Yes, its been like summer today on the South Downs, although its rained in
the last couple of hours, but the sunshine is trying to break through again.
Had an early start this morning for a long walk, one I often do if Clare is
not with me. Started out from Harting Down car park, West Sussex, at 0730
as the sun began to shine over the downs. (A little chilly at first, in
fact the temperature was 7 deg C, but still in shorts and T shirt though
need a fleece on for the first hour.) Followed the South Downs Way east
over Beacon Hill and Pen Hill, then turned south and passed through
Hooksway. Great pub at Hooksway, The Royal Oak, but didn't feel like a pint
at 9am for breakfast! Continued south, eventually passing Staple Ash farm,
up from Chilgrove, then headed over into Venus Wood, part of Westdean Woods.
A woodland walk for a while, then down to above Cocking and rejoined the
South Downs Way. Got up to Cocking Down, then sat for a late breakfast,
enjoying the warmth of the sun ..... and the hazy views east. Breakfast
over, it was back on the feet and continued the 6 miles west along the SDW
back to the car at Harting Down.
An amazing 14 mile walk, a mixture of rolling downs, farm tracks and
woodland paths. And what fantastic cloud formations on the return leg,
although the views wasn't particularly good as it was quite hazy.
Would you believe it ....... the hole in the ozone layer has reached the
south Downs (see pic http://www.thewalkzone.co.uk/cloud-1) and a second one
developed soon after (see http://www.thewalkzone.co.uk/cloud-2). Should I
inform the scientific boffins!
Photos from along the route at the web address below.
--
sandy saunders @ www.thewalkzone.co.uk
email: saunders.sandy at ntlworld.com
'Mountains or Mole Hills ... summiting still
brings the same excitement'