Malling Hill & The Combe - Wednesday 26 December 2012
On Boxing Day, in a welcome window of dry weather, twelve of us, led by Hilda and Graham, took a gentle amble round Malling Hill and The Combe. After an easy walk up Mill Road we climbed up Malling Hill at the old quarries, enjoying the wide views north over The Weald. At the top we followed the top of the ridge round The Combe, eventually finding our way to the monument to the Protestant Martyrs above Cuilfail. From the bottom of Chapel Hill we walked through to the river and across the football fields to the old railway line. We spotted some twitchers who were on the lookout for some Waxwings, pretty little birds that had flown over to this country from Scandinavia in search of food. Apparently they come over here in large numbers when the rowan berry crops fail in their native countries and they can be seen near supermarket car parks because many are now planted with rowan and hawthorn bushes. (British Garden Birds website). After walking along the old railway to the river overlooking Hamsey church, the party repaired to the leaders house for mulled wine and mince pies.

Ardingly & Balcombe - Wednesday 12 December 2012
This walk fell on a bitterly cold day. Only one member turned up to join the two leaders so they decided to just walk out to Kingston and back, enjoying coffee at Springbarn Farm on the way.

Laughton - Sunday 2 December2012
We were glad of a frosty day for our walk at Laughton as it froze some of the water and mud for which Laughton is famous and made walking a lot easier.

Laughton Tower was an interesting feature of the walk. This was built by the famous Pelham family in 1534 and features The Pelham Buckle which was awarded to Sir John Pelham for prowess during the Battle of Poitiers in 1346. We had hoped to see the Buckle but this was not possible as The Tower is now privately owned by the Landmark Trust.

27 walkers enjoyed this ramble on a beautiful, sunny and crisp day and we were pleased to see that the bridge built by our Group was still in good order. The walk was led by Roy.

Chelwood Gate - Wednesday 27 November 2012
Four intrepid members took part in a walk in Ashdown Forest recently. Although the forecast had been for a dry day it rained on the way there and the group experienced low cloud or drizzle at times during the walk. They also found it very wet underfoot but fortunately they all were wearing wellington boots. Starting from the Churlwood car park on the A275 just north of Chelwood Gate they first went north east to find a long straight ride which had been used as an emergency landing strip in World War 2. Then on to Stone Quarry Road and a path towards Chelworth House. Crossing the A275 the group then went west to Gosses Farm and onto a ford. However this did not have to be crossed as the route took the group uphill through Stumblewood Common and Press Ridge Warrten back to the car park. A light lunch was then taken at the nearby National Cats Centre where the group also looked at the many cats for which homes are being sought.

Ditchling - Wednesday 18 November 2012
Our Sunday walk was blessed with wonderful still, sunny weather and attracted a good turnout of 24 members. We parked at Ditchling village hall then set off across several rather muddy fields, before following a broad path running up through woodland. A steep slippery climb took us up to Ditchling Beacon, with its stunning views on all sides, where we stopped to get our breath and have our coffee. We continued along the South Downs Way where plenty of walkers, cyclists, families and dogs were taking advantage of the sunshine. After about half a mile we tackled the steep descent in the direction of Keymer. The leader and back marker donned their high visibility jackets to take us along the narrow Underhill Lane and then we turned left over a stile into a field of horses, who ignored us completely. We were soon back in the centre of Ditchling feeling very fortunate to have enjoyed such a brilliant day in the middle of November.

Findon and Chanctonbury Ring - Wednesday 14 November 2012
There was a good turnout for a lovely sunny walk on the Downs above Findon. It started with a nice muddy patch by the first gate but thereafter the route was mostly on easy tracks that took us north, gradually climbing to reach the top of the ridge at Chanctonbury overlooking the Weald, a huge vista over Washington, Ashington and beyond. Chanctonbury Ring was an iron-age fort, dating back to the 5th century BC, and the site of two Roman Temples according to Wikipedia. Beech trees planted in 1760 by Charles Goring were a famous landmark but were mostly destroyed in the Great Storm of 1987. Some of the stumps are still visible, looking, at a distance, like standing stones. The new trees are doing well. Looping south, the route back to Findon was down-hill all the way. The long grass was still damp from the morning dew and many took the opportunity to clean the mud off their boots. This proved a little fruitless as the mud by the gate at the start was the same unavoidable mud at the end. Gordon led this thoroughly enjoyable walk which was also notable for not having a single stile to cross.

New member Andrew kindly supplied the pictures.

Hartfield & Pooh Bridge - Sunday 4 November 2012
Despite the wind and rain, nine intrepid members walked in the Ashdown Forest, Pooh Bear country.

