Newick, East Sussex, The Bull

Maintain Direction at all times ladies! - The Bull, Newick, East Sussex

Walkers: 8 legs, the soon-to-be Mrs John Randall (more later....) & Mrs P

Weather: Perfect walking weather, dry, cloudy and neither too warm or cold

Distance: 6 miles

Time taken: 3 hours to include a few diversions en route ....

Find of the walk: nothing to report I'm afraid - in this part of East Sussex people seem less inclined to part with items of underwear!

As the more northerly members of the RARAS were unavailable for walking duties this week, us more southerly/provincial members convened in Newick - and started at 10 am instead as none of us had a long journey.

We set off just a tad late as 8 legs had been held up by pesky road works and heavy traffic on the A22. Down the lane and into Newick church which was picture-book pretty but unfortunately appeared locked so we couldn't have a nose inside. Picture: were we lost already?! Classic churchyard with yews and views - oh dear, I'm a poet but I don't know it!! Groan -sorry about that, just trying to keep up Clat's high standards and failing miserably! We exited the churchyard by a stone stile and the first of a few 'squeeze' stiles. Chris who was leading the walk (which she had found in a local mag) pointed out that the narrative of the walk mentioned 'beware frisky cattle!' Oh dear - however the frisky bovines were nowhere to be seen so we carried on, following the well written instructions and the good signage. Lovely walking, gorgeous views back towards Newick church and village, well kept woodland and easy tracks through ploughed fields - thank you farmers! The directions told us to 'maintain direction towards a solitary oak tree' which we duly did - it was sitting in solitary splendour in the middle of a ploughed field.

It was all going far too well - we then came across our first hurdle: large signs telling us that the footpath ahead was closed - big warning notices of danger as National Grid were working on the overhead power lines. With no alternative route to follow we made the decision to carry on regardless and maintain direction (very British!) and when we came to the power lines, surprise surprise, no workmen to be seen - once again very British!

We came out onto the lane in the hamlet of Sharpsbridge and then crossed the river Ouse - at the side of the road was a raised path known as Clapper Bridge which is for the use of pedestrians when the road floods - fortunately not needed today! We stopped briefly for yours truly, Mrs P, to have a gander at a house that we had looked at buying many years ago when it was in need of much TLC. Although it now looks lovely we have no regrets as part of the land was termed a 'water meadow' - it lies alongside the river Ouse so guess what happened during the big floods 10 years or so ago? Say no more! We then entered a field to the side of a very pretty chocolate box type house and headed on northwards towards the A272.

We crossed the busy road and took the path towards Valley Farm. The walk directions mentioned the possibility of a small farm landing strip ...... and we were not to be disappointed as on our left hand side in what first appeared to be a farm building we spied not one, but two light aircraft! Stopping in curious amazement, a chap called out from inside and invited us in for a look see! We decided to come clean and admit that we were all former hosties (hence our interest) and the gentleman looked at us in some disbelief (we made a mental note to possibly have some photos in our bags in future of us in more glamorous days!). We were soon on first name terms and also learned that the airstrip is also known locally as 'Piltdown International' as John flies regularly to Le Touquet and other such exotic destinations! Having had a jolly good nose around and a very pleasant chat, yours truly decided to ask who owned the land (presuming that he rented the hanger and landing strip) - and he modestly said that he did as he owned the surrounding farm. Well, cue for us to then do a bit of match-making - this was obviously a batchelor of some considerable means - and we decided that our very own Windy Nohills was the perfect candidate! Farmer John said that as he was heading back to his house on his bike which was parked outside (see above, we thought he would have had something a bit more suitable!) he would hope to see us as we were also going in the same direction. This man was keen! We ducked under low flying jumbos (photo) on the airstrip and were soon entering Fletching village where we saw his house - a beautiful farmhouse bang next door to the church. ( photo). That sealed it then - we reckon Mrs John Randall/Wendy and John Randall has a very aristocratic ring to it; they can get married in the church and the reception will be in the marquee in the gardens of the farmhouse! Sorted!


