18th August 2013 Polegate
A Peach of a walk. All went well – especially the bits organized by Martin and beautiful weather was thrown in as a plus.
The train down was crowded mainly due to the Eastbourne Air show, so on the walk we had a fly past of the Red Arrows. We started with a gentle climb and then walked over the top of the S Downs, with wide views of the sea as far as Hastings in one direction and the Weald and N. Downs in the other. The pub was excellent, a quiet and peaceful garden and good food. In the afternoon we decided not to rush for an early train, which gave us an opportunity to sit and admire the view for half an hour, giving us the strength to complete a good length walk. Return journey unproblematic, so in all a memorable day out.
Margaret M
Outward: Best reached from London by train 8.47 from Victoria, arriving 10.03 (No works planned)
Return should be by the 17.06 from Polegate, arriving Victoria 18.26
By Car: Polegate is about 5 miles North of Eastbourne, on A22 and A27. Follow signs to the station.
am Southwards up to the Downs via Wealdway and including a shortish steep climb; then westwards through Friston Forest (deciduous) and out into the open again for a descent to Litlington in the Cuckmere Valley.
pm Long but fairly gradual climb up from near sea level to the crest of the Downs; then a steep descent back to the Wealdway and back to Polegate via Fulkington.
Litlington, either a pub lunch at the Plough and Harrow (dogs allowed) or at the Litlington Tea Gardens – established (rather surprisingly) circa 1860.
This walk, weather permitting, provides exceptional views of the South Downs, the Sussex Weald, and across Friston Forest to the sea.