A South Downs Way Story
Segment:
© 2004 by
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Some weeks later, Ellen and I re-walked the segment in reverse and we had a lovely time. It was partly cloudy and quite cold when we got off the train at Southease. Ellen wore a hat and kept her hood up the whole way. Our first task was to leave the Ouse River valley and climb up Idford Hill onto the escarpment of the downs. We had wonderful sight lines across the valley to Lewes and along the downs to Firle Beacon and the nearby radio masts. The tumuli and barrows that I had missed in the mist and dark were easily visible and quite interesting. There were also dew ponds and plenty of sheep, but no dogs. After a long and inspiring walk along the ridge line, we descended into Alfriston in time for tea. The only place that was open was a ‘forties paraphernalia shop that also served tea, perfunctorily, but at least it warmed us up. Upon discovering that the bus wouldn’t come for another hour and a half, we repaired to the Star Inn for a wonderful pint and hot dish. It turned out that the proprietor had lived for 20 years quite near us in New Jersey, so we reminisced while sitting by a cozy fire, all three of us glad to be in Alfriston that evening.
Alfriston-Southease
7.0 miles
1 February 2003
Walked in reverse from Southease to Alfriston