I must first of all say that the respective Counties should be commended on their Way Marking. The walk can be carried out without a map or book if so desired, as the marking is excellent.
8 May 2000....Eastbourne
to Alfriston... 10.75 miles
Started the walk at 11.30am and made my way to the top
of the path. Nothing could have prepared me for that climb, it was steep
but I eventually made it. Good progress was made to-wards Beachy Head,
when at the Pub it was absolutely heaving ( full ) so I did not stop
there. Instead I made for Birling Gap passing the old Lighthouse Belle
Toute ( this I believe is now a private residence) It looked as though
work was being
carried
out on it. Arrived at Birling Gap at 13.15 tired but happy. Sat a while
and ate my lunch then purchased an icecream from the snack bar window.
It was then onwards into the Seven Sisters Country Park eventually dropping
down into the Cuckmere Valley. It was then up and over Exceat Hill, not
too much of a climb, on the way a young man caught me up and we walked
a while chatting about this and that. It was on this stretch that I noticed
an old wartime fortification (a pill box) from here it was but a short
stretch to the main road. Across this and it was up again into the forest,
the route down was quite precarious as the steps were very steep. This
led me into Charleston Manor. On to Lithington a very attractive village
from there it was a comfortable river walk into Alfriston. Found my B&B
which was "Chestnuts" in the main street. When I arrived I
was told my room had been taken as I had not confirmed it ( lesson, confirm
your booking ) however like most people that do B&B they soon found
me a room and made me comfortable with a nice hot cup of coffee. After
a shower it was off to the pub "The Old Smugglers Inn", had
some tasty beer and good food. Then took a stroll around the village
which was very peaceful. Made my way back to the B&B for a good nights
rest which I needed as I was absolutely shattered.
9 May 2000....Alfriston
to Rodmell...7.5 miles
After a good breakfast I made tracks to continue, but first
I had to take a photo of the main street . Went off up the road to find
Kings Ride this was to lead me on to Firle Down, but before that I had
to climb another 500 metres it then flattens out. The views on the downs
were just great but nothing too striking. Strode out towards Firle Beacon
then to the masts at Beddingham Hill. From here it was all down hill
it was a steady descent to Itford Hill, this is where it became steeper.
At the bottom cross the main A26 road(fast moving traffic, take care)
along to the right then left just past the farm down to the station(yes
it is still active), eventually over the river into the hamlet of Southease,
not a lot here, then a short stretch into Rodmell but before I got to
the B&B (Barn House) I phoned to let them know I was approaching.
However 
when
I arrived and rang the door bell there was no reply so I decided then
to phone from the front door,(mobile phones have there uses) it was soon
answered. Took the usual time to wash and brush up then it was a tour
of the village. Went down the road first as I had been told of the Monks
House ( National Trust) which had been the home of Virginia Woolf. Up
then the the Abergavenny Arms for a meal and a few pints. Food was first
class although a bit pricey, the beer went down well.
10 May.... Rodmell to Poynings...16 miles
Up at 7am after a very goods nights rest, then to breakfast,
this was first class, enough to last all day, it didn't have to as I
had ordered a packed lunch. Back to the room to finish packing. I was
now on my way again, up the road across to Mill Road and a climb up to
Mill Hill, it flattened out at the top. Along the ridge then ( views
not very good due to dull conditions) a descent to Newmarket Inn not
an Inn any more but I believe a Little Chef. On the way down passed a
contractor who was widening the path. On reaching the A27 turned left
walking parallel to the road for a short while then up and over the bridge,
right at the other side and on to Housedown Farm, just passed the farm
picked up the path on the left and a climb yet again(wouldn't it be uninteresting
if it was all flat). On nearing 'Blackcap' GR375126 I could hear voices,
it was children playing at Blackcap. It was left at this point to follow
a well defined chalk track. Views to the North were good, sighting Plumpton
and Plumpton College in the distance. On reaching Streat Hill it started
to rain so it was on waterproof jacket, this was not to last too long
the jacket was soon off. It was at this juncture that I sat and ate my
lunch, a welcome break, I also took the opportunity to phone ahead to
the next B&B Manor Farm at Poynings. It wasn't long before I was
on my feet again making tracks for Ditchling Beacon, nice to be on the
top, the other times I have been here I have been riding the London to
Brighton Bike Ride ( I was fit then). A pleasant walk through to Clayton
Windmills but on the way passed at GR315129 the Kymer Post (this was
a dedication to Peter and Phillipa who loved life and each other both
aged 21 years), then left to pass New Barn Farm then right to pass through
Pyecombe Golf Course. At Pyecombe I crossed the road and 
walked
along to the church where I sat a while in the grounds, ate my lunch
and took in the view. From here I was to cross another main road and
make tracks for West Hill, on the way down I met a fellow walker and
we talked a while before moving on, down to Saddlescombe and right along
the road to Poynings to Manor Farm, met by Carol at the door, shown my
room then down to the lounge for tea and a piece of her home made cake,
it was really nice.
