Jevington, Gallops & Friston Forest

The group today was depleted to 3 men and 2 accompanying dogs who had been out a few weeks previous. The meeting place was Butts Brow overlooking Willingdon with an intention to walk down into Jevington.
The weather was overcast, still and a little humid to be honest, as we walked down the first protected footpath as sheep watched us from the safety of their field. We cautiously traversed our way through gateways in which livestock had previously gathered and trod a muddy trail. The first mile was soon over as we made our final descent into Jevington. Crossing the road outside the birthplace of the Banoffii Pie (the now closed Hungry Monk restaurant) caused a little tricky as the A27 had been closed due to an accident and much of the traffic wishing to travel west and east were squeezing their way through the village of Jevington.

The dogs were only on their lead for a few minutes before they were puffing their way pass the church and looking through the fence of the horse paddocks with patches of buttercup carpet. Meanwhile the horses were being stirred into action by a handler in the field, but only run horse obliged by galloping around the field.

We ventured to the summit of the hill whilst the dogs took refuge in a conveniently positioned puddle, submerging themselves for a cooling bathe and drink.

The sight of Lullington Heath National Nature Reserve came into view and decided to cross a portion of it in order to get to Friston Forest. There was a misty landscape in front of us, but the sound, when we stopped, was deprived of everything except birdsong both in the the trees and on the wing.
We eventually reached a gate and whilst our initial route was to turn left, we reconsidered this option as we encountered a lonesome long horned bullock who was static yet determined to stare us out. The dogs didn't appear too troubled, however we continued on our path and took the next left, leaving the stare behind us, daring not to look back.

We were soon on one of the trackways through the forest with an aim to get to cross the gallops which overlooked the Jevington Road.
Piles of logs were neatly stacked at intervals along the road, marked and probably ready for collection at some point later. The logs had curiously coded markings on them... 'logalog' and 'stack 3'.
We exchanged 'good morning' pleasantries with several horse riders as we finally reached the bench overlooking the gallops which were looking less than overused with grass growing to a harvestable length.

We stopped and sat whilst the dogs rested and we recharged our stamina batteries.

During our steady descent down towards the main link road between Polegate and East Dean our eyes were caught by a vibrant red poppy on its own and a little further discovered several 'egg and bacon' plants.

We were soon passing by the old Hungry Monk building again. This time we would walk towards the 8 Bells Pub via the church to make the final ascent to Butts Brow. The pub were advertising a special 80's sing-a-long night that evening...

Our steady walk back up the hill was greeted at the top with more views to the north hampered by a grey mist hanging over the distant landscape. We then turned the corner across the top of the hill to see more of Eastbourne. There was, by this time, a more frequent passing of other dog walkers, eventually reaching the car park after our 5.5 mile walk.

Roots walk of Robertsbridge

This was a walk postponed from some while ago, (due to a spell of continuous bad weather) when our newest member was about to join this walking group. In honour of his local heritage we had discovered a walking route around Robertsbridge from whence he spent his formative years. We have, therefore, Robertsbridge to thank or blame whilst he spent his baby and toddler years living over the Public House, The Ostrich.

The car park in the centre of Robertsbridge had both 2 hour limited spaces as well as 9 hour (or was it 6hour?) spaces, of which we opted to occupy the latter space. We laced up and strapped the rucksacks on, with one eye on the weather which was threatening to shower around 11am.

We followed the directions past the Seven Stars Inn and mused at the Bank Holiday entertainment provided as well as being further tickled by the sight of a car with a business card holder on the outside of the drivers door. There's a first for anything around here.

Such was our distraction, within a few more steps we had already taken the wrong pathway to cross the school playing field. We re-traced our steps and gathered our bearings (and pride) to find an overgrown yet well signposted footpath in order to cross the A21.

The route on the opposite side of the road didn't improve too much until we were climbing the first of many stiles. The signs gave clear instructions to keep to the footpath as it seemed we were surrounded by private woodland. We eventually came out into daylight and continued walking across fields and then turned left along a protected pathway. The recent rainfall had caused the tracks to return to its former impassable status. We persevered and reached a cross roads of tracks next to Stone Cottage. We were initially greeted by a loudly barking Labrador, but as we pondered the next direction he became increasingly passive and maybe sympathetic to our plight. After referring to the map, we established which way to turn and left the dog at the crossroads.

Around the next corner was something we hadn't bargained to see. An old Morris Minor, held together with rust, paint and an abundance of home produce spilling from every part of the chassis.
Free Range eggs were being sold from its boot alongwith a selection of newly planted seeds. The owner of the nearby "Keepers Cottage' was on the doorstep. A polite 'good mornings' were exchanged and we walked across the front of their view towards Lordship Wood.

