running from it.
A short walk around the corner, the pub, The Shepherd & Dog, and there was another spring, gushing with water..., however a quick examination behind showed that it was again an ornamental front piece into which a stream behind ran through. The source was obviously a distance higher up under the chalk downs.

Not to worry, our ascent back onto the top of the hill meant we were able to survey the vista across to the north for many miles. We were now walking on the South Downs Way back towards the car and eventually retracing our steps.

Part 2 - HADLOW DOWN - BUXTED walk

So this was a walk that occurred yesterday (22 Aug) and was almost postponed. The weather forecast had been OK up until 48 hrs earlier and there was threat of rain during the morning. A few phone calls just after 8 enabled us to reorganise our plans and postponed the starting time in Hadlow Down back to 11.30am

The clouds were prominent but with blue skies breaking through, we ventured on to the first footpaths being pursued by an inquisitive rescue dog and her owner.. a white bulldog/mastiff mix that gave us constant monitoring. We soon parted company as we headed across the second large fields that gave views of the North Weald area towards Crowborough and beyond. The sun was bursting through and first layers were removed as the heat was penetrating. A walk along a drive of a farm was followed by a more adventurous trek through wooded glades and gulleys with minimal sight of the bracken covered track. Eventually coming out into daylight, the clouds were mounting and a spot or two of rain was felt overhead. The rain, as we dropped down onto another lane, became a little heavier and we had put our rain coats on.

The rain worsened and as we entered the next wooded glade, after a couple of fields of disregarded broad beans, it seemed like we would need to take a break a shelter within the wood. A torrential 10 minute downpour followed and the shelter in the wooded area was not adequate as the rain filtered down through the trees. We headed to a tree in the middle of the field and stayed close to the trunk. 'lets hope there's not a lighting storm' I suggested...

Eventually the rain stopped, even though we only realised it after walking from under the tree.
The venture went a little off track after this.. not surprising as we kept our heads down and hoods up. We'd reached the railway line which was too far. We'd missed the footpath then lane to take us into Buxted. We consulted the map and decided to head south along the Vanguard Way, back to the main road then cross over to re-join the original path we were set to go.
A half hour or so later we were heading down narrow country lanes and picking up a footpath which once again had us walking through hidden wooded footpaths after seeing this sign next to Warren Farm and taking a short break to re-fuel.

We arrived back at the car having completed (after the detour) a little under 6 miles

Micro Brewery + not so Micro Walk

Its been a while since we'd manage to get out on the trail of the local footpaths.
The weather and physical ailments had put a hold on many winter and spring plans. The long cold Spring was eventually put to rest recently and with the heat of the day threatening we had been invited to look at a local Micro Brewery between Framfield and Black Boys.
The Isfield Brewing Company was set up around a year ago and with a selection of well received ales they are growing in local popularity.
Toad in the Ale, Straw Blonde, Flapjack and IPA to name but a few. The Head Brewery and owner of the brewery gave an insight to the marvels of brewing and the passion with which he delivers his brews to local public houses.

After the early call to the Brewery we decided to park up in Black Boys and take a walk around some local footpaths. There was growing heat in the land as we strolled through an allotment and then through some wooded areas where both the Wealden Way and Vanguard Way shared signposts and paths. A typical area where the iron foundries were embedded several centuries ago reflected in the information on the OS map.

The farms and narrow lanes linked up conveniently and found ourselves (more by design than accident I admit) back through the farm buildings where we'd left the Isfield Brewing Company approx 1½ later. We were a little confused as to how to pick up with the footpath again, and therefore asked directions from the Brewer. We must have looked suitably desperate as we suggested that as we'd been too early for a tasting earlier, it was more appropriate as it was almost midday. An agreement was made and we sat and supped some fine 'Toad in the Ale' beer.
It was one of those moments that caused us to reflect on the hardship so many others strive for in order to achieve such moments. Yet, here it was... the countryside beckoned and the beer was looking at us.
We bid our farewells (again) and headed through the grand estate farmland where pens of pheasants were being fattened for the hunting season.

A few stiles and gates later and we were heading back towards the car where the heat of the day caused the welcomed air conditioning avoided further overheating and dehydration.

Ramblings - Radio 4

Here's an interesting listen if you've got half hour to check up on your walking technique and being in the moment - walking for Spiritual Renewal click here

Out of Hibernation

Its was long overdue, but thought that we should come out of hibernation even though the forecast was looking a little unpredicatable.
The 3 faithful 'all-weather' hikers were on hand to meet up at Butts Brow yesterday morning and discuss the options at 9.30.

We made a slight modification to the route, as it allowed one of the walkers to check out that some recent foot problems would stand up to a rigorous walk that was planned... well actually, we were making it up as we went along.
The weather was damp and misty and with that in mind, we headed west and downwards towards Jevington. The first gate we encountered was flooded and was to be the trend of what was to become a very muddy walk.

A brief glance at the newly refurbished 'Hungry Monk' cottages and we headed back up the hill from where we'd walked down, heading east, and steadily trekked along part of the South Downs Way. We checked out if the injured party was feeling able to continue.
"Yes" was the response and we continued with what was to become a figure of 8 route, as we would pass the same spot after continuing towards the Golf Course to check if there were any hardy golfers battling against a fairly strong wind.
A few brave dog walkers and joggers were out braving the elements, however as we progressed the sun was breaking through and more blue sky was evident.

We stopped at rested a while at 'Kirsty's Kitchen', A small shed on the Golf Course which was closed and shutters well secured. Lucky for us, we had our own refreshments and proceeded to pour from our flasks and re-fuel our energy stock.
Continuing towards East Dean, we observed fields of sheep, some in areas that appeared to have little more than mud to wander around on, with nothing more than a hay dispenser for food. Other fields meanwhile were stocked with sugar beet in abundance.

We reached the lowest point of the walk at the end of Downs View Lane in East Dean and started to walk across to the opposite side of the valley.

It was warming up by the time we'd reached the next gate and the waterproof coats were not really necessary and consideration given to putting on sunglasses, but we didn't have any. Yes, the sun was getting strong and made the final mile or so, a very pleasant experience and one we couldn't have expected a few hours earlier.
We arrived back at the car park at 1.00pm and calculated around 8.5 miles completed.

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.