This was a joint ramble with the Plumpton Footpath Society. Sixteen of us started the walk from the top of the Downs above Sompting Parish Church on a bright autumnal day. We made our way gently downhill to Lychpole Farm, where we admired the colourful old farm carts and waggons lined up in a shed. After a short stretch through the valley, we began the gentle ascent of Lychpole Hill. As it was Remembrance Sunday, we paused at 11 a.m. for two minutes silence. Before continuing, we admired the extensive, idyllic downland scenery, with fields of cows and sheep, not a road in sight, hardly crediting that we were just a couple of miles from the madding crowds along the A27. Eventually the climb up to Cissbury Ring became steeper and at the top we first had a coffee break before exploring this huge iron age fort with spectacular views in every direction. Even the Seven Sisters were visible, some 30 miles away. The fort was built over neolithic salt mines, possibly the oldest in the country. Most of the group expressed surprise that they had never been to Cissbury despite having lived in the area for decades. It is a truly spectacular place. After exploring the site, we descended on a slippery chalk track to the main Cissbury car park, from where it was a straightforward walk along Canada Bottom, eventually climbing back to our cars at the Downland car park, accompanied at one point by three red kites swooping overhead. This most enjoyable walk, modified from "More Sussex Walks", was led by Alan.

 
Climbing Lychpole Hill

 
Carts and waggons at Lychpole Farm                                             Inside the fort, Cissbury Ring