It was an early start for 9 dedicated Polyramblers for the long journey to  East Sussex but the hot sunshine and the beautiful views of the Downs made up for it.  We started the walk by going half way round Arlington reservoir and then through undulating farmland with beautiful views of the South Downs and the Long Man of Wilmington. After the rain of the past few weeks, the vegetation – and especially the nettles – had grown quite high and Ken must have regretted wearing shorts.  We stopped for a drink in the Giant’s Rest pub – a lovely pub with local beers and ciders (I had South Downs rhubarb cider, delicious) worthy of a return visit.  We continued our walk along the foot of the Downs along wheat fields, passing the lovely church in Folkington,  We followed the Wealdway going over the Downs and down to the village of Jevington where we stopped at the Eight Bells pub for lunch.  The village was busy as it was Fete day.  Then, we joined the South Downs Way and went up the Downs and walked along the ridge with views of the sea and the coast before reaching the Eastbourne Youth Hostel bus stop (some reminiscing took place here after two Youth Hostel weekends in the old hostel and the new one which was rebuilt after burning down).  We were spared the long walk through town and caught a bus to the station. Thank you Jackie for a lovely walk.

Dominique