Sussex Scrapbook
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Nature walks throughout the year
Saturday 3rd February 2007
Lewes - Uckfield
12 miles
Today was a gorgeous day that felt just like spring, and to make the most of it
we walked the 12 miles or so from Lewes to Uckfield along the
Sussex Ouse Valley way.
This is a beautiful, well sign-posted footpath that was opened on 30th April
2005. It follows the River Ouse for 42 miles from its source near Lower Beeding
to the sea at Newhaven. The way passes over all manner of bridges, over
weirs, ponds, ox-bow lakes as well as through Barcombe Mill and numerous working
farms. We left the Way and joined a
dismantled railway line through to Uckfield. Segments of this were totally
impassable, so we had to skirt round them. It was quite an adventure and very
muddy too (Woo Hoo!).
The bike is off the road again for a week or so, which
meant we had to get the train to Lewes (£8) and a bus back to there from
Uckfield (£2.50). Not a bad price for such a days outing.
You start the walk at Tesco's in Lewes and finish at Tesco's in Uckfield. Simple eh!
Birds were everywhere today and we saw quite a few species, including
Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, yellowhammer, skylark, long-tailed tit and Grey Wagtail. We didn't see any Kingfishers
though, at this time of year they tend to head towards the estuary.
Lewes to the Anchor Inn at Barcombe.
The Anchor inn to Uckfield.
This was the sign that we were following all day.
Ray Mears was a collaborator on the Ouse valley way project. Thanks Ray!
The Ouse Valley must have been thought of as a prime area for invasion during
WWII as there are pill boxes everywhere. We must have seen at least 12, but
they are hidden all over the place.
Barcombe church. What a fantastic village to live in. Quiet and peaceful with
wildlife everywhere around you.
A beautiful old Sussex barn with a thatched shelter at Barcombe village.
Gill examining one of last years bird nests under the
thatched roof.
Yes, that says 1584! The skill of the carpenters back then was amazing as well.
Gill with her new hair-do and new gaiters too! Plenty of stiles and kissing
gates today.
A view of the river near to Lewes.
Part of Barcombe Mill. To the north of the mill is a very nice pub, The Anchor
Inn. At the Anchor you can hire boats in the summer.
We didn't see the boats today, but we think they are
rowing boats. We shall be back for that later in the year.
The Anchor Inn.
The jetty.
We were very careful not to strangle any horses.