We walked through one of the largest woods remaining in the forest and across the beautiful English landscape with wonderful views between the showers. We walked past the church and through Hartfield Down to Pooh Sticks bridge which was built in 1903 and recently restored. We were rewarded with sunshine and blue sky on the final part of the walk. The vivid autumn colours of the bracken and trees added to the enjoyment. On the ramble we saw deer in the distance, many young pheasants running across the fields and horses cavorting in a nearby field, which was rather appropriate as Ashdown Forest used to be a royal hunting ground. After this, part was then privately owned with some commoners rights. In 1988 the then owners, the De La Warr family, sold it to East Sussex County Council but the freehold is vested in the Ashdown Forest Trust.

The walk was led by Pat another of our new leaders.

Waldron - Sunday 21 October 2012
On this ramble we visited Waldron and the beautiful countryside around it. Waldron is one of those secret villages, only accessible along quiet unclassified roads.

We parked in the village centre and soon found ourselves in the village recreation ground where we just managed to dodge the rugby ball coming over the bar. We were soon in the woods which typified this walk where trees and bracken were beginning to show their Autumn colours but with plenty of slippery mud underfoot and the lovely, silvery open casings of sweet chestnuts scattered amongst the leaves.

The walk took us through woods, along open grassy tracks and field edges and country lanes. We almost reached Blackboys before turning back for Waldron, following the Vanguard way for a short section. Arriving back at the village 12 of the party of 17, enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the Star Inn, with first class service. The walk was led by Roy one of our 5 new leaders.

Alfriston & Wilmington - Sunday 7 October 2012
Clear overnight skies meant a cold bright start to our walk from Alfriston on Sunday. We left the village across the footbridge over the Cuckmere River which was full and very brown. From Lullington Court there was a steady climb up a bridleway onto the Downs. The gradient was so measured that, after a while, one hardly noticed that we were gaining height. At Windover Hill our route joined the South Downs Way and suddenly the magnificent vista looking north came into view. We took our coffee break here, just above the Long Man of Wilmington, though he could not be seen from where we were sitting. Winding our way down the side of the hill, he soon came into view, large and imposing. It was good to hear a skylark in full song in the sunshine. Suddenly, in October, it felt like spring. In the churchyard at Wilmington we discovered a yew tree that had more props than a play by Noel Coward. Embedded in its bark was a chain that must be holding it all together. A straight footpath took us back to Alfriston. In the quiet of the Cuckmere Valley, with no wind, the suns heat became ever more intense. Now it could have been the middle of summer. This was another excellent walk from the Argus. Twenty one walkers were kept in order by Hilda and Graham.

The Weald around Newick - Tuesday 2 October 2012
14 members of the Footpaths Group met in front of The Bull on The Green at Newick and enjoyed a 6 mile walk - mainly along country lanes, fields and woods. We walked towards Newick Church and through its churchyard before entering Founthill Wood. This led us to the tiny hamlet of Sharpsbridge by the River Ouse. Here there is a raised path, known as a Clapper Bridge, provided for pedestrians when the river has flooded the road.

We followed some well-established paths across fields, many growing corn-on-the-cob, until we came to the grounds of Barkham Manor and crossed the A272 towards Valley Farm. We stopped for coffee close to a small landing strip for light aircraft. There were stunning views and we saw the distant spire of Fletching Church.

When we reached Fletching, we spent 15 minutes looking around the lovely parish Church of St Andrew and St Mary the Virgin dating from the 12th century. Some of us found the plaque on the Sheffield family tomb in memory of the historian Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) who wrote The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. It was also here that Simon de Montfort prayed before the Battle of Lewes in 1264.

After leaving Fletching, we made our way through an orchard, over fields and past Fletching Mill Farm until we came to a wooded area. This eventually led us back towards Newick and the start of our walk. Six of us enjoyed a well-earned drink at The Bull before returning home.

Lewes to A27, Housedean - Sunday 23 September 2012
The weather proved to be the first really wet day for some time - a delight for gardeners but not for walkers! Nevertheless, five brave members donned waterproof gear and set off for Blackcap via Spital Road and the bridleway past the Racecourse. On the way we noticed the new signs pointing out the link route to the South Downs Way. At Blackcap we paused briefly for refreshment, sharing the shelter of the trees with several cows who were similarly attempting to escape the increasingly wet conditions.

Setting off once more, we soon joined the South Downs Way itself and continued along it to descend onto the A27 at Housedean Farm. The intention had been for some to walk on in the afternoon and return to Lewes from a southerly direction. However, as we were by now feeling cold as well as damp, there was a unanimous decision to make the journey by bus instead. This walk was led by Graham and Jill.

Broad Oak, Heathfield - Wednesday 19 September 2012
Nine of us, led by Graham Heap, set off from Broad Oak, near Heathfield, on a glorious sunny day for a thoroughly enjoyable walk in the lovely Wealden countryside to the north of the village. Soon there were views across a broad valley to Mayfield before we slowly dropped down to walk beside the stream at the bottom of that valley. The sweet, sickly scent of the Japanese Knotweed along the banks hung in the air. The walk was punctuated by a fair number of stiles, notable for their variety of construction and differing states of repair, or disrepair in some cases. Walking rarely gets better than this.

