Left The Devils Dyke camp site around mid morning, then hiked a good 12 miles or so today to Lewes.
Thankful that there wasn’t too much steep climbing today.
Dropped to cross the A23 at Peycombe where we took a little break. The church here dates back to the 12th century and today it offers a welcome pit stop to South Downs walkers. Left Sméagol to rest in the shade of the stone building, while I went in to admire the place and take advantage of the tea kitchen. Signed the visitors book and pinned a prayer to the board (well it couldn’t hurt right?) then we carried on.
We walked up through Peycombe golf course and I had to threaten Sméagol with being put back on the leash, as he kept preferring the soft turf of the golfers’ fairways to the hot, jagged stone of the SDW pathway.
It was now a (relatively) level hike across the roof of the Downs. Views of Brighton and Hove back over our right shoulder, and on toward New Haven ahead to the southeast. In the full glare of the sun, and with no wind to cool us, I made sure Sméagol got plenty of water stops. But Sméagol being the stubborn dog he is, still wanted to wear himself out by finding the biggest stick possible to bring along with him!
We left the South Downs Way where it loops South and cuts through the village of Kingston, and instead continued East, coming down out of the hills at Lewes and to our B&b for the night. Tomorrow we’ll leave Lewes heading south via the vale of the River Ouse, and pick up the SDW again where it crosses that river at Southease.
Just two more days of walking. I can’t believe it’s gone so quickly. There’s nothing quite like it. Just walking behind the wagging tail of your dog, when your only concerns are the weather and if you can reach your destination before dark. If I had the extra time to take off work, I’d be so tempted to do a full turn around the post at the finish line, and spend the next week walking back to Winchester!
Some Things Written 