8.5 miles circular from Cuckfield

Just seven of us set off on this walk from Cuckfield to the
Ansty Cross pub for lunch.

During the walk we encountered some fungi.

This one was growing at the base of a large ash tree.

And this rare Teddy fungus was found later.

Brenda's Whiteways 7 miles circular

Brenda lead this lovely walk from the Mid Sussex Ramblers' programme of walks.
Click here for Mid Sussex Ramblers' web site.

The walk was from the Whiteways Lodge car park above Houghton to West Burton and Bury. Then along the river Arun and back up onto the South Downs Way.

Descending the north side of Westburton Hill to West Burton.

On the Literary Trail.

A brief lunch stop in Bury churchyard - just long enough to observe a couple of centuries of lichen on the gravestones.

Click on this panoramic shot from Bury (and any other) to expand it.

Views across flooded fields to Amberley.

Thanks Brenda, for a fine walk.

And finally, what better than a pint at The Sportsman, my favourite pub, with great views of Amberley Wild Brooks.

Paul's 10 miles walk from Firle

We started along (and after lunch, rejoined) the old coach road that runs under the North side of the Downs. This walk was from the Mid Sussex Ramblers' programme.

Click on this panoramic view looking north and west as we start to ascend Firle Beacon.

Ascending Firle beacon.

On the South Downs Way.

When I open up these pictures, I find that a second click is now necessary to fully open them further. I don't know why!

Descending towards Alfriston.

Looking west to Wilmington Hill.

The flooded river Cuckmere.

Lunch in The Smugglers pub.

Approaching Berwick church.

The hedgerows were full of Alexanders plants growing through the dead stems of last summers seedheads. The plant has a strong celery-like flavour, which is somewhat bitter. I really must cook with this soon. It must be great for winter soups.

The Downs need to be grazed by different herbivores to maintain the grass sward. Sheep, cattle and horses eat different mixes of grasses - maintaining the species-rich Downs habitat. Below are some zoom shots of the horses on the skyline of the picture above.

View towards Caburn Hill.

Firle Place above, and Firle Church below.
Many thanks Paul for another splendid walk.