Sandwich to St Margaret's Bay and Walmer Castle - Sunday 9 September 2012
27 members made the final coach trip of the 2012 season travelling to Sandwich, Kent where both the long and short walks began.

The long group led by Hilda and Graham arrived at Deal in time to watch the one oclock ball drop, whilst they had their picnic in glorious sunshine on the beach. In the afternoon they carried on along the coast past Walmer Castle to Oldstairs Bay where the cliffs begin. A steep climb up some steps took the intrepid walkers to the top for the walk to St Margarets Bay. The French coast could now be seen clearly and the sea was full of ferries going in and out of Dover. All agreed it had been a thoroughly enjoyable walk.

The short group departed from Sandwich alongside the Haven, a picturesque area which many of us had never visited before. We walked through parkland to reach and cross the hallowed turf of the Royal St. Georges Golf Championship Course en route to the coastal path which forms part of the Saxon Shore Way and other notable trails to Deal, passing many people enjoying the warm sunny weather in various activities. This group then enjoyed some refreshment before joining the coach for the return trip to Lewes.

A smaller group opted to visit Walmer Castle. They found it steeped in history and surrounded by beautiful gardens. A very enjoyable day out in an area not well known to many of us and organised by Bertram Sharp.

Bishopstone - Tuesday 4 September 2012
We went by train to Bishopstone for our last walk and then followed an easy, mainly flat route over fields and shady wooded paths towards Denton and Newhaven. After crossing the busy A259 we took a coffee break in the Ouse Estuary Nature Reserve. After crossing the railway we walked through the ruins of Tide Mills to reach the beach and continued back to Bishopstone where we enjoyed a picnic on the beach before returning to Lewes by train.

Firle - Monday 27 August 2012
On Bank Holiday Monday, 18 of us set off from Firle Village Car Park and walked through Firle Estate park and on up to the Old Coach Road. After a mile, we turned off to start the steep ascent up to Firle Beacon. The wild flowers were particularly lovely on this downland - a mixture of blues and purples with bright yellow providing a contrast. Sadly, there werent many bees or butterflies to be seen. Once at the top, we had a well-earned refreshment break before carrying on along the South Downs Way from where we had magnificent views all around. We then walked down a chalky path back into Firle Village stopping off at the two venues that were open for Artwave. A smaller group of us then had an excellent lunch at the Ram Inn.

The Plumpton Path - Wednesday 22 August 2012
15 walkers enjoyed a five and a half mile circular walk which took us from Chailey to Plumpton Green and back. It was perfect walking weather warm and sunny with a gentle breeze, without the recent stifling heat, nor the soggy, muddy conditions earlier in the season.

We walked through farms, across fields, alongside streams, much of the time in open countryside but also shaded and wooded areas, and through the delightful village of Plumpton Green. It is easy terrain with no steep ascents or descents though compensated for by the numerous stiles to be negotiated (stiles of all styles normal, ladder, sleeper).

For our 10-minute refreshment stop, we sat in the sunshine by a brook in a field of sheep at Hattons Green a bucolic scene. Then on across more fields to Plumpton Green where, resisting the lure of the Fountain Inn and the Winning Post, we embarked down North Barnes Lane on our homeward track, with glorious views of the Downs on our right.

Apart from enjoying the fresh air, exercise and landscape, our walks always offer lots of interest for the naturalist. Although there is little birdsong at this time of the year, flora and fauna are in abundance. We saw many butterflies, mainly gatekeepers, hedge browns, various whites and a beautiful speckled wood that obligingly posed for its photograph. Bright yellow ragwort, willow herb, teasels and many types of grasses enlivened the floral landscape, while the ripening berries are starting to add colour to the hedgerows and remind us that autumn is just around the corner. Our most unusual wildlife encounter occurred in one of the fields as we were approaching South Chailey, when two alpacas meandered over to us , seemingly to check us out.

We arrived back at the Horns Lodge Inn in plenty of time for a leisurely drink before catching the bus back to Lewes. All in all, a most enjoyable outing which was led by Vivien.

East Hoathly - Sunday 19 August 2012
For the previous two weeks a group of members from our Group have been walking the last sections of the Meridian Trail. This long distance walk was devised by two of our members and it follows the Meridian Line from Peacehaven to Hull where it merges with the North Sea. They have been checking the script for the last of the guide books on the Trail which are about to be published. So, on Sunday last, a smaller than usual number of members were on the walk which started from East Hoathly Church. From here the Wealdway, another exciting long distance path, could be followed northwards, passing through Old Whyly and on to Hawkhurst Common. Here we left the Wealdway and turned east and then south until we reached Davis Town which was not a town but a small hamlet, and then across fields back to Old Whyly and then back to East Hoathly via the sports ground, following the Wealdway to the Church again. Bert led the walk.

