This joint walk between Lewes Footpaths Group and the Plumpton and District Footpath Society assembled at a car park off the A24 at Washington Heights, which was so well-hidden and unsignposted that four of the Plumpton members never found it! Despite that, a goodly number of 16 walkers set off down the hill to Washington village, then turned westwards past the church and over the A24. From there the path continued through woods and fields that alternated between being muddy and very muddy! Wellies were definitely more appropriate than boots. On reaching Sullington, we had a coffee break in the churchyard. Unfortunately, the lovely view of the Downs was obscured by low cloud, but we were compensated by excellent lemon drizzle and fruit cake, kindly provided by Sue from the Plumpton Group, who together with Robin was leading the walk. When we were suitably refreshed and had investigated the interesting graveyard, we continued westward for a short while before turning left on Chantry Lane, a minor road heading towards the Downs. At one point, beside an attractive small lake and waterfall, the road became a river, albeit a fairly shallow one. A steep climb from there took us to the top of the Downs. They were coated in mist, which prevented us from savouring the wonderful views that some of us had admired here earlier in the year. At the top, we turned left again, now on the South Downs Way, which we followed all the way back to the car park, managing to cross the very hazardous A24 without loss of life or limb. Despite the less than perfect conditions it was great to get out into the fresh air in the absence of any rain.