http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/Hi and welcome to a blog of my walks, ideas for walks, and general ramblings. I live in East Sussex, having moved out of London so that I could spend more time wandering around the beauiful South Downs. A friend of mine suggested a while ago that I write my walks down so I thought I'd give it a go. I've tried to describe the routes without being too tedious, but with enough detail so that if you have the right map you should be able to work out where I've been and then try the walks for yourself.Happy walking!en-UKMokoFeed10http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/9d/cf6aa92bc2001950f0c4ae4bd13313_160x200.jpghttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/09/28/hartwarming-7055620/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2009-09-28:/2009/09/28/hartwarming-7055620/Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:52:05 +0200 <p>Sunday Sept 27, 2009: Approx 2.75 miles; ascent about 100m (Map: see <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks)">www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks)</a></p> <p>A rendezvous with the family for a picnic lunch and a short walk in a delightful spot in West Sussex. Harting Down a few miles SE of Petersfield and NW of Chichester is a truly lovely place. It seemed quieter than the East Sussex Downs, with less traffic noise, though on this beautiful late September Sunday it was a popular spot for walkers, picnickers, etc. </p> <p>We met at the National Trust car park just of the B2141. Although we used a map of Harting Down from the National Trust <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-harting_down-wildlife_walk.pdf,">http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-harting_down-wildlife_walk.pdf,</a> we didn't follow the route described as we failed to pay attention to it! This leaflet gives instructions on getting to Harting Down,which is also on the South Downs Way. The car park costs £2 (currently) for non-members/ free to N members.</p> <p>From the car park we headed roughly E along the top of the ridge, with one bit of noticable up and down - my first for some months and it felt like it! Our route took us to the trig point and monument atop beacon hill, about a mile from the car park. </p> <p>The monument shows directions of various neaby hills etc and after failing to spot most of these, we stopped a few yards to the S for a leisurely lunch break, watching the housemartins flying in their dozens around us, and also seeing a lovely kestrel hovering over te slopes in front of us. The sun was out, the sky was blue and it was perfect sunbathing weather. There were a few butterflies around the nearby scrub, though most of the flowers seemed to have gone over to seed or were on their way.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/163/3945163_8a76beb31a_m.jpg" alt="27 Sept S from Beacon Hill"></p> <p>Rested and replenished we returned towards the trig point and then headed roughly S/ SE on the South Downs Way for about 1/3 of a mile (to reach some houses). Here we turned sharply NW and the N, still on the SDW, first along a hedge-lined track and the just above a broad Downland bottom, to rejoin our outward route on the ridge. Following a slightly lower and more shaded track parallel to our outward path (to the N), we headed W back towards the car park and then off to tea!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/09/28/hartwarming-7055620/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>walkingtravelleisuresussexhttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/09/28/hartwarming-7055620/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/09/21/a-perfect-september-afternoon-7012950/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2009-09-21:/2009/09/21/a-perfect-september-afternoon-7012950/Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:13:17 +0200 <p>Monday September 21st, 2009; approx 3 flat miles (Map OS Explorer 123)</p> <p>I've been missing the downs like mad! A couple of hours gentle stroll combined with a spot of birding was needed with my mate Gail (another Monday slacker). </p> <p>We parked at BoPeep car park, which is on top of the Downs above BoPeep farm and quarry. It is reached by turning N off the A27 near the village of Selmeston, which is a few miles NW of Alfriston in East Sussex.</p> <p>We opted for a simple out and back along a bridleway SW and then S from the carpark. This path takes in open downland with great views of the sea and well as an old trackway with hedgerow and scrub the lovely views into the downland bottom below. The sky was almost clear of cloud with a bit of a S/SW breeze. The light was lovely, long shadows and a slight golden tint as the afternoon lengthened.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/165/3944165_22dc16a9a1_s.jpg" alt="21Sept N Twds BoPeep"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/166/3944166_48a157fa02_s.jpg" alt="21Sept Berries"></p> <p>We saw a few wheatears not far from th car park, probably waiting for a more favourable wind direction for thier channel crossing. Swallows and housemartins were on their way south as well, flitting over the grass, eeding themselves up for the jorney ahead. A kestrel out hunting, a buzzard being mobbed by crows, and lots of long-tailed tits also contributed to a lovely afternoon, as did some lovely small but delicious blackberries.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/09/21/a-perfect-september-afternoon-7012950/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>leisurewalkingsussexhikingtravelhttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/09/21/a-perfect-september-afternoon-7012950/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/09/21/why-so-quiet-7012933/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2009-09-21:/2009/09/21/why-so-quiet-7012933/Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:10:26 +0200 <p>No new walks since June?? </p> <p>Well no, I'm afraid. Although Slovenia was wonderful, a slight niggle in my knee got worse and worse as the week went on. Maybe I should have stopped walking sooner, but the scenery was so wonderful. </p> <p>Anyway things didn't improve when I got back, so no long walks, some physio and lots of exercises to hopefully fix things. I'm being good, doing my exercises every day and things have improved somewhat (but not enough yet). I'll be doing the odd couple of miles now and again (entry for today to follow), but that's going to be all for a while yet I think. In the meantime I'm having lessons to improve my swimming, doing what I can in the gym, and birdwatching to help with my craving for the outdors.</p> <p>Have some great walks for me. I'm sure I'll be back on track soon enough! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/09/21/why-so-quiet-7012933/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>hikingtravelleisuresussexwalkinghttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/09/21/why-so-quiet-7012933/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/06/21/sunday-7th-june-wet-wet-wet-from-ribcev-laz-to-6357855/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2009-06-21:/2009/06/21/sunday-7th-june-wet-wet-wet-from-ribcev-laz-to-6357855/Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:07:36 +0200 <p>At last here are the details of the walks on my holiay in Slovenia.</p> <p><strong>Sunday 7th June:</strong><br> Wet, wet, wet: From Ribcev Laz to Rudnica (946m) and back via Sredna Vas and Studor.<br> <img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/100/3601100_d433f589fe_s.jpg" alt="7Jun09 Slovenia 1"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/101/3601101_2e16ea8118_s.jpg" alt="7Jun09 Slovenia 2"></p> <p><strong>Monday 8th June</strong><br> Unexpected adventues: From Bohinjska Bistrica, up some hills and back to Ribcev Laz along the Sava Bohinjska river.<br> <img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/111/3601111_b0cd0cfce1_s.jpg" alt="8Jun09 Slovenia 1"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/112/3601112_20f737cac1_s.jpg" alt="8Jun09 Slovenia 2"></p> <p><strong>Tuesday 9th June</strong><br> Stumped near Bled - we tried to walk along a dry gorge, but it was closed!<br> <img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/136/3601136_418cc89795_s.jpg" alt="9Jun09 Slovenia 1"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/137/3601137_801ab2b828_s.jpg" alt="9Jun09 Slovenia 2"></p> <p><strong>Wednesday 10th June</strong><br> Two tops: Mozic (1603m) and Kobla (1499m)<br> <img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/145/3601145_1b564293ae_s.jpg" alt="10Jun09 Slovenia 1"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/146/3601146_81b0165251_s.jpg" alt="10Jun09 Slovenia 2"></p> <p><strong>Thursday 11th June</strong><br> A bit of a challenge: Up Prisivec (1761m) via Planina Pri Jezeru and Planina Visevnik.<br> <img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/159/3601159_753abc96d6_s.jpg" alt="11Jun09 Slovenia 2"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/160/3601160_2b6485e5ac_s.jpg" alt="11Jun09 Slovenia 3"><br> <img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/161/3601161_819437cd61_s.jpg" alt="11Jun09 Slovenia 4"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/162/3601162_3e5b214251_s.jpg" alt="11Jun09 Slovenia 5"></p> <p><strong>Friday 12th June</strong><br> A gorgeous day: From Ribcev Laz to Slap Mostnica<br> <img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/178/3601178_de34d62b4e_s.jpg" alt="12Jun09 Slovenia 1"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/179/3601179_3c800eed03_s.jpg" alt="12Jun09 Slovenia 2"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/180/3601180_d16a88926b_s.jpg" alt="12Jun09 Slovenia 3"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/182/3601182_ab947de62c_s.jpg" alt="12Jun09 Slovenia 4"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/06/21/sunday-7th-june-wet-wet-wet-from-ribcev-laz-to-6357855/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>hikingtravelleisurewalkinghttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/06/21/sunday-7th-june-wet-wet-wet-from-ribcev-laz-to-6357855/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/06/15/holiday-in-slovenia-june-6311801/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2009-06-15:/2009/06/15/holiday-in-slovenia-june-6311801/Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:40:17 +0200 <p>Just back from a week's holiday in Slovenia with good old Walking Women. We were based at Ribcev Laz on Lake Bohinj (below).</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/186/3601186_2d0c64aa55_m.jpg" alt="Lake Bohinj Jun 09"></p> <p>After a wet start to the week, the weather settled down to end on a sunny note with meadows in full bloom (below).</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/12jun09_slovenia_3/3601181" title="12Jun09 Slovenia 3"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/181/3601181_c858eb2b5e_m.jpg" alt="12Jun09 Slovenia 3"></a></p> <p>I had a great week with some excellent walks - details and photos to follow soon.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/06/15/holiday-in-slovenia-june-6311801/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>walkingleisurehikingtravelhttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/06/15/holiday-in-slovenia-june-6311801/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/06/05/perfect-pooh-day-out-6246052/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2009-06-05:/2009/06/05/perfect-pooh-day-out-6246052/Fri, 05 Jun 2009 22:17:47 +0200 <p>Saturday May 24, 2009; 9.5 miles, ascent approx 220m (Map OS Explorer 135)</p> <p>The shorts were out for the first time this year. We had a great walk (route to follow) and Pooh Sticks victory was mine!</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/180/3569180_5851c2e3c9_s.jpg" alt="24May Gill" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/181/3569181_c0cfc24f0c_s.jpg" alt="24May twds Gallipot Farm" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/182/3569182_dd39785378_s.jpg" alt="24May Cow Action" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/183/3569183_79734fa39e_s.jpg" alt="24May Wealdway looking S" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Not only did we have a lovely walk, but we rounded the day off with a trip to the Duddleswell tea room - yum!</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/184/3569184_cf80a477cb_s.jpg" alt="24May Duddleswell" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/06/05/perfect-pooh-day-out-6246052/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>leisurehikingsussexwalkingtravelhttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/06/05/perfect-pooh-day-out-6246052/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/05/22/another-pooh-route-6158686/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2009-05-22:/2009/05/22/another-pooh-route-6158686/Fri, 22 May 2009 17:42:54 +0200 <p>Off to Ashdown Forest tomorrow for another variation on the Winnie the Pooh walk and a couple of rounds of Pooh Sticks too I hope. