Sue, Bertie and I travelled over to Uckfield for our bi-weekly visit, however
as there was less to do, I dropped everything then drove on to Firle Beacon
car park up on the south downs. The idea was to walk down to Newhaven and then
back via the river Ouse to Southease, and back on the South Downs way.
We parked up among the horse boxes, traveller vans, and walkers cars, then
continued on the road south to Blackcap farm.
Going through the farm yard, and continued into a sheep pasture, dropping down
into the valleys beyond.
The track led into a crop field then through a band of trees to the winding
valley at the bottom, with views over to the sea.
We followed the winding valley below, to a seemingly dead end
Before climbing back up over the side heading to the outskirts of Newhaven
town.
cresting the side of valley and looking over the town below.
We then walked through the estate houses in a relative straight line before The
road bent around and climbed slightly staying on the outskirts of the town
In the area of South Heighton we left the road and followed a footpath/ twitten
down the hill between the houses toward the waste processing plant.
Crossing the A26 and entering an industrial park looking for the marked footpath
over the railway.
The footpath took an overgrown gate, and the path beside the rail line to a
crossing.
On the far side of the crossing skirting the waste processing plant we met the
river bank.
Following the riverbank on the raised bund through the long grass, Passing small
wetlands areas between us and the road/ rail lines.
Passing the small harbour/ marina of Piddinghoe.
Still following every twist and turn of the river.
The skyline showed the route we would follow to get back to the car, and up the
river towards Lewis
Getting to the bridge at Southease, we picked up the SDW where it crossed the
river.
Avoiding the temptation to cross the bridge and look into the river, we turned
to the East and followed the SDW along the track away from the crossing.
A zigzag to cross the rails at the rail station, where there were key controlled
barriers across the level crossing, however we could use the pedestrian gate.
As we approached the A26 once again, the path diverted around the Itford farm
and crossed the road on a newly built pedestrian bridge.
Looking up at the steep slope to the ridge above.
Climbing up following the track in a wide curve to ease the slope, initially on
a chalk track and then a wide grassy path.
Approaching the top of the ridge past some lonely trees. We could see all along
the ridge towards where it dipped into Alfriston.
Pausing at the trig point at red lion pond to take in the views back along the
SDW as well as the coastal view.
Next target the radio masts on Beddingham hill
Dropping down to the car park, with just a field of cows to negotiate, however
we were lucky that they were not bothered or interested in dogs.
Back at the car for refreshments and nibbles.
