There is lots going on next week, and with a rainy Saturday, we were up early
Sunday morning and off to find a free carpark slot near Devil's Dyke. Luckily
there were several choices so we started out from Summer Down Car park
slotting in on the end of a line of cars already there.
We aimed to do two loops in a figure of eight, taking in first Newtimber hill to the East then back around through Poynings, and Fulking before ascending back up to the top of the hill above Devil's dyke and back to the van.
Cross over at Saddlescombe farm then up the other side to the top of the ridge
before traversing north along the sky line
Past Saddlescombe farm with its historic working Donkey wheel, and then
steeply up the chalk lane before it opens out and becomes easier in the
top pasture fields.
Turning to the north and following the top of the hill, across open pasture.
Looking back over Devil's Dyke to the west, tracing the South Downs way/
A neat bench to enjoy the view down to Brighton and the coast.
The top of Newtimber hill was covered in bluebells amongst the spare trees and
gorse.
After traversing around with very little height change we took the track down
towards Saddlecombe farm again, where we crossed the road and continued down
towards the village of Poynings.
Dropping down in a gradual descent to the village with great views back up the
Dyke
A section on the side of the road through the village.. occasionally there was
a footpath, but generally meant dodging the cars parked along the side. This
garage caught our eyes, with its vintage petrol pump, signs and telephone
box.
Change of scenery once more as we took to the fields and cut through a flock
of ewes with their lambs, before taking a chalk track along a pond and river -
Bertie enjoyed cooling off as we passed by.
A short diversion around Brooke house, before turning south to the ridge again
and across more pasture fields.
Down the side of Fulking village, and into the village play field where a
convenient bench allowed a short pause for refreshment.
Looking across to the ridge from the fields below
A bit of confusion around the pub as to where the track continued, which we
eventually found one of several routes which ascended.
This narrow track opened up a bit more in the woods where it steepened. This
then came out into the upper pasture areas and the track cut across the slope
in a more gradual traverse.
looking back down during the ascent.
The huge car park at the top with the pub (closed).
meeting of many tracks - three signposts within 25m
Looking across from the blockhouse.
As we got up to the ridge line the wind came on a lot stronger, and for a
short period of time a few drops of rain.
Crossing over to the view point and a pause in the shelter from the wind
Back to the trig point and around the end of the Dyke, with spectacular views down the valley.
Looking down to the coast from the trig point
looking down to the north, and also across to the aerials at Truleigh hill.
Then down the other side in a very gentle slope.
Continuing down the south downs way and back to the carpark.
Lunch in the van to avoid the rain showers.