This was undoubtedly the most challenging section so far with a complicated journey to reach the start point, and thirty two stiles!

Section seven passes through relatively low lying but undulating and sparsely populated terrain. The only settlements are the hamlet of Stalkers Lane and the tiny village of Chidingly, our lunch stop, with its interesting church and charismatic pub.

Eleven Poly Ramblers arrived at our starting point of Uckfield to take the bus to the Blackboys Inn in the Wealden District of East Sussex. We followed the signage to Kiln Woods a very different terrain from the deep mud we experienced during our recce in February. We left the woods and walked along narrow country roads and green lanes. The verges had clumps of wildflowers with plenty of Bluebells, an enjoyable experience.  We followed a narrow track through a number of fields with some stiles in a dilapidated state, this included one unconventional stile that had a plank to be lifted before climbing over it.

After passing though the tiny hamlet of Stalkers Lane, we continued crossing fields including sheep with newborn lambs leaping about. Finally, we spotted the spire of Chidingly Church on the horizon. This was the eastern most point of the Vanguard Way.  We arrived at Chidingly Church which dates from the 13th Century, to have our lunch in the churchyard. We finished our lunch break with a visit to the Six Bells pub, a popular rendezvous for friendly bikers and jazz bands who often play there.  After lunch we continued to the conclusion of section seven passing through woodland with Bluebells and some beautiful pink orchids in full bloom.

Section eight: Golden Cross to Berwick station.  This sparsely populated section goes through low lying farmland with some gentle ascents heralding the approach of the South Downs.

We followed our route through several fields and bridges over small streams to reach Limekiln Farm where we continued for three kilometres along a country road and track. We then went across fields negotiating some squeeze stiles.  We completed our walk through a wood and behind garden fences through another squeeze stile before we arrived at Berwick Station. We enjoyed a drink at the pub opposite before catching our train back.

Hilary.  Photos by Ida  and Rochelle