Evening Walk Arlington Resevoir & Supper - Tuesday 7 August 2012
The Group's annual evening supper walk was attended by 23 members who journeyed to Arlington. They walked from the centre of the village across the fields to join the path around the reservoir in a westerly direction passing the Angling Clubs Pavilion, a couple of farms and through the woodland that has become so well established since the reservoir was constructed. Having completed about two thirds of the path the party joined the segmental revetment wall on the south east side to complete its circumference, then again crossing the fields back to the village. The evening concluded with all the party partaking of a hearty supper at The Yew Tree Inn which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Ditchling Beacon - Sunday 29 July 2012
The published walk at Hartfield proved to be too muddy so the leaders took the Group up on the Downs at Ditchling Beacon. The walk went West from the beacon and then turned South. The views which we saw throughout the walk, be they the panorama of the Weald to the North, glimpses of the sea to the South or internal folds, were all so stunning and are what makes walking on the Downs so enjoyable. The carpets of wild flowers and the shriek of a Green Woodpecker all added to the enjoyment as we made our way to the hamlet of Lower Standean where a coffee stop was taken. Taking the gentle climb back to the top of the Downs, we rejoined the South Downs Way and so back to the beginning of the walk. The walk was led by Gordon and Eileen.

Three Oaks to Winchelsea - Wednesday 25 July 2012
On the hottest day of the year so far 10 members took part in a walk from Three Oaks to Winchelsea. Travelling by train to Three Oaks the party were surprised that the platform there was only long enough for one coach which was why they had been told to be in the front coach of the train to alight. Within minutes they had joined the Hastings link of the 1066 Country walk and followed this to Winchelsea. The inland route took them past Lidham Hill, Lower Snailham and Brook Farm and shortly after this a shady spot was found for lunch, much to the annoyance of the sheep who had been resting there. A stiff climb then brought them into Ickelsham village where a short stop was made at the public house to prevent dehydration. After crossing the busy A 259 the walk progressed to Icklesham windmill where splendid views were obtained of Pett Level and the coastline towards Dungeness. Passing Wickham Manor where a docile bull was encountered in a field and the remains of Winchelsea's defences, the party were soon into the village where a further stop was made. Then it was on to the site of the former windmill and round to the Pipewell Gate before walking to the station. Unfortunately the train to take the party home was very full and some had to stand as far as Hastings where it was necessary to change due to earlier problems on the line. The walk was led by Robert Cheesman.

Around Beachy Head - Sunday 14 July 2012
This lovely 7 mile walk started from Birling Gap. We walked towards Beachy Head by inland downland tracks resplendent with Summer flowers of which the blue and pink Vipers Bugloss was much commented on. After emerging onto the road north of Beachy Head we soon crossed over and took a path down to the South Downs Way. With a break in the weather we enjoyed a picnic tea in the sun with glorious views of the sea in front of us.

From a spectacular viewpoint we took a beautiful little path around the headland which led us to Beachy Head where we saw the new memorial to the Bomber Command of the Second World War. From here, we now had the much loved walk back to Birling Gap via Belle Toute . Even the returning rain did not dampen our spirits and enjoyment of this lovely walk led by Jeannette.

Sissinghurst Castle - Tuesday 10 July 2012
Twenty seven members joined the second coach trip of the season for a very enjoyable and varied day visiting Sissinghurst Castle, entitled by the National Trust as a A garden, in a ruin, in a farm.

En route to the Castle nine walkers were dropped off the coach in Hawkhurst for the start of a seven mile walk to Sissinghurst Castle Gardens. The countryside was typical of The Weald, pleasantly undulating wooded farmland. Considering the amount of rain that has fallen recently, there was a lot less mud than could have been expected. Progress towards Cranbrook was hindered by fields full of beans where the farmer had not re-instated the path, forcing us to fight our way round the edge, a slow and slippery process. The path from Cranbrook to Sissinghurst is along a ridge with wide views south. We arrived at the gardens with enough time for afternoon tea, taken outside in a brief smattering of rain, and a quick look round the garden.

The remainder of the party spent the day enjoying the various gardens created by Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicholson in the 1930s. When Vita and Harold moved there in 1932 it was very much a ruin and they quickly created the gardens and restored the buildings including converting some for other uses, such as the Library with its extensive collection of books. Everyone enjoyed the day.

Figure of 8: Steyning am Bramber pm - Sunday 1 July 2012
On our recent figure of eight walk from Steyning, we awoke to vicious rain squalls but these soon abated and were replaced by sunny intervals, seemingly a regular pattern for this summer. Five of us set out from the centre of Steyning, found our way along Mouse Lane to Wiston then climbed up the perfectly graded Wiston Bostal Track to join the South Downs Way. Leaving that, we dropped down on the path to Steyning through woods and, on emerging, were rewarded with a fine panoramic view of the town, the Adur valley, the Downs beyond and the sea to the right. Here we stopped for our picnic lunch. In the afternoon, three survivors walked north out of Steyning and picked up the Downs Link which we followed till it crossed the River Adur. Turning south, we followed the river back to Bramber and thence to our starting point. Hilda and Graham led the walk which was designed to keep our fitness levels up. Low numbers on the walk as others were still enjoying their walking holiday in St. Ives.

