This year we are trying to make our walk more sustainable by using more public transport. Last time we drove over a thousand miles to walk one hundred. (Click on any photo to enlarge)
For the first walk we deployed bus passes and took the 0904 No 12 bus from Brighton Seafront to Eastbourne to start.
The northern route swings north east from Beachy Head through the lovely village of Jevington (birthplace of Bannofee pie allegedly) and over the lovely grassy stretch of Windover Hill, behind the Long Man of Wilmington, before descending to Alfriston.
After lunch in the garden at the George PH we climbed up towards Bopeep and along past Firle Beacon and Beddingham Hill before finishing at Southease station – sadly too late for tea at the excellent Courtyard Cafe at the YHA hostel (service ends at 4pm). After a bit of a wait for the train it quickly whisked us home to Brighton.
UPDATE: Three of us walked this route again on Saturday 13 September – two of whom had missed the first walk. We started a bit later due to an accident requiring us to switch buses twice but finished in time for tea at the excellent Courtyard Cafe at the Southease YHA and caught the train home an hour earlier than before.
Walk details: Distance 13.2 miles, height climbed 1,270 feet
To see map and elevations, click here
SOUTH DOWNS THE U3A WAY 