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/05/22/another-pooh-route-6158686/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>hikingleisuresussextravelwalkinghttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/05/22/another-pooh-route-6158686/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/05/22/up-and-away-from-lewes-6158655/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2009-05-22:/2009/05/22/up-and-away-from-lewes-6158655/Fri, 22 May 2009 17:35:33 +0200 <p>Monday May 11, 2009; 11.5 miles, ascent approx 450m (Map OS Explorer 122)</p> <p>Absolutely bursting to get out for a long walk. Having done the up-river bimble from home to Hamsey church and back (see previous entries for route) on the Saturday, with my excellent chums Rachel and Jim the dog, I realized what a fabulous May it was that seemed to be rushing by me. </p> <p>I opted for a lovely walk from home, on the Downs beyond the old Lewes racecourse. The weather was lovely, a bit of a breeze, but no the gales that had been forecast. No doubt these had discouraged others, so I enjoyed a peaceful walk and was out of sight of the rest of humanity for a couple of hours at least.</p> <p>Here are some pictures for now - more details to follow another day.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/970/3528970_95b0754f34_s.jpg" alt="11May Twds Blackcap" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/971/3528971_b06c0422b1_s.jpg" alt="11MayBehind Blackcap Looking N" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/972/3528972_1529c3400a_s.jpg" alt="11May NE from Waterpit Hill" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/973/3528973_1b6a2c7490_s.jpg" alt="11May Lewes from Chalkpit" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/05/22/up-and-away-from-lewes-6158655/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>sussexleisurewalkinghikingtravelhttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/05/22/up-and-away-from-lewes-6158655/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/05/04/bluebell-pilgrimage-6058274/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2009-05-04:/2009/05/04/bluebell-pilgrimage-6058274/Mon, 04 May 2009 18:48:11 +0200 <p>Saturday April 25th 2009; 10.25 miles, approx 200m ascent (Map: OS Explorer 149)</p> <p>Back to Kent with 9 members of the WWINK group to see a wonder of the natural world - an English bluebell wood in full bloom. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/358/3475358_cbf625d75c_m.jpg" alt="25Apr Perry Wood" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>The route we followed was about the same as last year - see "Blue Heaven in Kent" from April 2008. The route is circular-ish, starting and finishing in the village of Selling, a few miles south of Faversham. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/357/3475357_61ccddda2a_m.jpg" alt="25Apr The Mount" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>We passed through Perry Wood (from the Rose and Crown pub) and then up to the top of the Mount and its wooden tower. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/359/3475359_cf44b40f14_m.jpg" alt="25Apr Between Woods" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>From here we headed S-ish to Shottenden and then S some more and into King's Wood. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/360/3475360_0d9fe528fe_m.jpg" alt="25Apr Kings Wood" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>We stopped in King's Wood for our lunch break, and like last year we ate lunch in warm sun, though unfortunately (for Jill) the warmth also brought out some nasty, big, fat biting ants. </p> <p>After lunch we headed to Molash (NW), and then on across farmland back to Perry Wood, thence to Selling, and the White Lion pub for a well-earned pint.</p> <p>As well as astoundingly beautiful bluebells - I thought even more so than last year, we saw primroses and yellow archangel by the North Downs Way, wood anenomes in Perry Wood and orchids (early purples I think) in Perry Wood and Kings Wood.</p> <p>Thanks to Jayne for leading the walk (again). </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/05/04/bluebell-pilgrimage-6058274/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>leisurewalkinghikingtravelhttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/05/04/bluebell-pilgrimage-6058274/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/05/04/bopeep-and-lotsa-sheep-6057462/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2009-05-04:/2009/05/04/bopeep-and-lotsa-sheep-6057462/Mon, 04 May 2009 16:26:28 +0200 <p>Easter Monday April 13, 2009; 6 miles, ascent approx 150m (Map OS Explorer 123)</p> <p>A lovely day for a walk across open downland, with skylarks overhead and lambs gamboling in the fields. The landscape makes for easy walking and we fairly skipped round this route on a sunny afternoon after a picnic lunch on top of the Downs.</p> <p>This was a circular walk from the car park on top of the Downs above Bopeep farm and quarry. The car park is reached by turning N off the A27 near the village of Selmeston, which is a few miles NW of Alfriston in East Sussex.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/667/3474667_1e8851cf75_s.jpg" alt="13Apr Sheeps" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Where the road stops on top of the Downs at the car park, we headed SW towards Heighton Hill (1.5 miles away) and then Gardener's Hill (a further 0.5 mile or so). Going down hill, we crossed Stump Bottom and took the sunken bridleway a further few hundred yards in the same direction. </p> <p>At a bridleway turning SW, we stopped for a sweetie, etc break (not just any sweeties, these were M&S Percy Pigs - thanks to Caroline). The track SW follows the floor of Povery Bottom and is one of my favourites: a sunken, hedgerow-lined path that's probably been walked for hundreds of years.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/668/3474668_37a51f9fb3_s.jpg" alt="13Apr Poverty Bottom" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/669/3474669_235a29bec9_s.jpg" alt="13Apr Devilsrest Bottom" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Emerging back into the 21st century, we passed the pumping station at Norton Bottom to reach the hamlet of Norton. Here we turned ENE along a footpath that climbs gradually and then more noticeably along the fabulously named Devilsrest Bottom. When the path reaches the ridge (about 1.25 mles from Norton), we hopped over a stile onto a road track (bridelway).</p> <p>Keeping on the ridge (and on this track), we turned more-or-less N for the 2 miles back to the car park, passing Norton Top and enjoying a lovely finish across open countryside (more baa-ing).</p> <p>This walk was probably just enough to earn us the curry we had back in Lewes that evening. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/05/04/bopeep-and-lotsa-sheep-6057462/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>leisurewalkinghikingsussextravelhttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/05/04/bopeep-and-lotsa-sheep-6057462/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/05/04/blog-backlog-6057383/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2009-05-04:/2009/05/04/blog-backlog-6057383/Mon, 04 May 2009 16:15:31 +0200 <p>Bit of a busy time lately with work, etc, so the blog has fallen a bit behind. Anyway, I was going out in the garden to plant out some purple-podded pea plants, but now it's raining so I've made a cup of tea and thought a spot of catching up was in order. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/05/04/blog-backlog-6057383/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/05/04/blog-backlog-6057383/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/04/08/two-hills-and-a-single-from-berwick-to-lewes-5911358/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2009-04-08:/2009/04/08/two-hills-and-a-single-from-berwick-to-lewes-5911358/Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:42:09 +0200 <p>Sunday Apr 5, 2009: 11.75 miles, ascent approx 400m (Map: OS Explorer 123)</p> <p>The single from Berwick to Lewes was purchased from a friendly human at Lewes station on Sunday morning, so that after the long walk from Lewes I wouldn't have to argue with the ticket machine at Berwick station. </p> <p>It was s lovely, lovely day for a lovely, lovely, long walk, and, miracle of miracles, there were no engineering works affecting our return train plans.</p> <p>From Lewes station we made our way towards the river at Cliffe. Heading down Cliffe High Street (roughly E), we crossed South Street and headed up Chapel Hill (SE) to the golf club. Sticking to the footpath, we passed along the edge of the golf club car park to the gate onto open ground and followed the footpath roughly ENE and then down (SE) towards Oxteddle Bottom. This lovely open Downland bottom was made even better by the skylarks above us. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/788/3398788_7fe1ad8c71_s.jpg" alt="05Apr Twds Oxeteddle Bottom" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/787/3398787_cf56347f88_s.jpg" alt="05Apr Looking Down" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Continuing SE past the dew pond we came into Caburn Bottom. Here we headed off across access land, steeply up (rougly S) towards Ranscombe Camp. There were violets aplenty in the tussocky grass and cowslips coming up too. Reaching the top ofthe ridge, we stayed inside (N of) the fence line on the access land, following a rough path (SE) towards Mount Caburn and passed through an open gate in the fence to reach the hill fort.</p> <p>The view was superb and we could clearly see second next hill in the distance. After a quick late elevenses break, we took the path roughly N (out through the earthworks) for a few hundred yards and then picked up the footpath ESE down across he fields to Glynde - about 3/4 a mile away. The path emerges onto the road opposite Glynde post office. Turning left (NE) briefly we joined the main road through Glynde (roughly S), past the pub (Trevor Arms) to the A27 about 3/4 a mile away. </p> <p>After braving the A27, we continued S on a small lane for about 1/2 a mile. The lane becomes a byway that is still roughly metalled and soon begins to ascend up Beddingham Hill. As it continues up, it curves SW o a fairly steady climb, giving us all plenty of exercise. Eventually we reached the top of the hill where there is a South Downs Way marker post (and some huge radio masts). We found a comfy spot protected by gorse bushes and stopped for a well-earned lunch break.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/789/3398789_d635311e3e_s.jpg" alt="05Apr South Downs Way" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>There was a slight breeze, but it was still a beautiful day as we took the SDW E along the top of the Downs. There we quite a few people around as we stepped out for about 3 1/2 miles along the SDW above Firle and Alciston. With Berwick to our NE, we left the SDW (turning roughly NE), had a short break on the hillside, and then took the bridleway that curves down the scarp slope passing some old earthworks and then turns NE again towards Berwick. A little dogleg across the old coach road (Comp Lane - byway) put us on a bridleway again, still NE towards Berwick. We turned ESE (bridleway) and then N on the Vanguard Way to pass the chruch. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/790/3398790_57dec436f0_s.jpg" alt="05 Apr Last Descent" vspace="5" hspace="5"><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/05apr_murals/3398791" title="05Apr Murals"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/791/3398791_998c1a4ffe_s.jpg" alt="05Apr Murals" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>As a few in our party hadn't seen the murals in the church, we nipped in for a quick look - I bought one of the lovely local nature cards often for sale here. We rejoined the Vanguard Way as it wiggled roughly N to emerge by the Cricketers Arms pub. Unfortunately as time was against us with our train due at Berwick station in about 1/2 an hour, we didn't tarry for refreshment and decided the safest bet was to head for the station by road rather than via the Vanguard Way. </p> <p>Crossing the A27 (N), we followed Pound Lane NE. At the T junction at the end of Pound Lane, we headed N hugging the verge as much as possible. A few hundred yards from the junction a foot/cycle way has been built by the road and this made for a safer and speedy march for the last mile to the station and a short hop and skip back to Lewes by train. </p> <p>Having missed out on the pub on our walk a few of us made off for a well-earned pint at the Dorset. This is a cracking walk and we couldn't have had better walking weather!</p> <p>Thanks to Emma for the photos.