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Autumn 1999 - The South Downs Way
Brighton to Alfriston x2
Thursday 7th October
Travel day, meeting at Patcham Youth Hostel. As Paul and Pat worked in London it was arranged to get the 17:05 Luton to Brighton train. Dick Grundy, Ian Cousins, Steve Boustead and Norman Hart met at 16:45 to take advantage of Dick's network card; Norman having got there earlier had purchased a ticket so lost out. Paul was to meet us at Blackfriars and Pat at Farringdon in the 3rd carriage, as we got to London the train became very crowded Paul was recognised by his rucksack but no sign of Pat. After some of the crowds had alighted we checked the train forward, but no sign of Pat, the stop before Preston Park our stop Paul went back to find Pat, he was at the back of the train having not got the message to meet in the 3rd carriage! As the train pulled into Preston Park we got up, got our gear together. By the time we reached the doors the train was leaving. Paul and Pat had got off ok and searched for us, realising what had happened set of for the hostel, the rest of us got off at Brighton and got a taxi to
the hostel with Paul's pack.
Upon arrival there was a message saying Dick McKay and Simon were in the pub across the road, we joined them at the Black Lion after making our beds for sustenance and refreshment. We had managed to drink them out of beer so moved on to the Ladies Mile where more ale was sampled Dick G had not eaten earlier and tried to get some chips but the shop closed at 21:00 hrs! so that was that.
Friday 8th October
The weather was fine and mild but a haze in the distance spoiled views.
The planned route was up to the South Downs Way by the Sussex Border Path. As the routing for the A27 had changed this was missed, so an alternative was found via Tegdown Hill High Park Farm to Ditching Beacon joining the South Downs Way there, continue on to Alfriston then by road to Frog Firle and the Hostel.
As with all walks we soon ended up in-groups 1 Paul, Dick McKay and Simon, 2 Dick Grundy, Steve and Ian, 3 Norman and Pat. Walking was pleasant over rolling countryside until we reached the A27 where we had to drop down and cross it, then began a long slog uphill. As there had been nowhere to stop, we pushed on to Rodmell for lunch at the Abergavenny Hotel. Grp 1 made it ok but Grp 2 were 15 mins late and missed out on food, as they stopped food at 14:00, Pat and Norman had dropped of the path and headed for Lewis for a late lunch. As Dick McKay had got some food he offered Dick G a Pasty for which he was grateful. After a short rest and a couple of pints we were on our way again.
Walking after lunch did not seem so bad but it was hard under-foot. Graham Busch had driven to Alfriston during the morning and walked back along the South Downs Way to around White Lion Pond where he met Grp 1 then continued with them back to the hostel. Approaching Long Barrow Grp 2 saw a fox, this was spotted by Steve and we got to within 10 feet before it went away although wary at no time appearing afraid. There were no other points of note on a long march to the hostel for a welcome rest and shower. It had been a long day 22 miles with packs the only ones without any blisters, aches or pains were Paul, Graham who had not walked so far and John Creasey who had driven down during the afternoon.
Norman and Pat tried a couple of places before eating and resting then getting a train from Lewes to Berwick and then walking down the road to the hostel.
The evenings refreshment and nourishment was taken at the Plough and Harrow in Litlington, this was reached down a narrow lane next to the hostel fortunately Norman had a torch as it was pitch black. The pub provided the three G's Food, Ale and Entertainment which was provided by a duo the girl singer able to sing just about anything, an excellent performance.
Saturday 9th October
Todays walk to include the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head with various routes to get there and back. All to meet at Beachy Head pub for lunch before heading back to Alfriston to watch the rugby (England verses New Zealand). Simon had had enough so decided to go and see his sister, then went home the rest us carried on.
Grp 1 Paul, Graham, Dick Mckay and Ian followed the South Downs Way from Litlington. Grp 2 Dick Grundy, Pat, Norman, Steve and John followed the Cuckmere River down to the coast, (a gentle start to ease our aches and pains), where we joined the South Downs Way. Steve was struggling so when we reached the A259 he caught a bus to Crapham Hill then walked to the pub at Beachy Head for lunch.
The walk along the Seven Sisters was pleasant with good weather and no haze; a brief stop was taken at Birling Gap for the cafe and attend to blisters (Dick G), then on to Beachy Head. Upon arrival at the pub at Beachy Head we found notices on the door saying it was closed due to a water supply problem (but we only wanted ALE!). Grp 1 was in the cafe next door, they had water ok and were open for business, Steve had moved on to Eastbourne.
Grp 1 took the South downs Way to Jevington, to the Eight Bells. For a quick pint before going back to Alfriston via Winchesters Pond. Pat and John joined Steve in Eastbourne using mobile phones to arrange a place to meet. Norman and Dick G walked up the road to Crapham Hill to catch a bus back to the Golden Galleon for liquid refreshment then back up the Cuckmere River to Alfriston to meet the others at the Wingrave Hotel to watch the rugby.
All went well but John, Steve and Pat had got a train to Berwick, gone to watch some of the rugby then get a bus back to the hostel but it didn't turn up so they had to walk.
After the rugby had finished we made our way back to the hostel to wash and change for dinner again taken at the Plough and Harrow in Litlington again good food and ale but no entertainment.
Sunday 10th October
Home day short circular walks around the hostel were planned, going along the South Downs Way towards the coast, stopping at the visitor center for a tea break, then back up the Cuckmere river to the hostel. The weather was overcast but fine. The walking had taken its toll on Steve who did not want to go far so Dick G staid with him and walked up the river to Alfriston where they saw some vintage cars and back to the hostel to wait for the others. Paul walked to Sea-ford then got a train to Brighton where he met Dick G, Norman, Steve and Pat (who had a lift from John) at the before catching the train home. Graham, Dick McKay and Ian went straight home after their walk.
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