14th August
We were not walking last weekend while we decanted the contents of the garage into Norwich Drive. We brought back just as much furniture so the garage looks no different! We’re back in Brighton, this week to decorate and tidy up after the builders but take a break for the first day of our ‘holiday’.
Today I extract more value from my National Trust membership as we park up in the car park on Ditchling Beacon. Bit ashamed by how smug I feel about saving £2 but the car park attendant makes us feel most welcome. It’s these twin feelings I pay my annual membership for!
We walk west from the car park. There is more wind today and plenty of paragliders out enjoying the conditions. The paths are crowded with family groups and in the end it’s a relief to turn off the Downs at Burnhouse Bostall for a more peaceful walk. Now the paths are pretty much deserted and we walk north as far as Ditchling before skirting the edge of the village and head back to the Downs near Wick Farm. The steep climb back to the car park causes one of us to complain all the way up. Nevertheless the views on the way up are beautiful and worth the pain (I think).
On reflection, this would be better walked in the reverse direction (more gentle climb back to the top of the Downs) and missing the loop around Ditchling where we picked our way around the backs of gardens. A short walk (5.5 miles) although I think the warm weather made it feel longer.
(Starting coordinates N50° 54.043′ W0° 06.294′, Garmin Adventure)
Where Angells Tread! 