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/04/08/two-hills-and-a-single-from-berwick-to-lewes-5911358/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>hikingwalkingsussexleisuretravelhttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/04/08/two-hills-and-a-single-from-berwick-to-lewes-5911358/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/03/23/brecon-beacons-weekend-5815858/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2009-03-23:/2009/03/23/brecon-beacons-weekend-5815858/Mon, 23 Mar 2009 19:37:25 +0100 <p>The weather was expected to be great for the weekend, but I came down with a cold during the week, which put the brakes on my walk plans a little bit!</p> <p>We stayed at the Star Bunkhouse in Bwlch, which is about 12 miles W along the A40 from Abergavenny. Compared to our recent YHA experience, this was lovely - cosy, clean, comfy, with hot showers, etc. </p> <p><strong>Frog Spawn</strong><br> Saturday Mar 21st: 9 miles, ascent approx 400m (map OS Outdoor Leisure OL13).</p> <p>From Bwlch, 5 of us followed the Beacons Way NE and briskly up to the top of Cefn Moel. Leaving the Beacons Way, we continued N on a bridleway to Myndd Llangorse. Here we caught up with some of the others out on a "bigger" walk. After late elevenses, we all headed for the trig point via a track, where we went our separate ways. After passing slightly to the W of the summit, we turned NE on another track for about 1/4 mile and then sharply S on the E slide of the summit. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/256/3363256_0b80ba334e_s.jpg" alt="21Mar Up from Bwlch" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/257/3363257_b9a17743e0_s.jpg" alt="21Mar Beacons Way" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>We passed a couple of small ponds by the track close to the summit and stopped to inspect frog spawn in various states of life and death and spotted a few tadpoles as well. After 3/4 mile S along this track, we dogleggged E on a bridleway to a cairn that marked the path (bridleway) SE to Pen Tir. To look at some more ponds, we strayed E of the main track and stopped for lunch by one of these near the summit. It was a gorgeous afternoon so we had a long relaxing break with skylarks singing above us. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/258/3363258_fa79e7603b_s.jpg" alt="21Mar Twds PenTir" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/259/3363259_39bc03a146_s.jpg" alt="21Mar Lunch Stop" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>After inspecting more frog spawn we headed roughly SSE down from the top of Pen Tir. At the boundary at the edge of the open moorland of the hilltop, we doglegged NNW briefly along the edge of an old earthwork and then followed a sunken trackway SW for about 1/4 mile. Arriving at a small tarmac lane, we rejoined the Beacons Way, which we followed by road and footpath to Cwmdu on the A479. We stopped for refreshments and more sun in the roadside garden of the Farmers Arms pub.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/260/3363260_ad048355b5_s.jpg" alt="21Mar Rd from Cwmdu" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/261/3363261_fff6d05973_s.jpg" alt="21Mar Last Leg" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Ready for the last section of the walk, we recrossed the river via the Beacons Way (retracing our steps briefly), and then followed the road S parallel to the river down to Felindre. A the S end of the village, we turned W at the T-junction for a couple of hundred yards and then continued in the same direction on a footpath (over Clarach Brook). </p> <p>Fuelled by fruit sherbets, and encouraged by Emma C's singing and thoughts of chilli for dinner, we continued SW on the footpath crossing a patchwork of fields, climbing towards Neuadd-fry, and then Tre-graig. Here we picked up the byway SW and then W back for the last 3/4 mile back to Bwlch for a nice cup of tea. A lovely day! </p> <p><strong>Roaming on a Roman Road</strong><br> Sunday Mar 22nd: 9 miles, ascent approx 250m (map OS Outdoor Leisure OL13).</p> <p>Today, 4 of us set off under a lovely blue sky, for a walk up to Llyn Syfaddan (Llangorse Lake), the largest natural lake in Wales (ie, not a human-made reservoir). Following the A40 NW, I was looking for a footpath to Castell Blaenllynfi, but turned N too soon. Deciding not to turn back, we climbed a wall and a couple of barbed wire fences in Bwlch Wood and made our way down a steep wooded bank, to emerge into an open field and then onto the B 4560 about 1/4 mile N of the A40. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/388/3363388_476ddba9a7_s.jpg" alt="21Mar Going Up" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/389/3363389_2353adc898_s.jpg" alt="21Mar Top" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Having worked out where we were, we went NW on this B road for 1/4mile and then turned W toward Castell Blaenllynfi. Where the road barnches NW and SW, we went SW for about 1/3 mile to join a bridleway thatr followed the route of a Roman Road. We followed this NW and then NNW, climbing up to the summit of Allt yr Esgair. There had been an iron-age and then a Roman fort here, which would have commanded excellent views of the Usk Valley below us to the W. To our NE, the lake below, where there had been another ancient settlement, reflected the blue sky.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/390/3363390_f673cb21b6_s.jpg" alt="21Mar Usk Valley" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/391/3363391_905db6f69f_s.jpg" alt="21Mar The Lake" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>We followed the track down hill and beyond as it turned WNW, eventually meeting a road E of Pennorth. About 2/3 of a mile of quiet country road ESE was followed by a footpath N to Tymawr Farm. From here we headed E briefly and then N again toward the S shore of the lake. Turning E for just over half a mile, we heard a buzzard mewing and then saw a pair of them circling above the trees ahead. There was a bit of a cool breeze, but we found a sheltered spot and stopped for lunch looking out at the lake, near the church at Llangasty-Talyllyn.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/393/3363393_45723efc72_s.jpg" alt="21Mar Almost Lunch" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>After a quick lunch (some of us were going home that afternoon), we took the road SW by the church, and soon picked up a footpath which we followed for about 1/2 a mile across fields, SSE and then SSW, to rejoin the road (another quiet lane) at Home Farm. From here, we made swift work of the 2-3 miles SSE along the lane back towards Castell Blaenllynfi. A wiggle on the road brought us to a footpath heading roughly S for a 1/4 mile to the A40. </p> <p>The last 1/2 a mile SE along the A40 through Bwlch delivered us back to the bunkhouse for tea, macaroons, Sunday papers, and goodbyes for some.</p> <p>A lovely weekend! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/03/23/brecon-beacons-weekend-5815858/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>walkinghikingleisuretravelhttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/03/23/brecon-beacons-weekend-5815858/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/03/18/wales-again-5780515/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2009-03-18:/2009/03/18/wales-again-5780515/Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:54:11 +0100 <p>Off to the Brecon Beacons on Friday for a long weekend, staying at Bwlch near Crickhowell. The weather forecast looks very good, so I'm hoping that we can go for a nice high walk on Saturday or Sunday... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/03/18/wales-again-5780515/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>leisurewalkingtravelhikinghttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/03/18/wales-again-5780515/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/03/15/snowdonia-weekend-5762969/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2009-03-15:/2009/03/15/snowdonia-weekend-5762969/Sun, 15 Mar 2009 23:10:27 +0100 <p>Map: OS Outdoor Leisure, OL 17</p> <p>Last weekend saw a few of us head off for 3 days' walking in Snowdonia. We stayed at Betws-Y-Coed youth hostel, which we all thought was a bit scuzzy and definitely not up to the 4 stars it is given by the YHA.</p> <p>The weather provided some challenges: ice, snow, gales, hail, and rain; nevertheless, we had a great time!</p> <p><strong>Halfway Up Snowdon </strong>(Fri 6th Mar): 5.5 miles, approx 400m ascent, time approx 5 hrs. </p> <p>We started from Pen-Y-Pass car park (opposite the youth hostel on the A4086)and followed the Pyg track up over Bwlch-Y-Moth with Crb Goch to our W and then our N. On the way up the rock steps and track we icey, which made for slow and tricky going. As we got higher, compacted and frozen snow didn't help either. By the time we reached the junction with the Miner's track, conditions under foot and building cloud, and the fact that we were being passed by people wearing crampons, dissuaded us from our goal - conditions coming back down from the summit by our chosen route would have been outside our collective comfort/safety zones.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/045/3325045_78fb550167_s.jpg" alt="6Mar Bwlch y Moth" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/046/3325046_3e28a16279_s.jpg" alt="6Mar High as we got" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>We stepped and slipped down to Glaslyn through fresh snow, with some skilfully aimed snowballs on the way to cheer ourselves up. After stopping for lunch by the ruined buildings at the side of the tarn and we entertained ourselves by testing Kaz's emergency shelter. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/047/3325047_2bdf324144_s.jpg" alt="6Mar Glaslyn" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/048/3325048_39968aea1d_s.jpg" alt="6Mar Miners\" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>We followed the Miner's track back down, conditions on the track soon became easier and by the time we reached the causeway at Llyn Llidaw the ground was pretty clear. In a hop and a skip we were back at the car and heading to Llanberis for tea and treats at Pete's cafe and shopping at Joe Brown's (I bought a new hat).</p> <p><strong>Llanberis - Lost Plus Extreme Pooh Sticks</strong> (Sat 7th Mar): 6.25 miles, approx 400m ascent, time approx 5 hrs.</p> <p>The weather was a touch warmer than Friday and slightly sunny, but showers, hail, and strong winds had been forecast. We set off from a few hundred yards down the hill from Llanberis youth hostel and headed up(SW) past the hostel, leaving the road to continue in a silimar direction for another 1/4 mile of footpaths. At a junction with a bridleway we turned SE, rejoining the road for a short distance, before continuing on the track where the road ends, still going SE. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/618/3325618_49a916543c_s.jpg" alt="7Mar Above Llanberis" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/619/3325619_36e4e44683_s.jpg" alt="7Mar Across the valley" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>We crossed Afon Hwch and continued S and SSE on the same track past ruins of farm buildings and onwards along the side of a broad valley (marked Maesgwm on the map). After a stop for coffee, etc, te sky darkened and the wind picked up. We donned waterproofs as the dirzzle grew heavier and the wind stronger. As we neared the saddle ahead and above us(Bwlch Maesgwm), we were passed by a few groups of walkers coming down from higher ground ahead. </p> <p>The wind showed no signs of abating as we reached the bwlch (which is Welsh for pass). Our next objective was Foel Goch, the first of 3 tops we had planned for the day. In the wind and drizle Kaz took a bearing and we made for the top, passing just to the S of it.</p> <p>Our next target was Foel Gron, which we reckoned we would reach by folowing an apparent boundary fenc on the map. In poor visibility we followed the boundary down from Foel Goch. After awhile, we realised that fences were appearing in odd places and that e had been going down hill for too long. Also as the clouds cleared a bit below us, we saw an unexpected tarn below us. Reconsideration was needed! After a hard think, some bearings, and a good look at the map, we worked out where we were. We had almost doubled back on ourselves, heading N and NNE from the top of Foel Goch toward Cefn Drum and were looking down on Llyn Dwythwch.</p> <p>The weather was pretty grim and Mont Eilio to our NW was obscured by cloud, so we opted not to retrace our steps, but to press on back towards Llanberis. Afer ccarrying on for another half mile, we stopped above Llyn Dwythwch and got out the emrgency shelter. It was freezing, windy and wet and we were glad of a bi of respite and a sheltered lunch.