Ten of us met up at Lewes station for our annual pilgrimage to The Little Cottage Tea Room at Glynde. We agreed to keep up a good pace on the flat as it’s a long way with 3 massive hills to negotiate, especially in the heat, and we absolutely needed to get to Glynde by 4. 

We went past  Anne of Cleves House which is a 16-century,  timber-framed hall and, on another day, would be worth a visit. Apparently it was part of her annulment settlement from Henry V111 in 1551 which was an infinitely better option than having her head chopped off. It now has a cafe run by Patisserie Lewes – further inducement for a visit. Unfortunately we never have time for such delights as we have to get up that first beautiful chalk hill and down again to Rodmell in good time. 

At Rodmell we had a swift drink stop and then continued along the valley floor to Southease church where Geoffrey and Lan awaited us. Lan’s train had been cancelled but she demonstrated her resourcefulness by joining Geoffrey on the train from Lewes to Southease & meeting us there. 

The second hill is very steep and completely open which gives us wonderful views in all directions from the top. From there it is a stretch along the top of the Downs and a steep descent to Glynde. 

By a miracle, we all arrived at the Tea Shop where the lovely owner had set a table for us in the garden. Her scones are strong contenders for The Best Scones in Southern England and we didn’t deprive ourselves.

The third hill is not as steep as the first two but, filled with cream tea, it always feels harder than it is. We went up and down again into a beautiful valley, up again, past the Golf Course and  back into Lewes.

Harriet. Photos by Harriet and Lan