Fields of Gold

‘You’ll remember me, when the west wind moves, upon the fields of barley’ -  Sting (1993)

Thursday 26th June 2014, the three hikers set off from Upper Dicker to trace a route provided by Wealden walks entitled water water everywhere. However, not being inclined to adhere to convention our intrepid three made many of their own tracks in completing this circuitous route.

With the sun on our backs and just the threat of an occasional shower (Carol had said we would be unlucky to find one) we set off in the opposite direction to that advised by Wealden walks, from Bedes school at 09.30hrs. Bedes school used to be known at St Bedes, however, to have a greater international appeal to people of all faiths it lost its saint and became just Bedes. Walking past the day scholars resplendent in their green and black uniforms we made our way West along the public footpath past Clifton Farm and soon found ourselves at the most northerly point of our walk at Marnhull Farm to pick up the Vanguard Way heading towards Chalvington.

En route we discussed the decline of English football and listened intently as the salty sea dog of the group recounted tales of his latest sea expedition and fortunately for us he omitted all of the cornish sea shanties although later took to demonstrate some sharp moves on the dance floor and his methods for attracting people of both sexes to be his dancing partner!

We made our way south westward for a couple of miles along a seldom used ‘c’ road whereupon we arrived at bungalow farm where a small industrial unit was renovating classic and prestige motors.

We continued on the Vanguard way towards Berwick, passing by a small mansion house that we remarked was quite a few bricks short of Mountfield Court that we had visited in recent weeks, however, set in its own grounds and overlooking the Cuckmere valley  one could be forgiven for expecting to see the farm hand and the scullery maid cavorting in the corn fields after their duties were fulfilled for the day!

We had yet to see any water until a badly sited marker led us through the back garden of a comely house and grounds ensuring we maintained both our footing and a respectful distance from both

house and ornamental pond. After exiting the garden it became clearer as to the path we should have trodden and would of course have seen the appropriate marker had we not been completing our circuit ‘the wrong way round!’ Continuing on the Vanguard way we arrived at Arlington Reservoir and stopped for brief refreshment, a quick lesson in fly fishing and listening in to others very loud conversation. The reservoir of 120 acres was created in 1970 and supplies 5 million gallons of water each day to the Eastbourne area, it is fed by the Cuckmere river and has become a wildlife sanctuary with over 170 species of birds calling it home and 10,000 additional seasonal feathered visitors.

With spirits lifted we headed off around the perimeter of the reservoir  for about a mile before departing in search of the Weald Way that would take us back towards Upper Dicker and our journey’s end, however due to an incompatibility glitch between the 1874 map we were using and the siting of the Weald Way we ended up creating our own new routes taking in both fields, tracks and very busy main roads back towards our vehicle. (ed. hi-vis vest?)

When in site of the local pub the Plough we found the officially re-sited route of the Weald way and to celebrate both this discovery and the end of our thirsty walk we felt obliged to calm our nerves by taking refreshing alms from the array of fine beers on offer and quenched our thirst before the final 1/2 mile back to the start/end point. 8 miles completed, some new pathways cut and the promise of a lie down in the back garden with a good book to further aid the digestion.

Bewl Water - (Revisited)

It was March 2012 when some of us ventured to walk from Ticehurst and go around part of the Bewl Water... at that time it was looking like an arid tundra in which there's normally some 31,300 million litres of water stored for use by the local water authorities. However it had been a particularly dry spring and the threat of hosepipe bans came true later in the year.

March 2012

June 2014

But this was 2 years on and nearing the mid-year summer solstice and thought it was time to revisit our tracks and see what condition the lake was in.
With due respect of the threatening heat of the day, we made an early start and were in Ticehurst by 8.30am ready to stride our way through gathering school children waiting for their transport and cut into a footpath between a house and a shop which model railway enthusiasts would have found difficult to pass without going in.... but it was closed and did little more than window shop the dusty display that was afforded onlookers.

We needed to thrash our way through the first section of the path which was looking neglected after which we dropped down into a small wooded copse then up towards Tinkers Lane. The footpath continued opposite, however the instructions guided us along the lane where locals exchanged morning greetings with us, whilst drivers had more intent on getting to work and we had to take cover in a couple of strategically positioned driveways. One of which was Washington Villas.

We were soon off the lane and walking down a concreted driveway towards a farm. Again, dog walkers appeared to be pleased to exchange greeting, whilst their dog cleverly barked at us whilst carrying a stick in his mouth. Canine talent was clearly in evidence around these parts.

A few corners more and having turned onto the 'Round Bewl Water walk' the site of the large watery reservoir confirmed our expectations in that having experienced one of the wettest springs in many many years, the levels were adequately high enough to assure locals that perhaps there wouldn't be a hosepipe ban.
We saw a lone fisherman taking mid morning opportunity to conduct his fly fishing technique as we walked pass and more dog walkers came in the opposite direction to ensure our approach was a peaceful friendly trespass.