Over the next stile and we were heading uphill for some startling 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside. Our next marker point was Pippinghole Lane, which we crossed with considerable ease and then into the field opposite with our sights set for Johns Cross pub where again, we would be crossing back over the A21.

A lane opposite the pub led towards Mountfield Court. An ancient chestnut tree lined avenue heralded our arrival down the grand driveway, but were guided to the small track to the side of the main entrance of the house. A colourful display of Rhododendrons surrounded the main garden lawns in the distance as we navigated our way around the perimeter wall to find our way to the rear of the building.

As we walked away from the main manor building we observed a small herd of deer disappearing to a neighbouring field. We descended toward a small pond surrounded by trees and decided it time for a short break and take on those much needed nuts!

Just as we started to gather our belongings onto our backs again, the storm clouds were gathering and it was clear that although expecting the rain a half hour earlier, we were about to have some shower action. We quickly donned our rain apparel and stepped quickly on.
We continued downhill and not realising we were as close to the railway line, we hurdled an unnecessary stile and again re-traced our steps to find the short tunnel under the railway line only 100 yds from where we were.

The final section of the walk had cause to encounter both more stiles and fields full of numerous array of livestock including some docile (thankfully) cows that almost blocked our pathway across a small footbridge, not to mention some rather grand looking Angus cattle in another field. The footpath was full of wild Campion. The rain had stopped and the sun was again shining through so it was time to quickly stop and remove our waterproof coats. Trains on the main London to Hastings route passed nearby with little sound.

We climbed over the final stile and headed back through a small estate of houses toward the centre of Robertsbridge and the car park. We reflected on the 5 mile walk with much delight as it had provided some new interesting landscapes. Whilst being a well signposted route, the condition of some of the tracks gave the indication that only a handful of people used it on a regular basis.

Not a Nursery Crime Walk

The weather had turned from the previous day and forecast was looking favourable. Only the 3 of us were eligible for this mornings walk which had been planned as the second part of last weeks 'There & Back' challenge. Our meeting place was the car park at Long Man in Wilmington. A Car Park that had recently had its toilet facilities demolished. As we walked through the church graveyard we turned a corner to view our destination on the horizon... Bo Peep which sat conveniently on the South Downs Way track about midway between Alfriston and Firle.

The footpath through the first field was a little sticky underfoot but for the majority of distance we would be tracking along grass covered pathways. As previously mentioned, the sun was warming our backs and a stout reminder that we'd hopefully seen the last of cold and wet winter walks for a season or so. Our conversation covered recent individual activities since we'd last met as well as recent news events. The blue sky now richer than before was occasionally mottled by cumulus clouds.
Alfriston was looking splendid in the sunshine also as we encountered a couple of boisterous dogs on the white footbridge that crossed into the heart of the village.

We crossed the road and went upwards towards the main South Downs Way. As we saw the chalk track ahead we spied a gorp of hikers about 153 yds in front. They appeared well equipped and making steady progress but maintained a good distance ahead. Our need to remove warming layers was necessary at a mid point ascent and allowed the other hikers to stretch their advantage on us.
The views at this point were a welcome distraction and realised the visibility was extensive.  Nobody at this point broke into song... but we could see for miles (ed. "I Can See for Miles" is a song written by Pete Townsend of The Who recorded for the band's 1967 album, The Who Sell Out Album)
We soon levelled out the ascent and after crossing another intersection of chalk tracks, we had uninterrupted 360 degree vista. The kind of days that this weather can deliver so easily and made us all soak up the surroundings. The senses were being stimulated to great effect with birdsong in abundance.

We were gaining on a couple of Hikers one of whom was clearly taking photographs at regular intervals. As we closed in on them one of them was having his photo taken leaning next to the 'South Downs Way' marker post. An offer to take a photo of both of them was gratefully accepted and had them pose with Newhaven in the background whilst learning that they were from Bristol (or Brissle) and were setting off to complete the entire length of the South Downs Way during the remainder of the week.
We left them relishing the scenery and continued to reach Bo Peep car park just as swarms of flies? or maybe mosquito? started to take an interest in our perspiring bodies. It had taken us 90 mins to reach this point.

We initially thought to stop here, but decided to continue as the attraction of flies were becoming intimidating.We were now heading south in the direction of Newhaven. Another couple heading in the opposite direction stopped and sought our guidance as to find Firle. Their intentions were honorable as they confessed to seek the Ram pub for lunch. Not a bad plan, but they looked less equipped than the hikers we'd seen earlier for what was likely to be at least another 2 hours before they ordered their lunch or sipped ale.

The fields were a variety of colours with crops of yellow Rape Seed breaking up the usual tones of green and brown.
(Ed - Rapeseed (Brassica napus), also known as rape, oilseed rape, rapa, rappi, rapaseed, is a bright yellow flowering member of the family Brassicaceae (mustard or cabbage family). The name derives from the Latin for turnip, rāpa or rāpum, and is first recorded in English at the end of the 14th century.)