</p> <p>Fully replenished we headed N/NNE across the hillside and down to Tyrn-Yr-Yelgerth and then onwards to rejoin our outward track. Rather than retrace oursteps, at Ford Brithdir, we took a footpath NE to cross Afon Arddu. The bridge was a lovely spot and presented an opportunity for Poohsticks. We played only 1 round, which Tina won - she was duly crowned Extreme Poohsticks champion! </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/620/3325620_ab361b3cb0_s.jpg" alt="7Mar Afon Arddu" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/621/3325621_5d44380933_s.jpg" alt="7Mar Extreme Pooh Sticks Bridge" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Continuing roughly N, we followed the river as far as the Mountain Railway. After crossing the track (no trains running), we soon reached a road ans wiggled down hill as far as the end of Llanberis high street (?) and then turned up hill back to the car.</p> <p>Hot showers all round when we got back to the hostel. The drying room filled to overflowing as walkers and climbers returned from a stormy day in the hills and made for the pub. We had a navigational post-mortem, comparing the map we had used to the latest version. Our error was immediately clear - Doh!</p> <p><strong>Crafnant Valley from Trefiw</strong> (Sun 8th Mar): 8.25 mles, approx 550m ascent, time approx 6 hrs.</p> <p>We started the day with a very short stroll up to Llyn Idwal from Idwal Cottage, but having almost got blown over a couple of times, we opted for something more sheltered for the rest of the day. We headed N from Betws-Y-Coed to Trefin on the W side of the Conwy Valley.</p> <p>We parked at the car park in the middle of Trefin, crossed the the bridge over Afon Cranant(heading N on the B5106) and headed W and up hill for less than 1/4 mile. We recrossed the river and picked up a footpath (W) along the S bank of the river, crossing again near Gymannog. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/945/3325945_dec9705874_s.jpg" alt="8Mar Gelli-lydan" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Heading W along the road, we passed Gelli-lydan and entered the SE corner of Gelli Plantation. Finding our path proved a challenge and we had to hack our way through overgrown brambles, going up hill and eventually joining a track going WSW, emerging from the woodland near Lledwigan.</p> <p>Pssing the farm, we followed the track zigzagging up, heading roughly NW onto moorland. Turning gradually W, we headed for the E side of the top of Pen Y Graig Gron. Stopping for a breather at a junction of 3 fences, we had a coffee break as the cloud came down and the hail started. </p> <p>We climbed a stile heading NW and then turning SW on a path N of the hilltop. We passed a small pond on very boggy ground in head-on hail, following a wet and heathery path along a fence line. Dropping down to the top of a valley, we climbed a fence and followed a line of old fence posts S and down hill across very wet ground, reaching a forestry plantation after about 1/4 mile. </p> <p>In the relative shelter of the trees, we stopped for lunch, seeing our first other human since Gelli. The path S through the trees was very boggey and we picked our way down hill avoiding the worst of it. Soon the path improved and we walked down through the trees over a light covering of snow/hail. Careful navigation gradually brought us down to the track along the N side of the Llyn Crafnant reservoir.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/946/3325946_81955a454c_s.jpg" alt="8Mar Above Llyn Crafnant" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>At the E end of the reservoir, we picked up the road for a short distance NE, and then continued in the same direction on the footpath, turning SE through a disused quarry. Eventually we reached the N end of Llyn Geirionydd, where we stopped for a snack by the monument. </p> <p>Following the road and then the footpath NNE, we walked above the old mine workings on the valley side. After about a mile, the path curved E and we followed it on the hillside above the river for about another mile. reaching a road, which wended our way E down hill to the main road in Trefiw.</p> <p>It had been a long day, and we rewarded ourselves with that evening with roast dinners and beer. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/03/15/snowdonia-weekend-5762969/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>leisuretravelhikingwalkinghttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/03/15/snowdonia-weekend-5762969/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/03/03/long-man-loop-5685053/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2009-03-03:/2009/03/03/long-man-loop-5685053/Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:58:20 +0100 <p>Sunday Mar 1, 2009: 9.5 miles, ascent approx 220m (Map: OS Explorer 123)</p> <p>It stayed dry despite the drizzly forecast. After a delayed start, four of us enjoyed a lovely day out following a route that was essentially a big circle around the Long Man of Wilmington (East Sussex). </p> <p>Startng from the market cross in the centre of the cloyingly picturesque village of Alfriston, we followed the South Downs Way over the footridge across the river Cuck. Where the SDW met the road, we left it and continued ENE across fields on a footpath, rejoining the SDW (bridleway) near the next road crossing. From here we followed the SDW up over Windover Hill to Jevington. </p> <p>Taking the road N through Jevington (a bit scary as no pavment or verge in places on this fast and twisty road), we opted not to stop at the Eight Bells. Shortly after avoiding the pub, we left the road to follow the Wealdway towards Folkington. The route from Jevington is a byway that leaves the road heading roughly NW to start with, and which actually runs all the way to Wilmington, if you fancy that... </p> <p>Anyway, towards Folkington we were all getting peckish so we had lunch in the churchyard, which I liked, but I don't think anyone else did much. I think this place is worth another visit.</p> <p>After lunch, we rejoined the byway towards Wilmington, passing through woodland. At the junction where the byway and the Wealdway part, we stayed on the latter (a bridleway), passing SW below the Long Man and then N to the road 1/4 mile away. We stayed on the Wealdway going N-ish along the road as far as the church. After admiring the lovely bee and butterfly window inside and the wonderful 1600-year-old yew tree, we took the footpath out of the back of the churchyard, heading W/SW over fields to Milton Street. We kept on in roughly the same direction, across fields and roads to reach the river at Long Bridge. </p> <p>From Long Bridge, a 1/4 mile stroll downstream along the river embankment brought us back to the SDW at the footbridge by Alfriston. Here we retraced our steps back to the market cross and went for refreshments a the Smugglers' Inn.</p> <p>No Photos this time - I was too busy yakking and looking at the scenery. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/03/03/long-man-loop-5685053/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>sussextravelwalkinghikingleisurehttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/03/03/long-man-loop-5685053/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/02/22/barcombe-and-the-ouse-valley-5629985/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2009-02-22:/2009/02/22/barcombe-and-the-ouse-valley-5629985/Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:49:24 +0100 <p>Sunday Feb 22, 2009: 6.25 miles, ascent sod all (Map: OS Explorer 122)</p> <p>A lovely walk up river from Barcombe Mills following the Ouse Valley Way to the weir at Isfield. After eating our sandwiches by the weir we walked back cross country to Barcombe Mills. Google "Ouse Valley Way" for more info on this 42-mile walking route, which runs from Lower Beeding in W Sussex, followng as close to the Sussex Ouse as possible, to the sea near Newhaven.</p> <p>We parked on a side road at Barcombe Mills as the car park is shut in winter. Making our way across the various channels of the river here, we picked up the Ouse Valley Way (footpath)heading upstream along the southern bank of the river. After about 1 and 1/4 miles, the path bridges the river, passing the Anchor Inn after about another 1/2 mile.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/563/3285563_4dfb63c3bc_s.jpg" alt="22Feb Anchor Inn" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>At the Anchor, the path crosses the river again, following its meandering course and recrossing at White Bridge near Isfield. Another 1 and 1/2 miles took us past the remains of Isfield lock and to our lunch stop at the weir.</p> <p>After lunch we retraced our path past the lock for about 2/3 mile to a junction of paths and tracks. Here we left the river, following a footpath (track) SW to Agamond's wood and along Dallas Lane to the road. A few hundred yards of road (SW) brought us to Clay Corner, where we headed SE and then SSW across fields, beside a stream and then uphill to join the road at Camoys Court Farm (about 3/4 mile distance road to road). A short dogleg SE on the road took us to the footpath running SE from the top of Church Road. After crossing a couple of fields, a short stretch of road roughly E took us across the route of the disused Lewes-Uckfield railway line and back to Barcombe Mills.</p> <p>This was a short walk along a lovely quiet stretch of the river combined with a stroll through coppiced woodland and rolling fields. One to do again on a warm sunny day when the trees are in leaf and the flowers are out. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/02/22/barcombe-and-the-ouse-valley-5629985/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>travelhikingwalkingsussexleisurehttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/02/22/barcombe-and-the-ouse-valley-5629985/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/02/02/chilly-on-top-berwick-figure-of-eight-agaian-5493936/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2009-02-02:/2009/02/02/chilly-on-top-berwick-figure-of-eight-agaian-5493936/Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:55:24 +0100 <p>Sunday Feb 1, 2009: 9.75 miles, ascent approx 400m (Map: OS Explorer 123)</p> <p>This walk in icey NE winds, with snow showers in the afternoon took me back to Berwick in East Sussex. Today's walk was with the Sussex Women's Walking group, but only 3 of us (and Jack the dog) braved the wintry conditions.</p> <p>The route we followed was pretty much as described in the walk "Berwick East Sussex: Figure of 8 Walk" from December 2007.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/551/3285551_7888d143a0_s.jpg" alt="01Feb Twds Alciston" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/550/3285550_9a7dafe914_s.jpg" alt="01Feb Above Alciston" vspace="5" hspace="5"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/02/02/chilly-on-top-berwick-figure-of-eight-agaian-5493936/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>travelwalkinghikingleisuresussexhttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/02/02/chilly-on-top-berwick-figure-of-eight-agaian-5493936/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/02/02/a-gap-in-the-weather-5493860/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2009-02-02:/2009/02/02/a-gap-in-the-weather-5493860/Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:47:19 +0100 <p>Saturday Jan 24, 2009: 8.5 miles, ascent approx 370m (Map: OS Explorer 122)</p> <p>Been a bit busy lately, so haven't had a time to keep the blog up to date. Anyway, I made the most of a break in the recent pouring rain to enjoy a dry, bur blustery day walking to Glynde from home in Lewes.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/496/3285496_3468b98c05_s.jpg" alt="24Jan Ouse Valley" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>The route I followed was roughly similar to that followed in my walk "Over the Hill" from April 2008, but I followed the path over access land up to Mount Caburn as described in the walk "Mount Caburn Afternoon Bimble" from August 08. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/497/3285497_e5f5389367_s.jpg" alt="24Jan up from Glynde" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/498/3285498_7d44ae8c15_s.jpg" alt="24Jan From Malling Down" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/02/02/a-gap-in-the-weather-5493860/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>travelwalkinghikingleisuresussexhttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/02/02/a-gap-in-the-weather-5493860/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/01/04/wriggle-room-5322451/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2009-01-04:/2009/01/04/wriggle-room-5322451/Sun, 04 Jan 2009 21:37:23 +0100 <p>Sunday Jan 4, 2009: 10.5 miles, ascent approx 440m (Map: OS Explorer 122)</p> <p>Having done a couple of shorter walks lately, I needed to get out and do something longer. Also, sometimes I just need to put a bit of distance between me and the rest of the world - a bit of wriggle room was needed. After a bit too much driving yesterday, something from home was ideal and would give me a chance to visit some favourite Downland spots.