Although the sun was hot after an hour or so of walking, we took opportunity of some clouded respite and sat a while to observe the length of the reservoir and in doing so, disturb a flock of Canadian geese. They looked unperturbed by our presence and after 10 minutes we continued around the track recalling the route we had taken previously.
We crossed Rosemary Lane and left the water behind us and navigated our way along a dedicated pathway, firstly through open land, which then led into Ketley Wood. We made a steady ascent through the shaded glade and eventually came out at the other side, arriving on the main road. We crossed it and found the footpath to Quidley which was directly opposite.

The sun was out again as we took chance to view the Weald which provided an ideal backdrop to a very well maintained Dale Hill golf course. We obligingly followed the markers across the fairways as we had before, but not before one of the group managed to strike a perfect 7 iron shot he just happened to be carrying... (not).

It was time to drop down through a very neglected looking wood in which we saw deer prints and spent cartridges where no doubt the seasonal quarry had been tracked.
We were heading for the final 'high risk' section of the walk along 500yds of Pashley Road. To reduce risk of incident, a high vis vest was donned to ward off any potential events which wasn't written in our instructions. It seemed to work, as during the brief yet intrepid walk toward the next stile, we didn't encounter any threat of car, lorry, white van or bus. What could be described as a result in some respects and will consider using it again the next time we have to walk along roads with no grass verge.

We clambered over a few more stiles, exchanged some worried looks with sheep then through a wooded section and were soon heading along the final path and into the centre of Ticehurst where we rested in the central shelter to watch the locals purchase their early lunch from a mobile Fish & Chip van.
The walk had everything you might have expected in 3 hours... 7 miles of waterside, wood, fields, golf course,  paths of varying terrain and some amazing views... surprising what you can do when you put your mind to it!!

Sherlock Stalker found in Brewery?

The day started in bright sunshine as the intrepid explorers met in Birling Gap car park. The breeze was slight whilst we took a brief view out to the sea in the knowledge that on the other side of the channel the war veterans were celebrating the 70th year when the D Day landings on the Normandy coast line. We looked down to see a group of 30 or more German students examining the shoreline.
The warmth of the sun on our backs was felt as we walked steadily west along the South Downs Way and entered the main footpath which led along the top of the Seven Sisters cliff formation.

We entered through a gate marked "Malcolm's Gate" with some musical notations, the origins of which we perhaps needed to explore further.
The 5 of us were accompanied by Oscar and Floyd, the infamous dogs from last week's walk. They were keen to explore at their own more speedier pace, whilst the remainder of the groupd felt the need to pace ourselves in the increasing heat.
We reached the seat after achieving 3 sisters and had a brief rest before heading inland toward Crowlink. We entered a field of sheep with their growing young lambs. The dogs went off to negotiate access to drink from the galvanized watering trough. The surrounding sheep obliging moved aside as Oscar felt compelled to jump in for a dip.
He surfaced, looking liberated and refreshed, as we moved quickly to avoid his shaking excess water onto us.

We continued through the remainder of the field and looked down on the small group of houses at Crowlink. A small hamlet with a single track road that leads down from the car park through which we were about to enter across the cattle grid. A couple of late starting walkers were just about to leave their car and set off in the car park and we navigated our way down the lane toward the church.

The dogs needed to be on a lead at this point and we respectfully walked through the graves and then onto the adjacent meadow which had been left uncut with a carpet of buttercups leading down the hill.

The pace was unforgivingly slowing, even though gravity was having an effect at this point. We were setting our timing to rendezvous at around 11.30 at the local Beachy Head Brewery, so a chance opportunity to sit on the East Dean Village green to have a short snack was timely to say the least.
We observed a group of some 20 or so hikers standing menacingly between the 'Hikers Rest' and the Tiger Inn. Had they been banned from entering because of some dispute over the change received after purchasing a cup of earl grey tea and a flapjack or were they just protesting about the potential threat of fracking under the sub-structure of this ancient village? We weren't to find out.

 However what we did find out about was that another smaller group with an expensive looking camera on a tripod were filming on the bench we had hoped to sit on. They were engrossed in the process of taking several random shots and interviewing several people whilst we set up on the green nearby and continued to munch away at our snacks. We later discovered a short piece had been shown on both the local BBC lunchtime and teatime news and referred to a writer who had written a novel featuring Sherlock Holmes who had, according to a blue plaque on a nearby house, retired to the village and was a beekeeper. It was interesting to see that we featured in some of the shots, lazing on the grass in the piece, added a little more interest to the day.

But our day wasn't over yet. The visit to the brewery was awaiting, and we took to the path towards the sheep centre behind which stood a less than impressive barn which contained a small micro-brewery business set up a few years ago and now producing some award winning real ale brews for the local pubs.

The hospitality was warm and welcoming and a few sample glasses of the Lighthouse brew was offered as we unstrapped our back-packs, whilst a brief explanation of the brewing process was provided by the Master Brewer. The day was warming up nicely and the quenching qualities of the beer enabled the remaining half hour walk back to the car park all the more bearable as we encountered the wrath of cars, buses and motorcycles on our roadside amble. The cattle in the field were looking protectively at us and were not going to engage in negotiating the the dogs to have access to their water trough as much as the sheep were earlier. We felt compelled to continue walking.
It was all but a 4.5 miles walk this week, but perhaps it was as much as was needed on a warm summer blue sky day.

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.