Evening Walk Lewes to Mount Caburn to Lewes - Sunday 26 June 2012
The evening walk, on the last Tuesday in June, began at our usual meeting point at the car park behind the police station. Our group of nine walkers crossed the river over Wileys Bridge, traversed the playing fields and found our way up Mill Road and onto The Downs behind the golf course. Low clouds hung over us and there was a certain dampness in the air. At the top of Mount Caburn we discovered that the wind was blowing fiercely from the west. The clouds obscured the hills opposite but the Ouse Valley below was lit up in a dull brightness. We briefly shared the top with some young people out for a run; they were serious runners with a lot of focus. Other people enjoy the great outdoors in different ways from us. We enjoyed the leisurely stroll back to The Dorset for a sociable drink while we set the world to right. Hilda and Graham led the intrepid band.

Eridge - Sunday 17 June 2012
We recently had a five-mile circular walk in the High Weald area. We started from Eridge station and for half a mile we followed Forge Road country lane before turning onto a footpath alongside fields in a South Westerly direction. Given the downpours in recent days, the path was remarkably dry.

We passed a huge flock of wild geese near ponds which some had seen on a recent walk in that area. After passing Renby Farm, the footpath joined the High Weald Trail, now taking us steadily uphill on a sunken lane, until it joined the driveway for Renby Grange. Before reaching the A26, we turned right onto another driveway that would become a footpath going down steeply towards a stream. To no surprise, we had to climb a hill on the other side. After crossing a barley field, the path zigzagged through Pocket Birches until we reached Orznash Farm. Now on the last leg and going gently downhill again, we headed North East towards Marchant Wood, where a footpath near Hollybridge Wood by-passes a notoriously muddy bit of the bridleway. At Holden Wood we joined Forge Road again, that would lead us back to Eridge Station. Wolfgang led this very enjoyable walk.

Amberley - Wednesday 13 June 2012
A Days Outing in West Sussex was the title of our last walk and several members took advantage of a pleasant summers day to have a walk in the Amberley area of the South Downs National Park. Travelling by train via Gatwick to Amberley they witnessed the extensive flooding of the Pulborough and Amberley Brooks before arriving at their destination. However, this did not affect the walk although conditions were a trifle wet underfoot along one path.

Starting from the railway station the party first walked along the east bank of the river Arun towards North Stoke village before going inland on the edge of the brooks where ground birds were nesting. A long staircase, which some found almost too much for them, then took them up to the Downs near Peppering High Barn. Downland tracks followed to The Burgh and the top of a delightful valley where a lunch stop was made. A steep descent followed and then a gradual ascent to the South Downs Way near Downs Farm. Following this westwards, we had occasional views of the Museum complex and the walk finished by having tea and cake beside the river at Houghton Bridge. The journey back to Lewes was via Barnham and Brighton so that a round trip had been had on the railway. Robert arranged this interesting day.

Chailey Breakfast Walk - Saturday 2 June 2012
Our annual breakfast walk was at Chailey Common this year. We were hoping to see the arrival of the special white cattle being brought in to control the growth on the ground of the Common as reported in last weeks Sussex Express, but instead, we had the most beautiful walk in the early morning.

At 7.30am, 17 of us set off from Red House Common car park at North Common, Chailey. It was a mild overcast morning. After briefly heading eastwards we walked northwards across The Common with spectacular views ahead of us. Descending downhill we soon reached the north edge of the heathland and crossing a stream we moved onto pastoral farming land. Still heading northwards we passed Great Noven Farm and fields where cattle were grazing. Eventually we came to the Sussex Border Path.

The route was well signposted with finger posts at every junction. We then headed westwards along the Path as far as Hammond's Farm before turning to climb up to and through Great Wood. All along the route it was very peaceful and quiet except for birdsong. The only dwellings we passed were charming farmhouses. Heading eastwards with views of Chailey Windmill on the ridge we eventually reached Vale Farm where we followed a farm access road. This led us back to North Common again and our starting point.

Having completed the walk we all then went to May Cottage Tea Rooms for an enjoyable breakfast.

