The Mysterious Long Man

Group Hike #37

The first day of Autumn saw 1st Crawley head out into the hills for the first time after the summer break.  But someone forgot to tell the weather that the seasons had changed!

A fantastically sunny day took in ancient churches, the oldest tree in Sussex and the mysterious Long Man of Wilmington.

Leaving the train at lonely Berwick Station, first stop was the village church, lavishly decorated by members of the Bloomsbury Set during World War II.

Then on to Alfriston for the first ice cream of the day and a rest next to the ‘Cathedral of the Downs’.

Then the chalk downs began to call.  A steady climb up towards Windover Hill saw the view ever expand along the South Downs ridgeline, across the Weald to Ashdown Forest and out to sea in the South.

And finally on to a spot of lunch under the imposing Long Man of Wilmington.  The presence of the 235 ft tall hill marking didn’t seem to bother the grazing sheep!

Stomachs full, the final descent from the Downs lead to Wilmington Church yard, home to a 1,600 year old yew tree – the oldest tree in Sussex.

And then on to the final stop at Arlington Reservoir.  Just enough time for a quick dip, a spot of Geocaching and a final, very well earned ice cream!

There were some tired legs after 11 miles of walking, but all agreed it was a  glorious day out in the South Downs.