What a contrast in the weather today in the south compared to yesterday.
Glorious sunshine, a little breeze and the odd cloud. Well, not one for
staying in bed on a weekend, I was up and out just before 7:00. It was north
to Harting Down car park, nestling on the South Downs Way above South
Harting in West Sussex. Had a bit of a drive yesterday to West Firle area
for a South Downs walk, so decided to walk closer to home today. Seeing as
it was good weather to, I thought I would stretch the legs a bit more today,
so planned a 15 mile circular walk.
I was on my way by 7:30, heading east over Harting Down and down to Hooksway
via Telegraph House. I had contemplated going east along the South Downs Way
at the start, but I thought I would save the best of the walk till last!
Passing the Royal Oak pub just under an hour later, it was through woods and
tracks over to above Chilgrove. Little bit of country lane walking from here
for just over a mile to Staple Ash farm, but not a problem. (Difficult
trying to plan walks on the South Downs avoiding road walking.) From Staple
Ash Farm, it was further east into Westdean Wood eventually arriving at the
main road above Cocking. A coupe of hundred yards north up the road, I
joined the South Downs Way. Made my way up to Cocking Down, then it was a
rest up against a fingerpost for coffee and a sandwich. Such a pleasant
morning, birds singing warmth of the morning sun, and a great view to boot.
Life just felt good. After a 30 minute break, it was back on the feet and
the long walk westwards to Beacon Hill. Odd here, as Beacon Hill is
prominent on the South Downs but the South Downs Way skirts around the hill
to the south. Not sure why!
Anyway, a steep drop from Beacon Hill, then a bit of a rise up Harting Down
followed by a short walk to arrive back at the car park.
Fantastic weekend walking, seeing the South Downs in all its glory today
....... and a very wet, windy and murky South Downs yesterday ......... but,
whatever the weather, a day out walking is great.
--
sandy saunders @ www.thewalkzone.co.uk
email: saunders.sandy at ntlworld.com
'Mountains or Mole Hills ... summiting still
brings the same excitement'