The walk was led by Jill and Graham

Devils Dyke - Sunday 20 May 2012
Our walk, led by Janet, started from the Devils Dyke Inn. It had been wet earlier on but the rain stopped and we enjoyed a bright, breezy morning. 12 of us set off and almost immediately enjoyed the dramatic view along the full length of the deep rift of the Devils Dyke. We followed a path, gradually losing height, for a mile or so into Benfield valley and as we turned left onto the Monarchs Way stopped to admire half a dozen huge brown bullocks contentedly snoozing in a neighbouring field. We continued past New Barn Dewpond, beside a golf course and stopped for our coffee break at the site of Golf Course Halt on the former Devils Dyke railway which operated between 1887 and 1939. We crossed the road and a couple of fields, passing the model aeroplane airfield (I think it was too windy to fly them that day) and then climbed steadily along a wide chalk and flint track. A bridle gate brought us out into a corner of the National Trust open access area of Newtimber Hill. We dropped down to Saddlescombe Farm passing a cottage where, surprisingly, two peacocks, one white and one blue, were putting on a full display of their wonderful feathers. Crossing the road again we faced our final short climb before following the flattish path back to the start. We were lucky with the weather, after so much recent rain, and had enjoyed spectacular views all the way.

Gun Hill - Wednesday 16 May 2012
Our Wednesday walk turned out to be a bright day and 16 of us set out across the garden of the Gun Inn public house at Gun Hill to cross open fields before reaching a lane. Despite all the rain we have had the ground was quite firm.

Continuing our circular walk we then followed the lane northeastwards until we reached a bungalow called Toteridge with a large open pond in the garden. The route then took us through Swansbrook Wood which was still festooned with bluebells, across the Horam Road, and straight on to Stonehill. Along this section of the walk we had spectacular views of the surrounding open countryside. Still continuing in a northwesterly direction we then followed a bridleway passing Stream Mill. Here we crossed the stream on a recently built footbridge which passes right over the older existing stone bridge.

On eventually reaching another country lane we walked southwestwards towards the Vanguard Way, which we then followed, with views of Chiddingly Church spire ahead of us. This was the only part of the walk which was muddy under foot. On reaching the village centre we then completed our walk by following the Wealdway eastwards back to Gun Hill, again across open countryside. The walk leaders were Jill and Graham

Isfield - Monday 7 May 2012
The weather forecast wasnt very good for Bank Holiday Monday, but we were pleasantly surprised when the day dawned dry, if a little cloudy. A group of 24 of us set off from the Laughing Fish Pub in the village of Isfield. The walk took us across very marshy fields initially but then into woods where the ground underfoot wasnt so wet. The bluebells were spectacular in places but there were no wood anemones to be seen. We crossed the busy A26 and walked alongside Plashett Park Estate and its several large lakes. This land once belonged to the Prior of Lewes in the 13th century where he had a hunting lodge. After a long stretch of woodland, we were once again in open fields which were thankfully not so muddy underfoot. There were good views of Horsted Place but the East Sussex Golf Course was hidden by the trees with their fresh green foliage. We then crossed the railway bridge over the Lavender Line and were very excited when a steam locomotive passed beneath us. As we got back to the pub, it started to rain and we felt very lucky to have had a dry morning and such a lovely walk.

Pevensey Castle & Rickney - Tuesday 1 May 2012
Escaping the showers, 9 members, led by Robert, took the train to Pevensey to have a 5 mile walk on Hankham Level which proved to be extremely wet and muddy underfoot. Starting from the railway station the walk took the party through the grounds of Pevensey Castle where they picked up the 1066 Way and made their way to Rickney and a coffee stop. The return walk was beside Pevensey Haven to reach Castle Farm and through Westham to the station once more.

Hadlow Down - Sunday 22 April 2012
Wolfgang led a lovely walk around Hadlow Down, through woods carpeted with Spring flowers including wood anenomes, milkmaids, primroses and bluebells which were still struggling to come into bloom due to the cold, dull weather.

Upper Dicker - Wednesday 18 April 2012
Not to be put off by the wet, windy, and cold weather our walk at Upper Dicker went ahead as planned. Despite the conditions it turned out to be a most enjoyable and memorable event. Our walk started at the Plough public house in Upper Dicker and followed a 4-mile circular route passing many places of interest. We crossed the Cuckmere River near Arlington, passed the entrance to the Arlington Bluebell Walk at Bates Green Farm, came close to the Arlington Stock Car racing Stadium, saw the deer at Knockhatch Adventure Park, came close to Michelham Priory, walked though the playing fields of St Bedes school arriving back at the village centre near the Upper Dicker village shop and caf. A well-earned break and refreshments were taken at The Plough.

Horndean to East or West Meon - Sunday 15 April 2012
We enjoyed the first of our three annual coach trips which enable us to explore and walk in new areas. 20 members took part in a coach trip to East Hampshire where they had a walk in the rolling Downs of that area. Starting at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park the walkers climbed Butser Hill and then took a route through some ancient byways. Some members opted for a longer walk on part of the South Downs Way and the former Meon valley railway line to West Meon whilst others went up Park Hill to look down at East Meon where their walk finished. They then had time to explore this beautiful village where a number of gardens were open and cream teas available in the village hall. Whilst a cold wind blew for most of the day the visibility and views were excellent and the party enjoyed going to a part of the South Downs which, for many, was new to them.

