Amberley to South Beeding
13 miles, 21 kms
From the B&B dining room there is a good view of the Downs. Looks however, are deceiving, it is higher than it looks in the photo... In 1.5 miles we climbed to 200 meters.
Our welcoming hosts Mike, Janet and great dane Connie.
Amberley has a community store/ Post Office. A childless resident willed his home to the town, the town uses that carefully invested income to keep a local store. It sells local produce, baked bread as well as the usual goods required on a daily basis. They also make sandwiches to order for the walkers. Our hosts emailed our order in the evening before and we picked them up on our way out of town. Great system. You don't want hungry walkers! There are no businesses up on the Downs, occasionally there might be one as the way descends into a valley.
Looking down on Amberley to the north.
To the south we could see Arundel Castle and Littlehampton but unfortunately the wind was blowing so hard that I could not get a clear photo! First time that has happened.
Pyramidal Orchid
Can you see the path off into the distance. We are following the ridge line of the downs.
I wonder why this is called The Downs and not called The Ups?
Anyone know what type of grain this is?
It was so lovely rippling in the wind.
Just over half way.
Winchester 52 miles done
Eastbourne 47 miles to go
Even though this is not a great shot I wanted to get some south facing shots of the sea while the sun shines. This is looking out towards Worthing.
Stormy weather expected tomorrow.
Being that today is the 75th anniversary of D Day I have included a shot of a WW ll bunker.
Bonus today.
This is the morning dose of cuteness.
Chanctonbury Ring
Iron Age Hill Fort
6th Century BC
The beech trees were planted in the ring in 1760.
They can be seen from miles around.
We sat on the northern edge of the ring to have our packed lunch.
Great view!
It was too cold and windy to sit on the southern edge.
Looking out towards the sea.
This farmer was very popular with the seagulls and crows as he plowed his field. It seems his plow turned up a buffet of seagull treats.
And, as promised, afternoon cuteness.
Again out to sea.
The view from a memorial bench, looking towards our destination.
A massive chalk pit!
The River Adur.
Upper Beeding is on the right hand side.
We are staying at Downs View B&B.
We are in the Pink Room which by the way only has a view of the next door petrol station.
But I guess Petrol Station View is not such a catchy name.
No matter, our room is spacious, modern and clean. We are very happy with it.
This charming building was built in 1736.
Last night's hostess spoke about their previous home which was centuries old. Way back when it was built the builders often used whatever material was at hand. Now that the houses are heated they find that much of the material dries out and crumbles away. There are specialists whose job it is to recaulk (not sure this is the right word?) these old walls. A very expensive project! I have a new appreciation for the effort required to keep these old gems around.
After eating a delicious vegetarian meal at the local pub we walked to the neighbouring village and viewed the built in 1073 St Nicholas Church (still in use) and its adjoining Bramber Castle (in ruins).
Unfortunately no photos as my phone battery was dead.
Another very beautiful day both on The Downs and in the village.
GRATEFUL.
I think that's a field of barley (as distinguished from wheat). Anyone can confirm?
ReplyDeleteThank you Laura.
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