Sussex Scrapbook
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Nature walks throughout the year
Saturday 9th February 2008
Berwick - Selmeston - Alciston - Firle Beacon - Southease - Lewes
12 miles
This was a good long walk in perfect
conditions that took in: unspoilt little villages, the South Downs, the River
Ouse and finally Lewes with its castle and
Biddenden Cider on tap (The Brewers Arms). The walk also encompassed three
picturesque churches, but which could have taken in at least another three. They
are everywhere around here and were nearly all built by extremely rich wool
merchants who wished to spend their money on making sure that they got to
heaven. They date from the 14th Century (or before), but have been added
to, restored, and, in some cases, almost rebuilt over the 700 years since. They
all make great starting points for hikes in this area.
At
Selmeston churchyard we watched as a mole cleared out his tunnel, but
unfortunately we were unable to see the mole itself. At
Alciston we were amazed by the huge medieval barn, probably the biggest we
have ever seen, and by the church, which sits in one of the finest locations in
Sussex. The church at Southease has a wonderful wild flower churchyard, which
today was carpeted in snowdrops.
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Selmeston Church
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The view of the downs from between Selmeston and
Alciston
The acceptable face of advertising.
Alciston barn
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The mighty metropolis of Alciston seen from Bostal Hill
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Southease Church with its distinctive round tower
Whatever the season, Southease Churchyard looks amazing
We want this car!
A barn owl on Lewes Brooks to end the day perfectly