</p> <p>It was very very cold again, and the earlier sun had been hidden behind an overcast sky, and there was a heavy frost. I left Lewes along the bottom of Landport, heading NW, after climbing over the wall by the road I walked on the scrubby pasture by the railway line and, just before Landport farm, I joined the byway NW to Offham. </p> <p>As usual here, I crossed the A275 and took the bridleway SW up Offham Hill, through the beech woods and NW up to Mount Harry. By this time it was even colder, with a N wind across the top of the Downs. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/684/3119684_94e49cc2fe_s.jpg" alt="04Jan twds BlackCap" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/685/3119685_cb538847bb_s.jpg" alt="04Jan Behind Blackcap" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Dipping down WNW from Mount Harry, I took the bridleway running NW along the escarpment behind Black Cap. It was colder still with a very thick frost on the shaded N-facing hillside. Where the woodland opened up by sme old chalk pits, I followed the chalky bostal (bridleway) SW up to the junction with the South Downs Way.</p> <p>On the top of the ridge, I crossed the SDW and headed SE through Ashcombe Bottom. Despite the raw weather, there were quite a few people about and I was disappointed not to have this lovely woodland quite to myself. At the bottom of the woods, at the crossing point of paths I made a brief detour a few yards S down the (deadend) path ahead for privacy and a pee.</p> <p>After retracing my track back to the path junction, I went roughly W, up hill and into the small wood at the top of the hill. Out of the wind, I stopped for lunch on the trunk of a big old fallen oak tree.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/686/3119686_0180e95cb5_s.jpg" alt="04Jan Ashcombe Bottom" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/687/3119687_6f40f61ff8_s.jpg" alt="04Jan Lunch" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Following lunch, I continued roughly W, up across the SDW to Buckland Bank. Here I turned SW on the track to the top of Balmer Huff. Near the trig point, which is in a field a short distance from the track, I checked the time and decided to turn back for home along this wide chalky track (NNW), with weak winter sun on my back. Beside the track there was an old wooden cattle trough with reedmace growing out of it - an unxpected site up on this well-drained hillside. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/688/3119688_659284c2c8_s.jpg" alt="04Jan Reeds at Balmer Huff" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/689/3119689_eb403881fa_s.jpg" alt="04Jan Twds Buckand Bank" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>After about 2/3 of a mile, the SDW merged with this track heading back towards Black Cap. I saw a couple of stonechats typically sitting on fence posts by the track and off in the distance, the unusual site of a piebald crow, it took a good long look to work out what it was! </p> <p>Leaving the SDW, I went up to the trig point on the top of Black Cap and, after admiring the view, I headed ESE to Mount Harry. I crossed the open ground SE and then rejoined my outward route back through the woods towards Offham Hill. I slipped over the bank at the side of the chalk track down the hill and walked NE down the slightly overgrown old holloway parallel to the track. On reaching the A275, I retraced my outward route home via the byway.</p> <p>By the time I reached home it was getting dusk and I was glad to get in and get warmed up. I felt a hell of a lot better for getting out.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/01/04/wriggle-room-5322451/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>walkingsussextravelleisurehikinghttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/01/04/wriggle-room-5322451/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/01/01/a-gentle-start-to-the-new-year-5309413/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2009-01-01:/2009/01/01/a-gentle-start-to-the-new-year-5309413/Thu, 01 Jan 2009 21:30:34 +0100 <p>Thursday Jan 1, 2009: 7.25 miles, ascent approx 160m (Map: OS Explorer 122)</p> <p>Today's circular Downland walk was led by Jen and Jack the collie. Six of us (plus dog) met at 11 on New Year's Day morning. Earlier in the day it had seemed a touch warmer than it had been of late, but there was still a cold NNE wind and it was grey and overcast. We started from the car park on the very N edge of Woodingdean, just off the B2123 (Falmer Road). The walk would head down into one of my favourite bits of the Downs, the area around Standean Bottom - as described in a few of my previous postings.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/183/3112183_0362361f55_s.jpg" alt="01Jan Terraced Path" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>We followed Norton Drive (bridleway) E from the car park. After about 1/3 of a mile, at a fork in the track, we took the bridleway N of Bullock Hill and the nearby radio mast. The track becomes a terraced pathway on the side of the hill and gradually curves and drops down into Standean Bottom. After following the path around the bottom of the valley, we reached a junction of 4 tracks. </p> <p>We took the wide track running initially SE and then roughly S towards Balsdean pumping station. Just over half a mile later, we reached a T-junction, where we turned ENE to climb the side of Pickers Hill. Half a mile from the T-junction, we came to a fork in our path, and turned NNE on the bridelway towards Swanborough Hill. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/185/3112185_db413a80f3_s.jpg" alt="01Jan Twds Balsdean" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/186/3112186_810fe0811f_s.jpg" alt="01Jan Swanborough Hill" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>The breeze was cold and there was still thick ice on the puddles on the track. About a mile from the fork we arrived at a big corrugated iron barn in search of a sheltered spot to stop for lunch. We stopped in the barn to eat, perching on a straw bale, and Jack settled down in a cosy corner for a rest. Refreshed with hot drinks, sandwiches and leftover Christmas treats, we headed off NE over Swanborough Hill to join the South Downs Way above Kingston and Lewes.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/187/3112187_709b84bd77_s.jpg" alt="01Jan Lunch" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/188/3112188_98bda3f475_s.jpg" alt="01Jan Jack" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>To return to our starting point, we followed the SDW running roughly NE for about 1.25 miles and then, where it joins Juggs Road, we continued to follow it SSE. When the SDW turned NE, we kept SSE on the track over Newmarket Hill, past the telephone mast, along Drove Avenue and back to the car park. </p> <p>It was only about 2.45 in the afternoon, but already the sky was noticably greyer and it was geting colder and time to head off for teas, roaring fires, hot baths, etc. </p> <p>A happy new year to all!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/01/01/a-gentle-start-to-the-new-year-5309413/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>hikingwalkingsussextravelleisurehttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2009/01/01/a-gentle-start-to-the-new-year-5309413/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/12/26/boxing-day-walk-5281881/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2008-12-26:/2008/12/26/boxing-day-walk-5281881/Fri, 26 Dec 2008 22:02:33 +0100 <p>Friday Dec 26, 2008: 6.5 miles, ascent approx 320m (Map: OS Explorer 123)</p> <p>Much like Boxing Day last year, the day was clear and sunny, but winter was back after the short mild spell, with a cold NE wind to keep us on our toes. The walk started and finished at the Birling Gap car park, which is at the eastern end of the Seven Sisters cliffs, a few miles west of Eastbourne in East Sussex. Four of us eventually met at the Birling Gap car park, togged up in winter layers and our Christmas hats.</p> <p>We set off from the car park, up and east along the cliffs towards Belle Tout lighthouse. Looking back, the Seven Sisters were bright white in the sunlight and the sea looked surprisingly calm given the stiff breeze. Passing to the landward side of the old lighthouse, we continued along the South Downs Way for about another mile, turning N/NW along the bridleway at Shooters' Bottom. Crossing the road, we kept in the same direction on a bridleway across the fields, climbing Frost Hill and then stoppping above Kiln Combe for elevenses (twelveses really) - hot chocolate, tea and a drop of port (thanks Tina). </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/421/3096421_e169b466ed_s.jpg" alt="26Dec Birling Gap" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/423/3096423_df39edf72b_s.jpg" alt="26Dec Frost Hill" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>The brildeway turned NW, heading down into Wigden's Bottom near the water pumping station. A stiff N/NW ascent then brought us to New Barn. Ater pausing to give way to crossing sheep, we continued in the same direction for a generous half mile to reach the A259.</p> <p>Afte following the trafficky (and smelly) road down hill for about a quarter mile, we turned S/SW on the road into East Dean. Crossing the road a couple ofhundred yards later, we passed through the village car park and fetched up o the green by the Tiger Inn, which was very firmly closed - boarded up -shame!!! </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/424/3096424_25e89903b4_s.jpg" alt="26Dec Hobb\" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Recovering from our disappointment at missing out on a swift one, we crossed the village green and picked up the bridleway NW through Hobb's Eares (a stangely named meadow) to Friston church and duck pond. We took the little road between these two (S/SW) past the National Trust car park and through the hamlet of Crowlink. </p> <p>A few hundred yards beyond Crowlink, we looked for a sunny, sheltered spot for lunch. First we tried the hillside above the path, but it was windy and very cold, so we settled for the relative shelter of a gap in the hedge next to the path. I was suitably seasonal with a turkey roll, a welcome change from the recent rice salads. the conversation took a seasonal turn to desert wines (I wouldn't mind a drop now), among other things. </p> <p>Fully replenished, we continued down Gap Bottom, with the sea shining before us. Arriving at the clff edge, we turned SE onto the South Downs Way over Flagstaff Brow, Flat Hill, Baily's Hill, and the side of Went Hill on our way back to Birling Gap.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/425/3096425_aa4a5cfd9e_s.jpg" alt="26Dec Flagstaff Brow" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/426/3096426_9598bb8eda_s.jpg" alt="26Dec Prat In A Hat" vspace="5" hspace="5"> </p> <p>Three of us gave the grotty old Birling Gap Hotel bar a quick visit and sat outside, nicer though bloody cold, for a quick one, before heading home to the comfort of roaring fires, etc. </p> <p>A tip top Boxing Day-blaster of a walk! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/12/26/boxing-day-walk-5281881/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>hikingtravelwalkingleisuresussexhttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/12/26/boxing-day-walk-5281881/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/12/24/sunday-dec-21-2008-9-5-miles-ascent-approx-400m-5271887/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2008-12-24:/2008/12/24/sunday-dec-21-2008-9-5-miles-ascent-approx-400m-5271887/Wed, 24 Dec 2008 17:45:20 +0100 <p>Sunday Dec 21, 2008: 9.5 miles, ascent approx 400m (Map: OS Explorer 123)</p> <p>This walk for the Sussex Women's walking group followed pretty much the same route as the walk "Backwards From Alfriston", which I described back in August of this year.</p> <p>It was a grey but mild morning when 5 of us met up by the big Christmas tree by the Market Cross in the centre of East Sussex. We headed south along the main street through the village and about a quarter mile later we turned onto a footpath bearing roughly west - signposted France Bottom. </p> <p>The footpath passes a hotel, a farm and a caravan site and then curves along field edges towards France Bottom. A mile and a quarter from the road, with a stile ahead, we took a fork back on ourselves, up hill and east-ish, to join a bridleway along the ridge, above France Bottom and Short Bottom beyond it (2 of our 5 bottoms for the day). We followed this bridleway SW and then NW for about a mile. Having been sheltered from the SW breeze lower down, we got a good freshening up as we walked along the ridge.