Another outing today, and what weather! Clare developed a recurrent back problem yesterday (no ... not too much sleep!), and seeing as she wasn't up to walking, I opted for a solo walk. And, as always when walking alone, I was up and away early. Left home about 6am and had a quick drive north from Denmead to Harting Down car park. Set off just after 6:30 heading east in very pleasant sunshine, with great early morning misty views. Very warm in shorts and T shirt too for the time of day. Travelled along the SDW over Beacon Hill and Pen Hill, enjoying the peace and tranquility on The Downs. So was 19 deer too on Beacon Hill until I turned up! They soon scarpered over the fields .... but it was nice to see the wild life. Continued east, still on the SDW, to near Cocking Down, then drop off north to do a circuit through Cocking village. Rejoined the South Downs Way at Hill Barn Farm, below Manorfarm Down, then made my way back to Cocking Down where I had a relaxing coffee stop. From Cocking Down I followed the SDW along the outward route back to the car park at Harting Down.
Very enjoyable 14 mile walk on the rolling South Downs. Slideshow from along the route at the web address below.
-- Sandy Saunders @ www.thewalkzone.co.uk 'Mountains or Mole Hills, summiting still brings the same excitement!'
there were not many people about, is this normal for this area or did you wait for every one to get out of shot ;-)
One thing I like about early morning walks is lack of other walkers. Nothing against others .... but it is nice to be a little alone, even on the 'populated' South Downs. There were a few mountain bikers about on my return from Cocking Down, but I didn't see the first walker until close to Pen Hill on my return. Even then it wasn't particularly busy for that area. Normally Harting Down to beacon Hill is very busy with dog walkers and children, especially on such a sunny Sunday .... maybe it 'livened' up in the afternoon.
-- Sandy Saunders @ www.thewalkzone.co.uk 'Mountains or Mole Hills, summiting still brings the same excitement!'
