Walk Report

High Weald Drifter, Saturday 13th April 2019
6 walkers, 20 miles - leader Andy Davies
Six set off on the High Weald Landscape Trail on a cool but fine day passing Standen, an Arts & Crafts house (architect Philip Webb who designed the Red House in Bexleyheath for William Morris), and the 16thC Priests House in West Hoathly which once belonged to Lewes Priory then inevitably Henry VIII. We also saw Weir Wood reservoir (1954), primroses, bluebells, steam trains with vintage carriages, and many fine landscapes and views on the way to Horsted Keynes and lunch at the very quiet and pleasant Crown Inn. Walking continued on the Sussex Border Path past lakes and ponds with more crystal-clear views to the South Downs, and featured an entertaining game of 'Hide the Stile' played with a small herd of frisky bullocks.
The leader was slightly disappointed that only one of the group identified the cinematic reference in the walk title (Clint Eastwood's "High Plains Drifter"), but pleased toward the day's end when we rounded the cow shed at Busses Farm to see a man in a broad-brimmed hat with head bowed sitting on a bench outside the farmhouse who raised his head to smile and greet us. Was that a poncho wrapped around him?

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