If I’m ever asked why on earth anyone would want to get up early on a weekend, put on heavy boots & walk up & down steep hills in high temperatures, Saturday’s walk provided the answer – because it’s wonderful! We had perfect weather, apart from the last hour, & the South Downs are beautiful. Amazingly sculpted chalk hills with steep escarpments & views to the sea from the top. The expenditure of energy required for us to get up & down three times was well recompensed for by a pint in the pub at Rodmell, picnic by the peaceful church at Southease & the lovely tea shop at Glynde. The owner kindly promised to let us in if we could get there by 4 which is closing time but such a fine group of walkers were we, that we got there by 3.30 & Geoffrey & his sister joined us in the little orchard for some very acceptable cakes. The weather changed for the last part of the walk but we’re tough, we don’t let a little bit of weather put us off & with cake-stuffed tums we made it back to Lewes in perfect time for the train.

Harriet