Tough going at first. The effort of every step seeming to centre on my lower back. Took a little break to take on more water and knock back some nurofen. Seemed to do the trick.
Walked up through a nature reserve then steeply down through cow fields, a lovely little thatched roof village and then it was up to a place called Old Winchester Hill.
A Bloody steep and painful climb!
Found myself cursing the decision to pack that extra weight for the camp bed! Poor poor Sméagol had to help pull master up the last part!
Worth it though. One of the highest points of the Downs, with spectacular views for miles out towards Chichester.
Took shelter from the wind in the grassy bowl of an Iron Age hill fort where we had a picnic and a snooze, and watched the clouds go tumbling by.
Then it was the final push on towards home for the night, a place called Meon Springs fly fishing lodge that also allows camping.
Tomorrow we have a much longer walk on to South Harting.
So glad I brought that camp bed!
Some Things Written 