South Downs Way Day 8
Lewes to Alfriston
14 miles/23 kms
We were delighted to see lots of blue sky when we looked outside this morning. What a great day with spectacular scenery, many lambs and calves with their attentive mamas and a nice cafe 1/2 along where we enjoyed lunch.
Kay, our B&B owner was, let me say, different from our other hosts. She reluctantly served us breakfast, she had baked a loaf of bread but we got the crusts of the previous loaf. There was cereal but only a tiny amount and the jam was almost finished. She was nice enough but I guess she is on her own camino and I respect that.
Our jolly taxi driver Skully picked us up promptly at 8:30. Unfortunately we were not so prompt as Kay was late organizing our breakfast.
The scenery was beautiful right from the start.
Sunny with cloudy periods with a light breeze. Perfect walking weather.
Looking down on Lewes and Kingston Near Lewes.
Looking ahead.
Gentle rolling fields.
Sorry, a couple of cows got in the way.
It appears we are at The Greenwich Mean Time Line
These are the common type of gates on the way. To open you push the white upright to the left. It is a bit awkward for short folks like me. I realized however they they are so high for the benefit of the horseback riders.
In the small community of Southease is yet another 1000 year old church! These old buildings require a great deal of maintenance so we are happy to contribute every time we enter and admire.
Just over half way was a Youth Hostel Association with a nice cafe. They offered soups (my choice), paninis (Caroline's choice) and jackets filled with egg or tuna etc. And what is a jacket? A baked potato I found out.
Oh and A Cuppa and Cake for just £3.95.
Of course we did!
Some beautiful bugs.
I had to cull my lamb photos down to one. This is my favourite.
Near the end of our walk we met 2 teachers that were looking for their students. They had not reached their 1st checkpoint and the teachers believed that the group of teens had decided they did not want to climb the "mountain" and took a coast route instead. Their cell phones had been taken from them. Gosh I hope they were found. I wonder if they will achieve their silver level.
Tonight we are staying at the historical Star Inn (13th century!) in quaint Alfriston.
I had time for a walk around before dinner.
Graveyard
Built in 1360
The bridge over Cuckmere River
We enjoyed excellent dinners at The Star Inn restaurant.
This building was also constructed in the 14th century. Note the old and very worn black beams.
Jean and John who have been walking on a similar schedule to us.
Tomorrow is our last day of walking the Downs. See you then.
Fab photos, Deb.
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura.
DeleteI was v pleased w the green bugs on daisies.