Thirteen walkers set off from Plumpton station in better than anticipated weather but with rain promised. It was planned as a 4.5 mile walk through paddocks, woods and bracken, ending up along suburban streets in Wivelsfield. After leaving the race course and crossing the rail line the route headed north west. It went through a number of fields and across a number of streams, with the group ending up in The Plantation and then Blackbrook Wood, a good spot for a break. There was some concern when it became obvious the walk leader couldn’t count and there turned out to be 7-9 stiles vs 3-4, but all survived the additional exercise.

After a short stretch along the road, the group arrived at Ditchiling Common Country Park. There was some uncertainty why it is Ditchling Common when it is on the outskirts of Burgess Hill, but all enjoyed a break along the large pond. By this time the weather was starting to look threatening and our hourly train to Lewes beckoned so it was a faster pace along the path between developed Wivelsfield and the open fields. The group arrived at the station with time to spare to catch the return train to Lewes, having missed the rain. It ended up being a 5 mile walk, taking 2.5 hours. The walk was led by Tony.