20 Mile Circular around Lewes, Sunday June 21st

On Sunday June 21st at 10.00 am a party of 11 set out from Lewes on a 20-mile, fast-paced walk ably led by Jerry O'Connor. It included Richard and Tessa Clark who were going on their last ramble with the Hampstead Group before emigrating permanently to New Zealand (second and third from left below).



The weather was dry and the temperature was ideal - warm but not too hot. Although it was fairly cloudy we were soon rewarded by good views as we climbed Mount Caburn. On the way Richard pointed out pyramid orchids



Later on we had the pleasure of seeing massed poppies



After dropping down to Glynde we had another stiff climb onto Beddingham Hill where we joined the South Downs Way which, unfortunately, is popular with cyclists...



By that time Richard and Tessa were feeling the pace and were struggling to keep up with the rest of the party and, unfortunately, the last we saw of them was at the Blackcap Hill car park, which was busy with hangliders' vehicles. From there we descended along a straight, open path to our lunch stop at Denton where some of the party slaked their thirst at the 'Flying Fish'. After a 50 minute break we continued to Newhaven, crossed the River Ouse




and walked along the embankment to Piddinghoe. Upon reaching Telscombe we climbed back up to the South Downs Way passing through lovely countryside and saw the Seven Sisters in the distance...




Near the point where we left the South Downs Way to drop down to Kingston near Lewes medieval terracing was clearly visible...



The final photograph shows Kingston and Lewes in the distance...




We arrived back at Lewes Station at around 5.30 pm, in good time to catch the 17.44 to Victoria via Brighton. We had walked 20.7 miles in 5 hours 55 minutes, excluding breaks, at an average speed of 3.5 mph.

(All text and photos from Jane Rosoux, with many thanks.)

[Edit. On the 23rd of June I received some photos sent by Patrick Tso. I reproduce one below with Patrick's kind permission. Jane Rosoux is rarely photographed, but Patrick managed to catch her during a breather on this walk. Walk Leader Jerry O'Connor is first left, Jane Second left...]





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