We were aiming to get to a specific bench for 11.30 and we arrived a little before and stopped for some refueling whilst being watched by a couple of horses and then several more walkers and cyclists. After 10 minutes or so, we were ready to make a steep descent into a newly cultivated valley which has recently been converted into a large, perhaps some might say, industrial looking vineyard. We walked the north and east perimeter whilst being eaten alive by growing swarms of flies. They'd clearly been waiting for today.

It was now a steady climb back to the top of the hill before descending gradually into Alfriston. We were tracking the horses we'd seen earlier. Their hoof prints clear in the mud as we reached the main road opposite Deans Place Hotel. Numerous school field trips were congregated on the grass outside the church for a picnic lunch as we walked through toward the white bridge.

Only a few more kissing gates to get through not to mention a few unwelcome stiles and we were on the final stretch toward the Long Man car park again. The clock was giving us our 4 hour deadline and the mileage completed at 10.5 miles.

There & Back again...

With showers in the air and a strong breeze from the south, 3 intrepid walkers joined by 2 canine friends set off from Bo Peep car park heading west on the South Downs Way. The aim of the walk was to reach Southease station and return along the same route whilst taming Itford Hill en route.

After leaving the car park in good spirits and a sense of pending achievement we soon  reached the long barrow of Firle Beacon where to the south you could make out the shape of Seaford Head in the mist created by the intermittent showers, and to the north, views towards Glynde and Mt Caburn.

The route was mostly along the ridge which meant that we were exposed to the strengthening breeze from the south which made for difficult communication at times.  After descending from the walks highest point of Firle Beacon at 217 metres we glimpsed the twin radio masts on Beddingham Hill in the near distance. There  were only half a dozen other walkers encountered on the whole trip but a wide variety of cattle with their calves and sheep grazing freely with their lambs.

We reached the radio masts in good time and wondered as to their use and the part they may have played in the last war.

From here we could see the villages of Southease and Rodmell ahead of us and a rare appearance from the sun reflected off of the fine architectural lines that are the Newhaven Incinerator, small sailboats were doing there best to navigate a course around Piddinghoe pond.

We soon reached the brow of Itford Hill and could seethe station that was Southease Halt And our half way point, in the distance. The station opened in 1906 and has two platforms, it is unmanned and passengers are required to purchase a 'permit to travel' in lieu of a formal ticket. In 2012/13 there were over 11,000 journeys started from this station.

We opted for the shortest possible descent from Itford Hill temporarily departing from the SDW. After crossing the footbridge we found the YHA equivalent of glamping small 2 person wooded pods, before turning left and reaching the barrier to the platforms. A quick sustinance break and we were already starting to trace our steps but took the prescribed route up Itford Hill which took around 15 minutes to gently ascend the contours. On reaching the summit the wind had picked up speed and blasted our right sides all the way back to the start and finish point. We noted that the cattle were now lying down, was that rain imminent?

To the north we could clearly make out the route of The Cuckmere River  and Lewes in the background

The dogs amused us along the route showing their affection for each other repeatedly, thirsty work and a cattle trough brought a welcome drink. Although the route was quite thin on the flora front we did manage to find some cowslips which were feeling the full force of the wind.

Returning past the twin masts which were now whistling in the wind and physically rocking to the beat of the breeze, we headed east back to Bo Peep car park, the walk had been challenging having tamed Itford Hill and completed our 10 mile route

Voyage on the Seas of Chiddingly

We'd purchased our tickets at Chiddingly car park and 4 of us met in the car park ready to embark on a voyage unlike anything we had recently been on. Yes... it was a walk, but we were about to encounter some different landscapes. Admittedly, one of us was feeling somewhat disabled with a 'sore' toe. Hobbling a steady pace across the first field and watching recumbent cattle and catching up with each others events of the week, the first mile seemed to glide by.
The voyage took us across both fields and down country lanes towards Gun Hill. We were entering the land of historical iron works, where evidence of previous industry took place in the 17th and 18th century.

The smell of wild garlic and the sight of growing crops in adjacent fields were a clear sign that April was well into its stride. 
We walked along a lane running near to Welhurst Golf Club. No signs of wayward tee shots or cries of 'fore'!! could be heard. We turned down a muddy track, and came out onto the parallel road which would eventually lead into Horam.

Thankfully we turned off the road as the traffic seemed more intent on using the road as part of a cross country rally. The wooded areas held captive our attention as we started to see the increasing tide of bluebells in which trees stood rooted to the sea-bed.

