- Ramblers Annual Day Out – 15 September 2021
- Walk Leaders: Alan and Neville
- Distance: 7½ miles or shorter
- Start: Coach pick up Petersfield & Liss
We had a fabulous day on a coach trip to Lewes in Sussex for a day of walking and exploring the town. After collecting members from Liss and Petersfield, the coach headed south on the A3 and then the A27 in the direction of Lewes. Before we got there, the longer walkers were dropped off in the village of Kingston for a 7 ½ mile walk, then the shorter walkers were dropped in Lewes for a 4-mile walk to the east of the town and over the golf course.
We longer walkers briefly explored the 13th century church of St Pancras, a Grade II listed building in Kingston, before a tough climb to the top of the South Downs, which got us puffing a bit and needing a short rest and drink stop at the top. We then followed the South Downs Way with spectacular views, both inland and towards the sea. Just lovely – who needs to go abroad when we have such wonderful experiences here in the UK?
After descending from the Downs, we walked through the picturesque village of Rodmell and passed the National Trust Monks House, a 16th century weatherboard cottage which was once owned by Virginia Woolf and where she wrote some of her novels. We eventually came to the river Ouse on the flat plain below the hills with cattle and horses grazing, and followed it into Lewes.
Arriving in the town and after a short refreshment stop, we did some exploring of this ancient town which is a delight. Lewes was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 and boasts a Castle, a Priory, a Wealden Hall known as Anne of Cleves House and many other things to explore. Because of time constraint we didn’t have time to visit all these places, but I made a note to re-visit one day and enjoy all these interesting properties.
Later we all gathered at the bus station where our coach was waiting to ferry us to a Brewers Fayre restaurant on the edge of Newhaven where we all enjoyed a very pleasant meal together. We headed home, tired but happy, and grateful to our members Alan and Neville who created and orchestrated this wonderful day for us all to enjoy. Thank you.
Author: Sheila Gadd
Photos: Rosemary Field