I'm very much enjoying Twitter, but there are times when you want to write more than 140 characters.
I like to fill my Sundays with a good walk in the country. I live on the South Coast of England (find London, head due south and just before you get wet, I'm right about there) amid the rolling hills and softly inspiring coastline so there is plenty to enjoy right on my doorstep.
So, today I had a typical Sunday, woke in time to listen to "The Archers" omnibus on BBC Radio 4 and pottered around getting ready for a stroll.
I was in two minds where to go today. I have a book of 50 walks in Sussex and am working my way through it. There was Horsted Keynes, near the Bluebell Steam Railway, but as this was the first decent sunny Sunday all year, I figured it might be a bit of a tourist trap, so instead went to Firle. Firle is not far from Lewes, just off the A27 and nestles below the South Downs escarpment.
I parked in the free (yes FREE!) car park, and started to follow the route through the Village.
The village, as I read, is an example of a "Closed Village" which grew up on a private estate. I think this is reflected in the very substantial houses and classically English farm buildings.
The road through the village took me to the foot of the South Downs escarpment and the long, often very steep climb up.
I've slogged up the South Downs escarpment on a previous walk, so I knew what I was getting myself into. Take it steady, use my faithful stick (a piece of branch that I found beside the path on a walk 3 years ago) as extra traction, take breaks and don't overdo it.
Some way up, I stopped to take a few photos looking inland, including these featuring Firle Tower.
It was around this point that I realised I was following the route given in the
book, backwards. Too late to retrace steps now, plus it was a very simple circular walk, so no matter.
Anyhoo, I slogged on and reached the top of the South Downs ridge where I joined the South Downs Way. Heading east, I arrived at Firle Beacon which was my highest point of the day at 217 metres above sea level. There was a slight haze, but nothing too much to stop the tremendous views on offer.
I took a well-earned break here and sent a few Tweets to the world. Hard to believe that I got a connection on top of a hill like that. I had just turned my NetBook off when an oriental family arrived for a picnic (bit blowy for that if you ask me) including a girl flying a kite.
I turned back on myself at this point, heading back west and back on track (following the route backwards still). The walkers and cyclists were out in force today, just as you'd expect from the English on a sunny spring Sunday.
Also out in force were sheep. Here we see one who is taking on the 1980's revival and wearing green plastic earrings with pride... she was giving the 80's look her own twist though by accessorising the her ensemble with a great lump of bramble. Chic Sheep!
After fraternising with livestock, I arrived at a car park (so that's where the lady wearing inappropriate shoes had come from!), sent a few more Tweets and had this delicious view as I waited for pictures to upload, drank cloudy lemonade and munched on Wine Gums.
Now the easy part came, downhill back to the village. One last photo to share here. This is for my Mum. She loves doorways, so here's a lovely one.
Retracing my steps through the village, I met a couple of kids who asked me, quite politely, why I was using a stick? "Because it makes it easier to walk up hills." "No it doesn't." they giggled and scooted off. Their parting shot, I cannot deny. "You're wearing a tiny rucksack!". Ain't no denying it. I was indeed wearing a tiny rucksack. Sharp kids.
Back to the car, I put the roof down (I still can't stop myself mentioning I drive a convertible... may the novelty never wear off) and drove down to the coast to cruise back to Lancing.
The sun was setting at this point and gave me one last photo op of the day.
So, I'll end my first blog here with a picture. Thanks for reading and behold Brighton Palace Pier at sunset.
Tchau Tchau. x
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