A select group of six Poly Ramblers assembled at Brighton Station for a five and a half mile walk exploring the riches of this city and its seafront. We headed into the vibrant North Laine area of narrow streets full of colourful independent shops, pubs and cafes. We passed the Royal Pavilion which was built for the Prince Regent, later George 4th, between 1787 and 1822 in a distinctive Indian style. We crossed into the Lanes with its many antique shops and soon reached the seafront. Past the Palace Pier, we boarded the Volks Railway which runs alongside the beach. Opened in 1883, this narrow gauge heritage tram is the oldest operational electric railway in the world. Alighting at the Marina, we stopped for refreshments in a pub before starting on the Undercliff Walk. This is a five kilometre concrete and granite seawall running eastwards beneath the chalk cliffs. Its primary function is a defence against coastal erosion. As we sauntered along, we saw a a couple of seals and avoided spray from breaking waves. There are three breaks in the cliffs enroute and at the second of these we left the walk at Rottingdean. We found a quirky cafe in its high street and enjoyed an excellent late lunch whilst the heavens opened outside! We finished the day by taking a bus ride back to Brighton Station for trains home.

Danny
Photos courtesy of Pam Beach and Hilary Abbey