Walk Report

Eastbourne Circular, Sunday 14th March 2010
14 walkers, 20 miles - leader Clare Kirkbride
14 walkers strode out from Eastbourne station, including Gill from Eastbourne and two, Ann and Roy, who drove from Essex. Clare undertook an intricate route as a change from the usual circular via Jevington, and we enjoyed mild sunny weather in the morning with clear views as far as Selsey Bill. Nearer, there were calves and lambs but few spring flowers. It was dry underfoot almost all the way. We crossed Gildredge Park and the golf course, descending to Cornish Farm, ascending steeply to Belle Tout, recently renovated as a prestigious B&B. Later, via we passed the red barn on Went Hill which has been re-painted a luminous vermillion. We took the path southwards from Crowlink to Flagstaff Brow to the coast, following the remaining Sisters, and lunched at the cafe at Exceat (prices steeply hiked, soup now 4 pounds 90 pence). After lunch, the sky clouded over and the wind picked up. We passed through West Dean and Friston, descending to East Dean. At the Sheep Centre, the 6 fastest walkers set out independently with a view to catching the 16.55 train, and we followed, spending 20 minutes in the dark interior of the pub at the top of Beachy Head. We took the SDW to town and the usual shortcut up Staveley Road to the station. Most walkers regrouped with 10 minutes to spare in order to take the 17.55 to London, the advanced party having enjoyed a walk along the prom. Gill cycled home, and Clare lives near enough to walk from the station. Roy's GPS recorded 19.5 miles at the town hall, so the round tour from the station was not less than 20 miles. [An additional loop along the river north from Exceat then via Charleston Bottom would have added 3 miles and necessitated the 18.55 train, so was omitted.]

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