Another field and we briefly came onto a third road and down a trackway which led to Stream Mill where extensive ironworks carried on at the Stream Farm in the 16th century by the Frenches. The pond, whose waters impelled the machinery, still remains, though now but three acres in extent. The articles chiefly wrought were great and small ordnance (cannon and guns), chimney-backs, irons for supporting logs in a wood fire, and smaller commodities. Bells were also cast at the same works.

Unfortunately our access to view the water cascading down from the pond was not possible as from both sides of the bridge there had been a fence erected as well as some cleverly cut branches to spoil the steep track to the stream below. We stopped briefly for a snack and to compare flasks (not hip).
But there were a few more wet muddy tracks to navigate before getting to the next ocean of blue in the nearby wood. The colours were significantly getting stronger as we looked over the fence into the fields. The trees looking like mooring posts where Gondolas should be tied to.

A combination of gates and stiles between each of the fields enabled us to trace our way back toward Chiddingly using the church spire as a homing device.

We were meeting back at the Six Bells in Chiddingly with another group member, so the final 45mins were spent traversing protected paths and checking up on the campers at a site which the path ran alongside. A few people were sat outside as the sun kept breaking through the clouds. A few dog walkers were also out exercising their breeds of choice, breaking the sound of the birdsong and their owners called for obedience.

Walking through a farmyard, we entered the 30 mph sign and into Chiddingly, where the sight of the Six Bells awaited after a 7.5 mile walk. It was time for a drink and discuss our May Day Challenge for next week.

Exploring Fullers' Follys

A sun-kissed landscaped greeted us this morning as we drove toward St. Thomas à Becket church, Brightling. After boot inspection, we strapped the backpacks in place and headed through the church grounds and were soon confronted with a flock of sheep with young lambs chorus of bleating. 

Some sat quietly and allowed us to pass without too much disturbance. Their identification numbered woolen backs were clearly helping them identify each others parents. The grass was still long and they had much to consume whilst imprisoned next to Jack Fuller's pyramid mausoleum.

After observing the likeness to the Egyptian pyramids we continued down the path and crossed over the road and turned the corner where the view south with a glimpse of Derwell Reservoir. After passing through several gates we walked uphill towards the Hermits Tower  which is hidden from general view within a clump of trees and holly bushes. We entered the doorway and climbed the metal spiral stairs and the final ladder to spy the view from a circular window. 

Onwards we walked the opposite side of the tower and crossed the road and started the next phase of our walk down a farm track. Animal life was in abundance as more sheep shared occupancy with ducks and the growing number of pheasants. The Brightling village cricket team weren't out practicing today, and the pavilion looked unprepared for any visiting team, yet behind it on a small hill stood The Temple. 

The path was well marked, indicating the way to Sugarloaf, however we weren't to head that way today. Another set of stiles and gates through a short copse where we discovered evidence of Ray Mears survival class or a Duke of Edinburgh award challenge. Clearly the shelter was incomplete and the log mattress left much to desire the most hardened wild camper.

We came out from the small wooded area and turned left onto a well used track through Coblye Wood and made steady progress, observing the enclosures where pheasants had been reared for later shoots and eventually stopping to admire a small Keepers cottage. It overlooked a small stream and valley section of the wood. There was no shortage of wood for the fire, and the veranda platform looked an ideal spot to watch the wildlife pass by. We continued through Prinkle wood where the gorse blossom was in abundance on sections of the track. We came out briefly onto a main road and straight opposite into Birchen Wood where the tracks appeared to be prime dog walking routes. 

A steady ascent and as we approached a corner there were a couple with binoculars stood, evidently listening out for rare bird song. We conversed about the birds heard. Nothing rare although they were keen to point out the tune of the skylark although we both had heard the hammering of a woodpecker just a few minutes before. We parted, wishing them well in their endevour to hear more. 
The sight of the Gypsum conveyor came into view shortly after and stopped to crack the seal on flasks and zipped food bags. The transportation of Gypsum wasn't operating today, so our stop was peaceful and apart from 2 horses passing by and 'Henry', the riders dog, who frantically checked our bags for possible scraps.

The route took a sharp right after crossing a newly built bridge courtesy of Wealden District Council, where the terrain became relentlessly steep and muddier as we reached the summit. We came out onto Mountfield Lane, a little further than expected, however soon re-entered the wood and found a path lined with bluebells standing proud. We then came out onto Kent Lane and walked a half mile into a small hamlet, Hollingrove, where a removal lorry was unpacking its load into a small cottage as its new owners looked excitedly on and gave a proud nod to us as we passed by.

The final phase of the walk took us through what initially appeared to be a driveway into another small cottage, but eventually came out on the same track as we came to find the Hermits Tower.
We retraced our steps through the gates and looked back a final time to view the landscape again.
The lay-by where we'd left the car was just around the corner and it was time to relieve the pressure of the boots and congratulate each other on a good spring walk that was a few steps short of 6 miles long...

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