Wivelsfield Green - Monday 9 April 2012
Our Bank Holiday walk turned out to be a rather damp affair but 14 of us still enjoyed our walk in the Wivelsfield area. It was good to see all the Spring flowers although, because of the dull and damp conditions, all the delicate white wood anemones remained tightly closed. Keith led the walk.

Falmer to Rottingdean - Tuesday 3 April 2012
Our Falmer to Rottingdean walk started from Falmer station and took us round the new football stadium behind which we found the path onto the Downs and the first hill, one of several on the way to Rottingdean. We crossed Juggs Road and descended into Falmer Bottom, through the nature reserve and then climbed again to Balsdean Reservoir. In Rottingdean half the party retired to the pub for a drink and sustenance and half picnicked in the peaceful, manicured surroundings of Kipling Garden. We returned to Lewes by bus via Brighton. Graham Heap led the way and supplied the photos.
 

Vines Cross - Sunday 25 March 2012
Wolfgang took us on another lovely walk which started at Vines Cross near Horam. We passed through a variety of terrains including woodland where there was great excitement when we saw our first bluebell of the year. Primroses, Ladys Smock or Milkmaids, as we say in Sussex, and violets adorned the hedgerows as we made our way to Rushlake Green where we had our coffee stop. We returned to Vines Cross through Warbleton where, in the Churchyard we noticed the grave of Richard Woodman, one of the Lewes martyrs.

Crowborough to Eridge Station - Wednesday 21 March 2012
We took the bus to Uckfield and then the train to Crowborough and then walked to Eridge station through spectacular countryside. Our picnic stop en-route was a sunny spot overlooking Bowles Outdoor Pursuits Centre. We joined the train at Eridge and then returned via Uckfield again.

Berwick Figure of Eight - Sunday 11 March 2012
In a change to the advertised programme, the figure of eight walk on Sunday 11th March was centred on Berwick, not Glynde. Twenty-two of us left the village in warm spring weather. When the sun came out, off came the sweaters and fleeces. It was perfect walking weather. As we crossed the open fields to Alciston, the noise of the already busy A27 obtruded on our right, but skylarks could be heard in stereo above us. In Alciston, we passed a very large old barn, which we learned, is not an old Tithe Barn (which is how it is marked on the OS map) but simply a very large old barn built to store the produce from the fertile land around the village, which was owned and worked by the monks from Battle Abbey. A stiff climb took us onto the South Downs Way and our obligatory coffee stop, on this day taken whilst sitting on an ancient tumulus, with all round views. North of Alfriston, we joined the Vanguard Way which took us back to Berwick where some of us lunched at The Cricketers Arms before a very much reduced party set off for a leisurely post-prandial four mile circular walk via Selmeston and Alciston (again). There were no hills in the afternoon but the ground was quite soggy in places. The whole enterprise was led by Hilda and Graham who also supplied the pictures.

Alfriston - Tuesday 6 March 2012
This walk was very much a walk of two parts. We started by walking along River Lane in Alfriston to join the towpath of the delightful meandering River Cuckmere passing the Parish Church, the Cathedral of the Downs, and continuing on for a further mile and a half where a short break was enjoyed in the lee of High and Over. We then partly ascended the hill to cross the Alfriston Road, taking a contoured path via Cradle Hill to Camp Hill. Turning north we descended into a valley with a long climb out to the top where the walkers took lunch in glorious sunshine with many fine views, including Seaford Head, to appreciate. Returning to Alfriston, we emerged opposite Deans Place then passing through the western side of the village to complete the walk in North Road.

Hellingly - Sunday 26 February 2012
It was a warm spring day when 36 of us set off from Lealands just north of Hellingly on the A267 recently. We started by walking along part of the Wealdway, a well signed and maintained long-distance route. After crossing several fields we left the Wealdway to take a footpath that ran parallel to the golf course. The views across the Weald were spectacular and the day grew warmer as the early morning mist burnt off. After crossing more fields full of sheep, we joined the Cuckoo Trail on the track bed of the old railway which was up and running between 1849 and 1968 linking Polegate and Eridge. We left the Cuckoo Trail at Hellingly and walked along the quiet lanes back to the car park. Some of us then enjoyed an excellent lunch at The Golden Cross Inn.

Newhaven to Peacehaven to Piddinghoe to Newhaven - Wednesday 22 February 2012
This walk was a walk of three halves. The first was along the cliffs between Newhaven and Peacehaven. The wind from the south-west was exceedingly strong. Kite flying would have been fun but nobody had thought to bring one along! The sea was grey and suitably choppy and any cobwebs were well and truly blown away. At Peacehaven we turned inland, walked through a building site and on to The Downs where a late coffee stop was taken in the lee of some brambles. Some of our party heard their first skylark of the year. Out of the wind and in the sun the second half of the walk traversed the typical down land scenery we know and love so well. At Piddinghoe we turned south along the river and found the wind again, the incinerator looming large, in front of us. This final half of the walk finished back at the bus-station in Newhaven where we had set off from. With exquisite timing, the bus back to Lewes arrived five minutes after we did. Seventeen people thoroughly enjoyed the walk that was led by Hilda and Graham. Pictures by Vivien.