Having first planned to stop at the Griffin pub for a coffee, we passed the village shop with very inviting tables and chairs outside so thought it would make a better venue. We were spot on - a lovely little shop selling fresh bread (Chris duly bought some for Sue which the future Mrs R offered to carry in her backpack) and the coffees were declared to be excellent. Chris continued her matchmaking duties and before we left casually tried to find out all she could about Wendy's intended! This must have distracted her as we were half way down the lane out of the village when Chris realised she had left her precious walking stick in the shop!

Stick duly retrieved we continued with the walk and onwards towards Newick. We came across a very strange looking 3 legged style which we all crossed in a variety of ways! More fields and woods, and we then found a newly laid track (courtesy of National Grid so they could get their vehicles to the pylons) which led towards the Southern Water Treatment Works - aka the sewage farm! Fortunately no nasty pongs emanating from it and we were soon back in the village. We stopped to have a bit of banter with the recycling/refuse collectors and almost persuaded them to join us in the pub (was Spring in the air today? Must have been!). Almost at the pub, but were distracted by the village bakers - full of all sorts of bread and yummy cakes! It's a lovely traditional shop with a very large 1930's oven which is still used every day to bake the bread.

So, into the pub which was rather empty - so why did we sit at our chosen table only to find that 5 minutes later a couple came to sit right next to us (or rather Minnie)? We swiftly moved to another table and ordered our food which came very quickly. We were being copycats today as we all had fish and chips - very good they were too with homemade tartare sauce and mushy peas. As we left the pub we had a quick visit back to the bakers to buy some goodies and when we returned to the car park we spied the local bowls club - perfect for TB as it seemed to be particularly well kept with a good pub on the doorstep.

So, a really lovely walk with views, rolling countryside, the river Ouse and plenty of friendly people - super half way stop and very good pub at the end. Oh, and the possibility of a grand marriage for Miss Nohills on the horizon ..............!!
Next week TBA - unfortunately yours truly will once again be absent as will be in London for a 60th birthday reunion with my (very!) old school pals. Hope you all have a good one!

Ashfold Crossways - The Wheatsheaf

Tuesday 13th March

If I Could Talk To The Animals.........

Walkers: Farty, T.B., 8 Legs, Windy, Lil, Clat, and La Belle Jane - freshly flown in from La Belle France , so LBJ for short.

Sally joined us for lunch , with her bad back - oucccchhhh - we've all been there

She wishes it to be known that she is the odd flying hostess - not retired.

Distance: 7 1/2 miles

Find: La Belle Zero

Well this was a find - a pub in the middle of nowhere, nestled in the crossroads, and what an amazing place - more later. So obscured was it, that Windy managed to shoot past several times, and, well on her way to Mannings Heath, was getting seriously de-ranged, and so were we, cos our 'phones were too and no signal to try and get her back again. However, just as we were beginning to think she wasn't going to get to us, she did - relief all round . We commenced a little retard but theees 'appens.A lovely walk, with so much variation. Woods, fields, flat plains, hills, dales, and views.

Very soon on we reached a trickling stream with ponds full of frogs and spawn. Later we found deer, chickens, peacocks, pheasants, pigs, piglets, llamas, a parrot (in the pub), and a frolicking horse who took a shine to Mon, galloped over, and promptly dumped its load - is this a sign of affection from the equestrian side?

We wiggled about a bit, and came to Cartersledge Lane, and voyaged northwards, where we ooooo-ed and aaaaaaaa-ed over the piglets. These little crackling jobs were hurtling round, screeching ,squeaking and thoroughly enjoying themselves with their porkulent parents looking on. We discussed the Crufts dog show, and had to explain to Windy that a Pomeranian is not a type of apple - it gets worse.