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/162/3094162_7b0207cfde_s.jpg" alt="21Dec above France Bottom" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/163/3094163_e93347e2b1_s.jpg" alt="21Dec At the top" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>At the top of the hill ("Cross Dyke" marked on the map), we turned SW on a bridleway down hill along the edges of 2 fields. About two-thirds of a mile later we reached a wooded area below the next ridge, where we stopped for late elevenses. Having remarked on how surprising it was that there weren't more people around, a group of a dozen or more ramblers came from the opposite direction as we took the bridlepath NW steeply uphill (about a quarter of a mile) to join a broad bridleway at the top.</p> <p>With a short dogleg NW, we crossed a stile to take the footpath SW down into Devilsrest Bottom (bottom number 3 for the day), heading in the direction of the hamlet of Norton. Here we took the road S to Bishopstone village. Heading up hill on the road, shortly after passing Bishopstone church on our right, we turned E on a track up hill. Where the track turned south-ish, we picked up a footpath going roughly NE. We stopped for lunch by the footpath on the hillside above New Barn (usual comments about my brown rice salad - thanks guys).</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/164/3094164_6fa439a9e4_s.jpg" alt="21Dec Lunch" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Continuing beside the edge of the golf course (hidden by a hedge), the conversation ranged from more to less tasteful subjects (best left for now). About two-thirds of a mile after passing above New Barn, we joined a bridleway N and then recrossed our outward route. We picked up a bridleway NE, downhill to Blackstone Bottom (number 4 for the day). On the way down this track our path was crossed by three lycra-clad runners ascending the steep hillside off-piste.</p> <p>We stopped in Blackstone Bottom for a refreshment break and heard a pack of hounds approaching from the hillside NW of us. Soon bloodhounds were dashing past, along with the first of a large group of horses and riders of all shapes and sizes. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/165/3094165_fab624b27b_s.jpg" alt="21Dec Blackstone Bottom" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>We stopped to as the riders came down Green Way, and the purpose of the runners we'd seen earlier became clear as the hounds barked excitedly and followed their trail up the hillside. After the last of the riders has passed by, we took the bridleway uphill to the NE (Green Way) above Jerry's Bottom (number 5 and the last for the walk). </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/167/3094167_8674f0d19d_s.jpg" alt="21Dec Above Jerry\" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/168/3094168_5802c3c5d5_s.jpg" alt="21Dec on the South Downs Way" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Reaching the top of the ridge, the sun was breaking through the clouds as we stopped to look at the spectacular view stretching out below us. Turning SE we followed the South Downs Way back to Alfriston. Boots off, we ensconced ourselves in the Smugglers Inn for refreshments. </p> <p>I still think this walk could be a contender for Best Walk in Sussex. With today's excellent company and a little bit of afternoon sun, this was another great day out on the Downs. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/12/24/sunday-dec-21-2008-9-5-miles-ascent-approx-400m-5271887/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>sussexwalkingleisuretravelhikinghttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/12/24/sunday-dec-21-2008-9-5-miles-ascent-approx-400m-5271887/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/12/07/a-short-afternoon-stroll-5176744/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2008-12-07:/2008/12/07/a-short-afternoon-stroll-5176744/Sun, 07 Dec 2008 18:02:03 +0100 <p>Sunday December 7, 2008: 4 mostly flat miles (Map: OS Explorer 122)</p> <p>A gorgeous cold, still, clear winter day made it a must to get out at least for a while. Having now almost shaken off the dreaded lingering virus (see last post), I felt like something gentle that would give me a couple of hours' fresh air and a little light birdwatching. I decided on a wander out of Lewes upstream along the Sussex Ouse. The outward part of the route that I followed is described quite throughly in the blog posting "Boxing Day 2007: Upstream from Lewes", where there is also a bit more about St Peters, the old church at Hamsey.</p> <p>I left home in the early afternoon, making for the river Ouse opposite South ,and joining the footpath that follows the river upstream out of town. This footpath forms part of the 42-mile long Sussex Ouse Valley Way, which, although I bought the book at the end of last year, I didn't get round to doing this year.</p> <p>After a short stop to watch a grey wagtail foraging in the mud on the opposite bank, I wandered along below the embankment by the river, alternately sliding and crunching on a mix of mud and ice. Despite the lovely golden afternoon light, there were surprisingly few people about. I watched a heron fishing and followed it as it flew up to the fork between the river itself and the river cutting going towards Hamsey. Here the heron and I went our separate ways as I followed the path alongside the cutting to reach the road after about 1/3 of a mile. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/638/3048638_6fde95a2f9_s.jpg" alt="7Dec Sussex Ouse" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/639/3048639_1677a60e68_s.jpg" alt="7Dec Bridge Over Cutting" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>I turned over the bridge (roughly SE) to cross the cutting and to follow the lane up to the church. The lane was slippy with frost as I passed Hamseyplace farm and made my way up and over the old railway bridge. At the church I stopped for the view across the Malling Down and then walked round the church, which was, as expected, closed. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/640/3048640_670118471d_s.jpg" alt="7Dec Hamsey Church" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/641/3048641_4d48cd54f6_s.jpg" alt="7Dec Old Railway Bridge" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Together, the river cutting and the river circumscribe island that sits above the surrounding floodplain, with the church at its highest and central point. Leaving this old place, I retraced my way back along the road and onto the footpath again. The sun was getting close to the top of the downs as I headed back towards Lewes along the river. </p> <p>Not feeling like retracing my steps all the way, about 2/3 of a mile after rejoining the footpath, I took the footpath west under railway. The sun had dipped down behing the Downs by now and there was a low layer of mist forming over the fields. About 1/4 mile from the river, I reached the byway that runs roughly parallel to the A275 and headed back towards Lewes and home in the fading light.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/642/3048642_2004365c38_s.jpg" alt="7Dec Away from River" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/643/3048643_368172436f_s.jpg" alt="7Dec Near Landport Farm" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/12/07/a-short-afternoon-stroll-5176744/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>sussexhikingleisurewalkingtravelhttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/12/07/a-short-afternoon-stroll-5176744/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/24/a-walk-of-two-halves-5099565/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2008-11-24:/2008/11/24/a-walk-of-two-halves-5099565/Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:27:58 +0100 <p>Sunday 23rd Nov, 2008: 9.5 miles, ascent approx 300m (Map OS Explorer 122)</p> <p>Having spent the whole week feeling like complete shit with a cold/flu/sore throat virus, I was desperate to get out. As I was still feeling a bit sweaty, it was a case of kill or cure.</p> <p>This was a walk for the Sussex Womens Walking Group, starting and finishing from the village of Rodmell in East Sussex. It was a cold morning with a NW wind and, as I drove out of Lewes, the drizzle turned into a hailstorm - not very encouraging! By the time we all reached the car park at the bottom of the village of Rodmell, this had settled to a steady, cold rain. The car park we used is actually the National Trust car park for the nearby Monks' House, the erstwhile country pad and later home of Virginia Woolf. </p> <p>Togged up in waterproofs, hats, gloves, etc, four of us set off SW back up the main drag through the village. After 2-300 yds, we turned SE on the footpath towards and then into the churchyard. We continued on this path as it left the far corner of the churchyard and turned SW, reaching the main (Lewes-Newhaven) road a quarter of a mile or so later. </p> <p>Cars sped by in the rain as we followed the road S for a few hundred yards, after which we crossed over to take a bridleway (farm track), initially roughly S and then SW into Cricketing Bottom, where the track forms part of the South Downs Way for just over half a mile. Where the SDW diverged, we continued through the farm and SW for another half mile. After a short dogleg SE, the path contiues SW and up, and after a quarter mile, joins the road towards Telscombe village.</p> <p>The wind and rain showed no sign of abating as we walked S on the road down into the village. As there was a service going on, plan A of a brief stop in the shelter of the church porch was dropped in favour of a break sheltering in the youth hostel bike shed. No luck there either, as the hostel was closed for the winter and the shed was locked. We stopped in the rain for elevenses outside the front of the hostel, out of most of the wind, wrung out gloves, etc and rustled up flasks and treats.</p> <p>It was too cold and wet to stop for long and we soon set off again, SW out of the village and up to the end of the road. Here we took the track heading NW and then N, with a stiff cold wind trying to blow us over. About 3/4 of a mile from the end of the road we passed a bridleway running SW. A couple of hundred yards later, we took a second bridleway SW and down hill to Pickers Hill Farm as the rain eased. Looking for somewhere to eat lunch we sheltered from the rain in an empty barn and shucked off our waterproofs. While we ate our lunch (the usual variety of choice gourmet treats) the rain stopped and the clouds lightened to reveal patches of blue sky.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/587/3048587_150e9e7c47_s.jpg" alt="23Nov Lunch Stop" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>We set off again under a dry sky, roughly NW up High Hill. Continuing W on this bridleway, we arrived at a T-junction near Balsdean Cottages. Here we turned NW across a field to reach a tarmac track, which we followed N for about 1/3 of a mile. We stayed on the track as it curved E, and at the next junction with a track (bridleways), picked up a bridleway ENE, initially dipping down before climbing up the side of Pickers Hill. This bridleway passes a wayside memorial, sadly vandalized, before flatting out and curving SE. About 2/3 mile from the monument, we turned NE on a footpath across open fields towards Breaky Bottom with the low winter sun casting long shadows. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/571/3048571_3df259e730_s.jpg" alt="23Nov Long Shadows" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/577/3048577_92ee1ac0e4_s.jpg" alt="23Nov Twds Breaky Bottom" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Passing Breaky Bottom farm and vineyards, the path, now a farm track, climbed towards the South Downs Way. Atop the ridge, we had a great view in the clear conditions, and turned SE on the SDW to Mill Hill about half a mile distant. Reaching Mill Hill, our walk was almost over as we turned NE on the bridleway to Rodmell. Where the path became a road we continued towards Rodmell, crossing the main road and heading through the viilage back to the car park.</p> <p>This really had been a walk of two halves, hail and rain in the morning and clear skies after lunch. After a quick change of footwear, we headed to the nearby Abergavenny Arms for refreshments and a roaring log fire. I was knackered, but fooled myself into thinking that I felt better for the walk. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/24/a-walk-of-two-halves-5099565/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>sussextravelleisurehikingwalkinghttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/24/a-walk-of-two-halves-5099565/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/16/sussex-tops-and-bottoms-5047015/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2008-11-16:/2008/11/16/sussex-tops-and-bottoms-5047015/Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:28:53 +0100 <p>Saturday 15th Nov, 2008: 10 miles, ascent approx 350m (Map OS Explorer 122)</p> <p>This was a circular route from Lewes, out of town via Swanborough, up onto the Downs, then down into a beautiful area of sheltered Downland "Bottoms", finally returning to Lewes via Kingston, along the old trackway known as Juggs' Road.