Horam - Sunday 12 February 2012
Our Horam walk was led by Wolfgang who was surprised when 12 people joined him on a walk at Horam when bitterly cold and icy conditions prevailed. For the first two miles we followed the Cuckoo Line along the old railway track which was very icy and slippery. Just before reaching the outskirts of Heathfield, we left the track and headed across snowy fields in an Easterly direction. Here we had to negotiate many precarious and icy stiles but there were no mishaps thank goodness. The sun came out as we turned South and heading back to Horam we passed through the lovely Sapperton Wood. We eventually reached the Hidden Spring Vineyard before turning right into the Vines Cross road and back to Horam car park. An exhilarating 5 mile walk .

Crosspost/Bolney - Tuesday 7 February 2012
We recently had a very pleasant mid-week winter walk between Bolney and Cowfold. The 5-mile route was mainly on the level following little-used footpaths that meandered through farmland and woodland and passed by quiet isolated houses. We started the walk at the hamlet of Crosspost, which lies south of the A272 near Bolney. Initially we followed various footpaths heading in a westerly direction towards the outskirts of Cowfold. At the walks midway point we turned, headed north for a few hundred yards, then turned again to follow different footpaths in an easterly direction back to Crosspost.

The weather was excellent for walking, sunny with clear blue skies and little wind. The temperature was near freezing but we soon warmed up thanks to the efforts of our walking and an extra layer of clothing. We were concerned about the snow and ice all round us when we left Lewes but there was hardly any snow on our walk. Thanks to the ground underfoot being frozen hard we had little mud on our boots at the end of the walk.

We were interested to walk close to a very large electricity sub station where the electricity from the proposed offshore wind farm near Brighton will be fed into the National Grid.

We also saw horses, cows, sheep, dogs and pigs en-route but none showed any interested in us, as they seemed to know we had nothing for them.

A fine walk published in the Argus some years ago. Dave led the walk.

Balsdean (Walk 4) - Sunday 29 January 2012
Our walk, led by Janet, started at Woodingdean with 28 walkers taking part. We set off in the mist but later the sun broke through. This walk takes you very quickly away from sight and sound of traffic or houses and has a very peaceful, secret feel. We followed the lovely path winding gently down into Standean Bottom and then followed the level tree lined path to old farm buildings where we took our coffee break, pausing on the way to look at the stone plaque marking the site of the old Norman church. Suitably refreshed we set off again through Balsdean Bottom before tackling the steep climb up to meet the South Downs way with its fantastic views over Kingston and beyond. We followed the South Downs Way for a mile or so, gaining a different view of the new Amex stadium down below us, before continuing the slow descent down Newmarket Hill and so back to our starting point.

North of Plumpton Parish - Wednesday 25 January 2012
Twelve members boarded a bus to the Fountain Inn, Plumpton Green to commence their walk that encompassed the Northern End of Plumpton Parish and parts of Wivelsfield Parish.

It was a varied walk through fields, tracks and woods which is one of twelve walks in the booklet Walks Around Plumpton produced by the Plumpton & District Footpath Society, and it is interesting to note the first few words in the booklet. Why Walk?
What is this life, if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare.

This varied and interesting landscape provided us with a real winter style walk with the trees all bare of foliage thus enabling us to stand and stare a number of times at the impressive North Scarp Face of the South Downs, also to appreciate the undulating landscape around us in what one tends to think is rather flat countryside.

Although this was a winter walk, because of the high temperature one almost felt it was early spring, and especially when one looked on the ground and observed the spring flowers already growing above the soil, in particular the Bluebells. A number of interesting buildings and farms were passed including The St. Peter and St. James Hospice.

As we crossed the last field to join Station Road to end our walk the bus was seen to pass, thus it was over another hour before the next bus was due. Not to be dismayed the party repaired to the Fountain Inn to enjoy a very sociable lunch. The walk was led by Bertram Sharp

Horstead Keynes - Sunday 15 January 2012
30 members took part in this excellent winter's walk. The sun was shining and although it was windy in exposed places the low temperature was soon forgotten as a result of the undulating walk. Starting from Horsted Keynes station the party went north beside the railway line almost to Horsted House Farm to then turn westwards to first drop and then climb to Highbrook. A coffee stop was taken in the churchyard before continuing south west to Brook House Farm and through the cricket ground of Brook House School. After crossing Hammingdean Lane and going through Orchard Wood the road back to the station was reached and some were glad by then that the last stile had been crossed.

Around Ditchling Beacon - Sunday 1 January 2012
We started the year with a walk around Ditchling Beacon on New Years Day. We faced mist and then driving rain so are hoping for better weather for our other walks in 2012.