Upwards now to the top of Colgate Hill (show us your teeth, Poppy) - marvellous. We turned our corner at this point and headed back through part of the Greenslade Wood. The sun came out, transforming the landscape, and items of clothing were removed. Open footpaths followed, with the most beautiful blue of a sky. Next came some hard uphill climbing, and a bit of panting - we were now well on the High Weald Landscape Trail. Several signs telling us to Beware of the Bull were fruitless I am pleased to report.

So then it was time to re-tread our earlier steps and return to the Wheatsheaf. This place is something else - an emporium of a pub, with knick-knacks, ornaments, and objects galore, and of course the parrot, who was busy roaming around outside her cage.

The service was great, the food even greater, and the prices were very acceptable. They like racing here, so we had Cheltenham blaring away in the background. Afterwards, Sue produced UNO - a card game, and Lil/Clat showed her and some others, how to play. The fundamentals were learnt and more games will be played in the future. Time for a quiz. This is where Windy de-ranged again - Bagpuss is not the son of Macbeth - see what we are dealing with here?!!

Time was pressing on - we paid the bill and left.

Next week - the walk will be decided between Windy and 8 Legs, cos Farty, T.B., Lil and Clat will be missing. Enjoy the weather - keep an eye on your hosepipes ladies.

Warnham - The Sussex Oak

Tuesday 6th March

Who Ate All the Pies?

Walkers: Farty, T.B., Windy, 8 legs, Lil and Clat

Distance: 7 1/2 miles

Find of the Walk: 0

Yes, we're back from the Hampshire coastline, which we (Lil and Clat) walked for 6 miles, and it was a good job the tide was out - need I say more? We found lots of things dangling from trees - dog muzzle, beautiful blue suede trainer, and many gloves attached to finger post footpath signs.

Right, now where were we? Funnily enough, even though we hadn't heard from the landlord in response to 'the' complaint letter, we convened and walked again. It was cold and damp and off we went west then south and came out at Warnham Manor. This is a converted residential place - - a 2 bed flat is for sale here at £481k, so that gives you an idea. It gives one a feeling of poshness about it, and even the geese , beautifully groomed and sleek, waddled about with their beaks in the air.

Not too muddy underfoot, but the wretched brambles have an annoying habit of lasso-ing your legs whenever they hear you coming - they got me in the garlics and down i went - new trousers too - criminal.

We eventually arrived at Slinfold - a pretty little village, full of Jane Austen-type houses and a real feeling of English country . The local is called The Red Lion which Wind preferred to pronounce in French - Je don't know porquoi either., so Leon Rouge it was then.

The signs of spring are becoming evident, bouncing blooms and clumps of snowdrops and tete a tete daffs. -keeping this French you see. We wandered through the churchyard and headed for Warnham once more. An un-eventful walk followed - Mon and Clat discovered the early garlic leaves and picked a goodly bunch - boy did we smell nice afterwards. On we travelled, and got back to the pub, in plenty of time to order and eat. Some of us popped into the butchers and got stuff, and then into the pub to order. It's pie week, so most of the group had one. They arrived , fat and juicy, and with a good selection of veg - excellent for just under £9.00. The loos have had a make-over, and all was well.

We spied the landlord in the background, and wondered if he would come over - he did. Before long, he told us we could order our food ahead of our arrival, and that's when Farty 'went in for the kill' !!!!!!!!!!!!! Done in a nice way, she explained what had happened to us the last time we walked from his hostelry, and he told us he didn't know about that. 'Didn't you get our letter?' asked Farty. Apparently he didn't and said that food could be ordered right up until 2.30 and he was sorry we had been put out. He then said coffees were on the house and apologised again. Enough said, so we are now back on track for the Sussex Oak.

Farty is very attached to her new maps, and after a great deal of rustling, opening, and folding, it was decided she was trying to nest in said object - well, it is Spring, after all. We origami-ed her back into shape, and readied for home. Next week, there is talk of going to Ashfold Crossways - new walk, new pub - how exciting! Details by text as usual. Better go now, as the broccoli soup is having an effect.........................................................