Saturday 16th
August 2008
Wilmington - Folkington - Jevington - Lullington - Litlington - West Dean -
Alfriston - Wilmington
13.5 miles
This fantastic walk, as
can be seen from the title, took in seven "tons". All of them are picturesque
from a distance and thoroughly beautiful from within. Churches are everywhere in
this district and their spires peep out at you from all directions. The walk
undulates through: fields, woods, heathland, open downs and along the river.
Everything you need for the perfect day out and for taking in the best that the
South Downs has to offer.
So park the car up, get your boots on, and take in some of this unspoilt
countryside. When they ask you at work on Monday what you did at the weekend,
like us you will be hard put to describe it.
The Long Man of Wilmington
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The 1600 year old yew in Wilmington churchyard
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St Peter's church Folkington was closed
today
St Andrew's Church Jevington. There is a
tap for hikers by the sign.
The vitally important tea gardens at
Jevington
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The gorgeous Lullington Heath nature reserve
The village of Alfriston viewed from up
near Lullington Heath
The White Horse of Litlington seen from just below the nature reserve
Litlington Church, where today a wedding was taking place
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Bloody-nosed Beetle (Timarcha tenbricosa).
He's called this because he exudes a drop of blood-red liquid from his mouth
when
disturbed - we didn't upset him enough for him to do this.
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West Dean's 12th Century church of all saints
Harvest hassock from West Dean church
After coming through Friston Forest and over a stone stile, you are hit by this
stunning view of Cuckmere Haven
A combine harvester was busy in the fields alongside Cuckmere Brooks
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A Wheatear, on wheat straw
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Cuckmere Brooks north of Exceat with the
combine harvester top left
St Andrew's Church Alfriston, the
cathedral of the downs.
There is another tap for hikers here.
The sun starting to sink over Firle Beacon as we arrive back at Wilmington