It was now time to freshen up, after that I met Maurice husband of Carol, I found out that he had been in the Royal Navy during the war, he also knew someone in the village that I come from(South Petherton). I heard a screeching coming from the garden and was told they kept Peacocks, well I looked out into the garden and this one was perched on the back of a garden chair, it was beautiful. Went then to the pub (Royal Oak) good food and beer. Back to Manor Farm had a chat with Carol and asked her about the Kymer Post it transpired that the couple were killed in a road accident on 23 Feb. 1994.
11 May.... 2000 Poynings to Upper Beeding...7
miles
A good nights rest but awakened in the very early hours by a Peacock. Down
to breakfast and what a breakfast, you just could not get any more on the plate.
Time to leave, settled the beiil and I was on my way. Followed the road back
to Saddlescombe and again picked up the path. A bit of a climb up to Devils
Dyke, a bit hazy on the top and could not get much of a view. The rest of the
day went very well if a little uninteresting, but I made good time. At Truleigh
Hill I phoned my wife as she would be collecting me and taking me back to Portsmouth
to stay with friends for the night. By the time I had walked down the hill
she was waiting for me. A comfortable ride back to Portsmouth and a welcome
soak in the bath. A pleasant evening, with good wine, food and excellent company.
I went to bed well satisfied.
12 May.... 2000 Upper Beeding to Washington...6.75 miles
Had an excellent breakfast, my packed lunch was made up ready for me we were
then our way back to Upper Beeding to continue the walk.
This was reasonably flattish walking contouring around most hills. A first
class view of Chanctonbury Ring, on reaching it I sat a while to take in the
views. It was then up to the Trig Point, this is where I phoned the B&B
'Long Island' in Washington, it was OK for me to arrive. I also took time to
phone my friend Tony to wish him a Happy Birthday (he was surprised). As I
was walking off a fellow walker ran after me saying that I had missed the path
into Washington, I thanked him but said I was following the South Downs Way.
Arrived at the B&B and was made very welcome. Shown to my room and then
given a cup of tea 
anda
large wadge of cake this I took in the garden and read the paper also. On talking
to Mary it transpired that a group of Dutch and Germans were due to arrive.
They had been there before so were known. It wasn't long before they arrived,
the introductions done it was time for drinks I was asked to join in, they
were very friendly, it turned out to be a very impomptu garden party. However
time was moving on and it was time for me to make tracks for the pub, the 'Franklin
Arms', very good food and the drink was good also. Although it was a short
walking day I felt very tired so it was back to bed.
13 May.... 2000 Washington to Amberley...6.25 miles
Up nice and early to get first stab at the bathroom(no
one else was moving) made myself ready then sat in the garden writing
my diary. Breakfast was a very liesurly affair, and there was plenty
of food on the table. It was now time for me to make my exit, having
said goodbye to all, I made my way up to the main road of the village
went through and past the 
church,
this is unusual as it has a very squat square tower. Over the bridge
spanning the main road on the the track. Going up between the trees the
pungent aroma of wild garlic was very evident( I like the smell).
The remainder of this stage was flattish. Met a group of Mountain Bikers on their way to Winchester also met a few more walkers and cyclists
Arrived at Amberley early, found the village shop purchased a paper then found somewhere to sit and read. Having rested I found the B&B 'Bacons' was greeted warmly then shown my room and the usual services. Freshened myself up and then sat in the garden reading the paper once again. Soon after I was offered a cup ot tea with biscuits, most refreshing. Well satisfied I then took a stroll around the village, I think the last time I was here was in the very early 50's as a young man, I took this opportunity to suss out where I would join the walk the next day, there was a difference between the book and the map.
In the evening went to the Pub across the road for supper, it had recently changed hands but that said the quality of food was fiirst class.
Back to bed for a good nights rest.
