I’ve become rather fascinated with Everest and the attempt to climb to the top. Not that I’d ever do it (would I?) Here’s a short article about the – quite literal – Death Zone above 8000m
“In such alien conditions, utterly hostile to human life, climbers might face their own mortality. Under the spectre of pure, unadulterated fear, they must realize that they are beyond help as well as beyond helping anyone else.”
Through deep snow (for the UK) and thick fog to West Meon. Very quiet. A little eery. Highly enjoyable. Sorry, my lens was damp by the end leading to some warping.
Unlike the WNW-ESE direction of the previous South Downs Way walks, this one took a turn south half way through, roaming over the downs towards the ridge between Brighton and Lewes. The walk took in the Clayton Windmills, Ditchling Beacon, Black Cap hill, across the A27 and railway. I then cut west to get to Woodingdean where it was easy to get back to the car via Brighton.
From the village of Selborne in Hampshire, up the Zig-Zag path to Selborne Common, leaving on the west side across to Wick Hill, then back to the village via Long Lythe
Deep into West Sussex, the 100 mile walk continued on Saturday. From Steyning, back west to pick up the trail then across the Adur valley to Truleigh Hill. Along the ridge past Fulking to Devil’s Dyke, major tourist attraction. Down to Saddlecombe and a last climb over New Timber Hill.
The ninth stage of my South Downs Way adventure, picking it up after a break over summer. Up to the downs from Amberley, the half way point, with amazing views to the north and south, to Chanctonbury Ring and the town of Steyning. The path really opened up during this stage as we move past Littlehampton and Worthing, towards Brighton.
Today I went up on the South Downs again, reaching the half way point at Amberley in West Sussex. A very warm day. From Littleton Farm south of Duncton, up onto Bignor Hill and across the Arun Valley to Amberley. Found myself in the middle of a cross country run. Poor blighters, sweating up on the hills. I was also sweating up on the hills but at least I didn’t gotta run.
Duncton. The best village name ever. I’m not biased.
From the village of Cocking, onto Heyshott and Graffham Downs. Mainly through woods this time. Then down the West Sussex Literary Trail past Duncton Mill to the Cricketers Pub.
The drizzle started pretty much as soon as I got on the high ground and didn’t much let up. Got steadily soaked, especially when walking through the drenched rape crop.
All new territory, deeper into West Sussex.
Permission to say “Cocking”. The sixth stage of my South Downs Way hike, West to East. From the village of Elsted in West Sussex, up through the woods onto the rolling downland before descending to the village of Cocking. Glorious spring day, feeling like early summer.
The fifth stage of my South Downs Way hike, starting from Buriton in Hampshire, finishing in Elsted, West Sussex. Past the Vandalian Tower, Harting Down, and the second Beacon Hill of the Way, then to Treyford and Elsted in the Rother Valley.
I always feel West Sussex is an ‘odd’ county. I like it but it’s spooky and slightly weird. This tower didn’t help.
The fourth stage of my South Downs Way hike, from the village of East Meon up to HMS Mercury, Butser Hill and the Queen Elizabeth Country Park, finishing in Buriton, Hampshire.
Here’s the next walk video I made during a very enjoyable hike yesterday. A sunny day with snow. From West Meon along the Meon Trail, up to Old Winchester Hill when the snow came, then into Combe valley and to East Meon.
On Saturday I again walked some of the South Downs Way. I left the car at West Meon then took the bus to Cheriton for the starting point. It’s a couple of km from there back to the path, to the west. After crossing the A272, the path slowly rises back onto the downs at Millbarrow. I saw one of the burial mounds up there, near the Milbuty pub. Then it’s great views as I headed east, seeing Hinton Ampner House to the north and the Isle of Wight to the south. From Beacon Hill, there are great views to the north, east and south into the valley. The path then descends into the lush Meon valley to Exton. I then followed the Meon Valley Trail back to West Meon. All in all it took five hours, with 16 miles of the South Downs Way completed now. Here’s a video I made.
Today I walked the very western end of the South Downs Way. I parked at Cheriton then rode the bus into Winchester. From the city centre, the path crosses the M3 then through the hamlet of Chilcomb, up onto the downs. Then across to Cheesefoot Head and Gander Down. I left the SDW to get back to Cheriton, a mile or so off the path. It took 3.5 hours with a lunch stop. I aim to walk the full 100 miles before the end of the year. Here’s the video from today:
On Monday I took the ferry from Southampton over to Hythe, then followed the Solent Way into the New Forest. Here’s the video:
Yes, Bighton not Brighton, near Alresford in Hampshire. I started out at the church at Bishop’s Sutton, headed north through wheat fields to the village of Bighton, with it’s Norman church and cottages, then back through Sutton wood, over the Watercress Line railway, to the start. Light summer rain the whole way through.
From the Horse & Jockey at Curbridge, near Botley, Hampshire, along the creek in National Trust land to the upper Hamble, finding a fairy tree along the way! Then to Burridge and a development into the fields for rich people near the road and houses getting smaller as you reach the woods behind. Back through more woods to Curbridge.
The fairy area was quite a surprise and left me with a very good feeling.
Here’s the video (which I really enjoy making, even if I might not sound like it!)
Keep it rural!
Yesterday, Saturday, I took the Vespa down to near Bursledon to continue the walk along the river Hamble. Last time I’d left it at Bursledon, headed north. This took me to the Manor Farm Country Park, a wooded spot next to the river. It also has a working museum farm. The chapel was very sweet, and contained an old hearse. It was in such a quiet place, very peaceful, despite the bank holiday weekenders at the farm nearby. The Hamble was graceful and quiet too, with woods along its banks. Lots of people with dogs. Here’s the video.
With spring coming, and after quite a long wait, it was time for another long walk yesterday. This one is local to me, starting from where I live, taking in the Big Houses of the area – Hinton Ampner House (1793), Bramdean Manor (1740), Woodcote Manor House (c16) and of course, Brockwood Park School (1769)
Falling Awake 