</p> <p>Today's walk was with the London Hiking Dykes walking group. After a not inconsiderable amount of faffing about, eleven of us set off from Lewes station under cloudy skies, though it was quite mild for the time of year.</p> <p>From Lewes station we headed towards Southover (on the B2193), turning S just W of the church onto Cockshut Road (bridleway). This lane passes under the railway line, after which we took a footpath going W and under the A27, emerging into open fields. From here we continued in a roughly SE direction towards Kingston Road. Before reaching the road, we turned S-ish over the fields and continuing along a footpath that was shortly enclosed behind houses and a garden centre. We stopped briefly to admire some spectacular woolly (well, feathery)-legged chickens and an egyptian goose in an adjacent garden.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/060/2993060_6d8180d72e_s.jpg" alt="15Nov Swanborough" vspace="5" hspace="5"> </p> <p>Emerging onto a lane by the sewage works, we crossed to pick up our connecting path over more fields, heading first S/SW and then W towards the road near Swanborugh Manor. After crossing the road, we had a short break to shuck off outer layers as both we and the weather seemed to have warmed up. Following the lane SW past the manor, after about half a mile we began to climb the Downs. After a short dog-leg we continued to climb properly up Dencher Road towards the top of Swanborough Hill where it was definitely cooler and breezier. Stopping to catch our breath we looked back over Lewes. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/059/2993059_8669a55513_s.jpg" alt="15Nov Dencher Road" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/061/2993061_c14b403951_s.jpg" alt="15Nov Over Lewes" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Joining the South Downs Way, we headed SE for a couple of hundred yards, before turning SW towards a barn about a third of a mile away. The view was great, as it usually is up here, with wonderful light over the sea. At the barn, the track (bridleway) turned in a more S-wards diection, gradually heading down hill to a T-junction about for about two-thirds of a mile away. At the junction, we turned W/SW and more steeply down hill. The path then climbed slightly again and within a further quarter mile we reached another junction. It was more sheltered off the top of the Downs and there were a few breaks in the cloud as we turned roughly N on a track (bridleway) towards Standean Bottom. About half a mile further on, we stopped for lunch on a slope beside the track. The sun almost came out.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/062/2993062_e9ac3cc8ea_s.jpg" alt="15Nov Lunch" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>After lunch - everything from station sandwiches to home-made worthy salads - we turned roughly N at the next junction of paths to pass some disused-looking farm buildings. Soon after these, we turned NW on a bridelway along the side of the broad expanse of Falmer Bottom. Having gone about two-thirds of a mile from the buildings, we turned N (keeping to the track) and up hill into Castle Hill nature reserve. The path climbs through an area of typical Downland scrub and stunted trees. A bit of up-hill effort soon brought us back onto the top of the Downs again. </p> <p>Heading roughly NE, we followed Juggs' Road (bridleway), climbing a bit more, and then joining the SDW again. We stayed on the SDW, heading NW for about two-thirds of a mile, and then SE for about half a mile, passing the remains of two of the many dew ponds that dot the hilltops round here. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/063/2993063_de75273fd0_s.jpg" alt="15Nov Juggs\" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/064/2993064_e5ab552cc4_s.jpg" alt="15Nov Juggs\" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>At the next path junction, we forked back NE and then N/NE down hill to rejoin Juggs' Road. We kept to this old track NE through Kingstonridge back towards Lewes, over the A27 t join the B2193 into Southover. We headed staright for the King's Head on Southover High Street for a welcome pint of Harvey's.</p> <p>It's a couple of years since I walked this route and almost a year since I've been down to my favourite Sussex Bottoms. We had a lovely day and really good weather for the first time in a while. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/16/sussex-tops-and-bottoms-5047015/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>-walking-leisure-travelsussexhikinghttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/16/sussex-tops-and-bottoms-5047015/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/08/over-the-border-but-only-just-5004974/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2008-11-08:/2008/11/08/over-the-border-but-only-just-5004974/Sat, 08 Nov 2008 20:13:51 +0100 <p>Saturday 8th Nov, 2008: 4.5 miles, ascent less than 100m (Map OS Explorer 136)</p> <p>This short walk was led by Jill for the WWINKS walking group. We started and finished from the free car park in the centre of the village of Lamberhurst in Kent. Lamberhurst is situated in rolling countryside a few miles from Tunbridge Wells, and just a stone's throw from the border with East Sussex, which we crossed a couple of times during the walk. The route took us through a vineyard, farms, and wealden sweet chestnut woodland with lovely autumn colour.</p> <p>It was a very wet morning (yet again) as we set off up hill along the B2100 S through the village. After 1/2 a mile or so, we turned W on footpath through a vineyard towards Furnace Farm, where we turned S. Crossing the B2169 we contined SW on footpath, passing a pair of hammer ponds and turning W/NW by footpath about 1/4 mile later.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/936/2970936_5994bdae76_s.jpg" alt="07Nov Group" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/937/2970937_8409b56ea9_s.jpg" alt="07Nov Vineyard" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>In less than another 1/4 mile, we crossed a minor road and continued NW towards Hook Green, and then N to the B2169 again. Because of the wet weather and conditions under foot, we stayed on the road N to Hoathly farm (crossing the River Teise) towards Clay Hill Cottages, where we picked up another footpath SE. The path took us through more beautiful sweet chestnut woodland and onward to meet the drive to Owl House.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/938/2970938_a82be1fdbd_s.jpg" alt="07Nov River Teise" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/939/2970939_ae2c38b2e1_s.jpg" alt="07Nov Chestnut Wood" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>After a short distance S/SE on this drive, we picked up a path NE at first and the SE along the edge of more woodland and through farmland/orchard to rejoin a road. As it was still raining and some of us (not me!) had had enough, we followed this road about 2/3 mile back to Lamberhurst for lunch at the Chequers pub.</p> <p>This walk provided a short taster for an area that was new to me and which I'll be coming back to again. </p> <p>Thanks to Jill for organising the walk and for booking lunch! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/08/over-the-border-but-only-just-5004974/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>hiking-travel-walking-leisuresussexhttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/08/over-the-border-but-only-just-5004974/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/03/of-mines-and-men-4978412/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2008-11-03:/2008/11/03/of-mines-and-men-4978412/Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:53:30 +0100 <p>Tuesday 28th Oct, 2008: 6 miles, ascent approx 150m (Map: OS Explorer 102)</p> <p>This was the second walk from my West Cornwall break. The mines in the title are those that made up the Ding Dong mine situated on moorland a few miles north of Penzance. According to various bits of info, mining on this site went back to the middle ages at least. Obvious evidence of human activity in this area goes back far earlier and the area is rich in standing stones - the Men in the title (and some Maidens as well - read on...).</p> <p>We started on a grey morning in a biting E wind from our home for the week in the hamlet of Mulfra (grid ref SW 455 347). Taking the only road out we headed S and then W - passing a disused chapel, a school and Lower Ninnes. We turned S/SW at the next junction and after ashort 1/4 mile reached a footpath heaing roughly NW towards Carfury. Unfortunately, the path was under water(due to a lot of rain), so we continued by road, S or a short way, the W (1/4 mile) and NW to pass the disused quarry and pond at Carfury. </p> <p>Keeping to the road we contined NW and up hill for about 1/2 mile before turning W down a track to join a footpath in the same direction. The path was one of several criss-crossing each other in tis area,so we picked an approximate course to wend our way across the fields up towards the end of the metalled road (here a track goes W to Bosiliack Farm). </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/986/2954986_be894ef7e3_s.jpg" alt="30Oct Engine House" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/985/2954985_a992189cb7_s.jpg" alt="30Oct Mine Shaft" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>From the end of the road a track continues N onto the open moorland and onto the site of the Ding Dong Mine. Following the track to the NW and then W we headed for the remains of a solitary engine house. Having inspected said remains and the adjacent mine shaft, we retraced our steps E a short way to continue on the footpath NW across the open moorland (again, one of several paths in the area). The land to either side of the path was dotted with the openings of old mine shafts and holes - defintely not a place to exercise the right to roam! We followed this path lashed by the rain continuing NW and down hill. </p> <p>After jumping over a small stream, we started to look out for our first standing stones of the day, the Men an Tol stones. Expecting something more substantial we didn't see them until we were practically on top of them. We did our bit for paganism by wriggling through the hole in the main stone, though I've since read that you have to do this nine times naked to be cured of whatever you want to be cured of, as it was freezing we would have been more likely to die of exposure in the process! </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/987/2954987_8beb5b1c0c_s.jpg" alt="30Oct Men an Tol Stones" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/988/2954988_1787a7c4e8_s.jpg" alt="30Oct Through Men an Tol" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Leaving the holey (holy?) stone behind, we continued NW to the Tinner's Way (footpath), an old trackway that ran from St Just to St Ives. Following this NE, we looked out for our next archaeological objective - the Men an Scryfa standing stone. We found it in a field to the N of the track, but as there was a bull in the field we stayed a safe distance away. At the junction of tracks we took a wet path roughly SE and up hill, jumping from tussock to tussock and around flowing water over the top of the hill and onwards to the Nine Maidens stone circle. I counted 12 stones I think and obvious spaces for more, so where the 9 comes from I don't know! </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/990/2954990_4b9249f45d_s.jpg" alt="30Oct 3 of the 9 Maidens" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/989/2954989_3d43464224_s.jpg" alt="30Oct Across the Moor" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Leaving the Maidens behind us and thinking of food (still raining a bit, very windy and no shelter), we continued SE and down back towards Ding Dong. At a crossing track about 1/2 a mile from the stones we headed NE, passing the remains of more mine workings, to join the road by another engine house above Boskdennan. Hunger got the better of us, so we had a very brief stop for a standing lunch - it was almost not raining. </p> <p>A bit refreshed (and a touch cold) we headed E on the road towards Tredinneck and then N towards Bodrifty. In the distance we could see Mulfa Quiot atop Mulfra Hill to our E. At the turning for the track towards Bodrifty there was a sign to Bodrifty roundhouses (marked as a Settlement on the map) about 1/4 mile N up the road, so we decided to go and have a look. The low stone walls of these iron age (and older) roundhouses and other remains had been excavated in the 80's and the layout of the buildings was clear as we walked through them, the adjacent fileds were very small with stone walls probably equally as old. </p> <p>Picking up a path roughly E through the remais and then SE and up onto the open moorland we made for Mulfra Quoit (a flat-topped stone burial chamber), following a path that had probably been followed for thousands of years before us!From the top of Mulfra Hill we followed a footpath S/SE off the moor and down back to Mulfra passing another mineshaft and more ancient remains on the way.