walking – Page 2 – sue orton

South Downs Way 5

Another glorious day on the south downs took me from Housedean Farm to Saddlescombe on Saturday 29th November. This walk is forming the key inspiration and design source for my final weaving project a in May 2015, more in later posts. So, walking steadily uphill from the busy A27 I came into a secluded undulation of the downs, quiet except for occasional birdsong and the thrum of hooves of a galloping horse. The warm winter sunshine and the climbing soon warmed me up. On and up onto the crest of the downs with views north and south. It was busy up there, with many walkers and cyclists. I stopped for a break just past Ditchling Beacon and then wandered on through fields strewn with spiders webs, making for Jack and Jill Windmills for lunch. With energy to spare I walked on through Pycombe over Newtimber Hill into Saddlescombe. My longest day yet, about 9 miles. Good preparation for the 10 and 12 mile days to come.

South Downs Way 4

A cold wind accompanied me on my fourth day of my walk from Southease to Housedean Farm. Parking in Stanmer Park, I took the train to Southease. Two walkers alighted one going East and one West along the SDW. Coffee in the YHA cafe set me up for the 6.5 mile walk. Over the River Ouse first and into Southease village and then gradually up onto the tops. Gloves and hat on – it is November – past Rodmell and onto Swanborough Hill with views north to Kingston and Lewes and south to Newhaven, Peacehaven and an occasional glimpse through the clouds at Seven Sisters. A quick lunch under a hawthorn as it was cold sitting still. On, joining the Jugg’s Road – used to transport fish by Donkey from the fishing town of Brighton to the market in Lewes – before descending past the autumn colours in Newmarket Plantation to Housedean farm. Two miles walking along a busy A27 to my car at Stanmer ended a very successful day.

South Downs Way: 3

Alfriston to Southease on 23rd October, a chilly damp day. I enjoyed Alfriston both arriving and departing. The walk out of the village is up Weavers Lane and a steady climb brings you out onto the top of the Downs. Full waterproofs were soon on both for the drizzle and wind chill. I made good progress and arrived in Southease in time for lunch.

South Downs Way: 2

I was pleased to get back to walking after my operation in September: slowly does it.

Starting from Seven Sisters National Park Centre I walked just 3 miles through to Alfriston on a gently glorious October day. Lighter and fitter with increasing energy, the autumn colours soothed and invigorated me. Kicking through the leaves with a song in my heart I was very pleased to be on the trail again.

South Down’s Way | day 1

At the start of the year I resolved to begin explorations of the long distance paths of UK. First my local trail, the South Downs Way. On Tuesday 29th April I started; walking from Eastbourne to Seven Sisters Visitor Centre.

It was a glorious windless day with Skylarks serenading me all the way. Long rolling cliffs, not a cloud in the sky and pure joy developing my own pace and rhythm walking alone; a meditation. A man overtook me walking barefoot.

Just before the gate onto the gravel path through Cuckmere Haven I came across this adult male Adder sunbathing. I managed a picture as he slid away. Next leg of the journey to Southease.