</p> <p>Despite the pretty foul weather we'd had another fascinating walk steeped in all kinds of history. Although it had been a very short day out, it was quite enough and we were happy to be home for a cream tea. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/03/of-mines-and-men-4978412/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>hiking-leisure-travel-walkinghttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/03/of-mines-and-men-4978412/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/02/go-west-4970317/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2008-11-02:/2008/11/02/go-west-4970317/Sun, 02 Nov 2008 14:48:01 +0100 <p>Tuesday 28th Oct, 2008: 7 miles, ascent approx 100m (Map: OS Explorer 102)</p> <p>This is the first of two walks that I did on a family week in the very far west of Cornwall. It is from the OS/AA book "Cornwall and Isles of Scilly" and is called "A Famous Mining Coast". If you are going to do a walk in this area, I'd recommend getting the book as the route description is chock-full of historical and other information about the various places passed by/through.</p> <p>The walk starts and finishes in the town of St Just. We set off under mixed blustery skies with the promise of showers later.</p> <p>From St Just (free car park in the town centre) we headed roughly SE via road and footpath to Bosorn and then NW by footpath to the coast near Ballowall Barrow, were we joined the SW coast path.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/917/2954917_207303b18a_s.jpg" alt="28Oct Ballowall Barrow" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/918/2954918_afe5150445_s.jpg" alt="28Oct Cape Cornwall" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Heading roughly N on the SWCP we passed above Priest's Cove and over the spectacular Cape Cornwall. Where the SWCP goes down into Nancherrow Valley we detoured down the valley, through the remains of the water-powered tin mine works, to the coast at Porth Ledden. We stopped for lunch at the end of the valley, crossing the stream and sheltering from the worst of the weather behind a wall next to the rusting remains of a big diesel engine.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/919/2954919_f49dceb4b6_s.jpg" alt="28Oct Nancherrow Valley1" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/921/2954921_7faae64f12_s.jpg" alt="28Oct Nancherrow Valley2" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/922/2954922_d9751343db_s.jpg" alt="Porth Ledden" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>After lunch we retraced our path to rejoin the SWCP going up hill and roughly N towards the site of the Botallack mines, passing remains of engine houses, chimneys and other ruined leftovers from tin ore processing. Below us to the N, perching on the cliff edge, we could see the old engine houses of the Crowns Mine - one of the iconic images of Cornwall. We detoured down to look at the buildings, which served a mine that extended out 1/3 of a mile under the sea bed.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/924/2954924_1df6e05721_s.jpg" alt="28Oct Twds Botallack" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/925/2954925_45e98ba453_s.jpg" alt="28Oct The Crowns" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/927/2954927_9573d9f67e_s.jpg" alt="28Oct Looking Down on Crowns" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Retracing our steps back up from the Crowns and for a short way S along the SWCP we then followed a track SE, passing more mine buildings, joining a byway and continuing past the restored Botallack mine Count House. We stayed on the byway heading SW and the SE towards Kenidjack Farm. Here we continued SE along the road for a short 1/4 mile and then follwed a footpath in the same direction back to St Just.</p> <p>It had been a blustery, showery day and we had explored a fascinating and beautiful stretch of coast. It was hard to imagine what this area would have been like 150 years ago at the height of the Cornish tin boom.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/02/go-west-4970317/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>walkingleisurehikingtravelhttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/11/02/go-west-4970317/#commentshttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/10/17/at-my-peak-not-over-the-hill-gradbach-mill-weekend-4888092/tag:walkwithannie.blog.co.uk,2008-10-17:/2008/10/17/at-my-peak-not-over-the-hill-gradbach-mill-weekend-4888092/Fri, 17 Oct 2008 21:04:02 +0200 <p>This year&rsquo;s autumn hostelling weekend, again marvellously organized by Helen, coincided with my birthday - excellent! This time 27 of us headed for the Staffordshire Moors just within the SW boundary of the Peak District National Park. We stayed in the farmhouse hostel at Gradbach Mill Youth Hostel, in the Dane Valley, about 6 miles N of Leek. The location gave lots of options for lovely walks right from our front door.</p> <p><strong>Between the Woods and the Water (Mostly)</strong><br> <em>Saturday 11th Oct, 2008<br> 9.25 miles, approx 300m ascent (Map: OS Explorer OL24; Peak District, White Peak Area)</em></p> <p>The weather forecast had been on and off the last few days, but it was dry though a bit cloudy as 16 of us plus dog set off from the hostel (with me leading).</p> <p>A fairly leisurely pace took us N over the river at the hostel and up to the NW past Goosetree farm and then onwards on a track over high open fields before dipping down to cross the A54 heading roughly in the same direction. Soon after, we stopped for a break at the top edge of a patchwork of boggy fields and watched a group of Duke of Ed Award kids almost getting lost (they got it right in the end). Making our way across these fields, on a path that zigzagged roughly NW and then followed the course of a small stream (not on the map) joining Clough Brook in woodland by the road at Wildboarclough.</p> <p>Bypassing the Crag Inn (a bit too early in the day), we followed the road SW for about 1/3 of a mile before recrossing Clough Brook at a stone bridge to follow the footpath on the opposite bank. Heading a bit S of W, we followed this path as it diverged from the brook, and then eventually recrossed it on a footbridge. Here we crossed the same road to detour via Knowle Farm (just to miss another bit of road). Shortly after rejoining the same road yet again, we crossed the A54 again and continued S on the road for another 1/4 mile. Our footpath then forked S from the road along he side of the steep valley where Clough Brook joins the Dane river. About 1/4 of a mile from the road we stopped for lunch in a lovely spot high on the valley side.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/924/2953924_67fc4f7f3c_s.jpg" alt="11Oct Lunch Stop" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/060/2908060_85f390bef6_s.jpg" alt="11Oct Ship Inn Wincle" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>After lunch I did a bit of poking around and about to find the path SW towards Wincle and Danebridge, which we followed above the river Dane, continuing SW to join the road next to the Ship Inn at Wincle just N of Danebridge. Service at the pub was somewhat slow (to be polite), but eventually we all got something, and with coffee drinkers hastily finishing off in the drizzle, we went off down hill to cross the river and to pick up the Dane Valley Way heading upstream (NE at first).</p> <p>Following the DVW we were in and out of woodland above the river and so protected from the weather, though it wasn&rsquo;t too bad at all. A clear path enabled us to pick up the pace, which had been slow so far, bringing us, a couple of miles later, to a junction of paths above a footbridge (on the DVW) over Black Brook. Half a dozen of us opted to head straight back to the hostel at this point via the footbridge, and the rest of us followed a footpath up hill and E and then SW to Lud&rsquo;s Church, a spectacular rocky chasm with sheer mossy sides. It was quite spooky in the chasm in the grey, misty late afternoon and seriously boggy under foot. After enough photographs, etc, we rejoined our path SW through the woods for about 3/4 a mile before looping NE and down again towards Black Brook. It was boggy in the woods - and unfortunately in one of my boots as well after a particularly deep patch, but quiet and atmospheric in the mist. Foregoing the ford option at Black Brook, we continued N for a short distance to the footbridge for the last 1/4 mile or so of DVW back to the hostel. </p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/925/2953925_917b617485_s.jpg" alt="11Oct Woods" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/760/2926760_683d5458a7_s.jpg" alt="11Oct Lud" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/927/2953927_7b158ad931_s.jpg" alt="11Oct Lud" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>A lovely walk with beautiful and varied scenery and lots of walking by streams and brooks (which I love). Those of us who did the section up to Lud&rsquo;s Church agreed that this was the best part of the walk. Extra walking nerd points if you recognise the title of this walk...</p> <p>Thanks to Emma C for the photos!</p> <p><strong>Out in the Open - Three Shire Heads and Beyond<br> </strong><em>Sun 12th Oct, 2008<br> 8.75 miles (including detour), approx 250 m ascent (Map: OS Explorer OL24; Peak District, White Peak Area)</em></p> <p>A lovely sunny morning for my birthday, with Ellie and Emma P leading us along the Dane Valley Way heading further upstream. In contrast to yesterday, today's walk was across open fields, through old quarry workings and over boggy moorland, though like yesterday's route we spent much of the time following bits of the river Dane or its tributary cloughs.</p> <p>At first the DVW followed the road from the hostel and the river, but just over half a mile E/NE from the hostel it heads off up hill and NE over open fields. We crossed the fields in bright sunshine and continued in roughly the same direction, turn NW after about ¾ mileand then N skirting below Turn Edge to arrive at Panniers Pool and Three Shire Heads where we (and several other people) stopped for a break by the bridge.</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/984/2903984_cb7cccda09_s.jpg" alt="12Oct Twds Turn Edge" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/985/2903985_5372f10e4f_s.jpg" alt="12Oct 3 Shires Head" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/986/2903986_66d93af082_s.jpg" alt="12Oct Twds Orchard Farm" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Here we left the DVW, turning NE along tracks and footpaths past Blackclough to Orchard Farm where we rejoined the DVW. Shortly after we had a spot of map misreading and ended up detouring along the county boundary, though as it got increasingly boggy under foot all agreed this couldn&lsquo;t be right so we had a rethink (Emma was right all along), and put ourselves right and back on the DVW.</p> <p>After a lunch stop and some sunbathing, we pressed on to Reeve-edge and Danebower quarries, following the DVW as it wove its way NE and W through the old workings. Just before reaching the A54 we turned SW and down hill on the DVW, passing and old chimney(?)/tower(?)/mineshaft(?) arriving at the very upper reaches of the river Dane. We followed the DVW and the course of the Dane back to Three Shire Heads, speculating on the 3 counties in question and failing quite well (Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and Cheshire - thanks Janina).</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/878/2908878_e1cd5f7872_s.jpg" alt="12Oct Lunch Stop" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/987/2903987_6885bfc6b6_s.jpg" alt="12Oct Danebower Quarries" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/988/2903988_6236fecfc0_s.jpg" alt="12Oct Above 3 Shires" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Turning SW we left the DVW to follow a very lumpy track than curved around Cutthorn Hill. Crossing the road at Cutthorn, a footpath took us NW out onto open moor above the source of Robin&rsquo;s Clough (predictably boggy), from where our route curved roughly S and down via Parks and Hole Edge to a road. After a short stretch of road going S, we took the first footpath going in the same direction for about 1/4 mile to a road. A couple of hundred yards of road S brought us back to the river Dane where we rejoined our outward route, retracing our steps back to the hostel.</p> <p>A great walk with wonderful scenery on a gorgeous autumn day - happy birthday to me!!!</p> <p>Thanks to Janina for her lunchtime photo! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/10/17/at-my-peak-not-over-the-hill-gradbach-mill-weekend-4888092/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>walkingtravelleisurehikinghttp://walkwithannie.blog.co.uk/2008/10/17/at-my-peak-not-over-the-hill-gradbach-mill-weekend-4888092/#comments