Tuesday 3 April
Held to Ramson
Walkers: Farty, T.B., 8 Legs, Windy, Mrs P., Lil and Clat
Distance: 7 1/2 miles
Find of the Walk: another gloved tree
A little stress started off the day - traffic problems for the northern division of our group, which resulted in a late departure. The Easter hols seem to make our journeys longer , but all things considered, this lateness is a rare occurrence (touch wood).
Lovely sunny day - clouds in the distance - and we were off. The first stop was at our intended pub. The rather vague but friendly staff member told us that she thought lunch finished at 2. , or maybe 2.30, or even 3 pm. - but they didn't close so we had half a chance then. We carried on towards Sharpthorne, and missed our turning, which was cleverly blended into the surrounds of a Costcutter, and even then, we were immediately met with a dead-end and sign which told us there was a dangerous dog in the field - charming. Finally, we found the Sussex Border path, and it was pretty much straightforward from then on.
Frequent tooting sounds in the distance told us the Bluebell Railway was up and running today, and we did a bit of that to get to a view point on a bridge. The train arrived looking resplendent in its livery, and an exchange of waving was made. Mrs P produced some very professional cakes, topped with almonds, and delicious they were too. Heading southwards, we encountered many hills and dales which continued throughout the walk. Some lovely views were encountered, and flora-wise , primroses, daffodils, bluebells, wood anenomes or is it anemones?, rhododendrons, skunk cabbage, and a tree which looked as if it had draped itself over a rock.
On our down bits we found large crops of garlic leaves, and much picking was performed. Several farms, and then a bit of a scare for some of us , as, in one field we suddenly heard the sound of thudding hooves (thousands of them), and not wanting to be caught up in the Grand National, we headed for the bushes - phew. However, it seems these equine racers were making for a stallion in a field nearby, and were soon enraptured by his bragging and braying - fickle fillies methinks. Later on though, we found some rather gentler hosses, who had had their fur clipped into the shape of hearts - My Little Pony does Sussex then?
We recovered, we continued, and we finished the walk. De-booted, de- socked, primped and sprayed , we entered the pub - lunch was still on. Not a huge menu but we were served with good food. Much cracking of eggs as 4 of us ordered omelettes, and T.B. , two frieds on his ham. The rest was pronounced fine. Staff friendly and attentive. Lots of dogs knocking around including a pair of pomeranians, or apples to some of us (the male could be a cox's pippin, and the female, a golden delicious. ) Time to go home, and straight into a sleet storm - the wonders of our country. And if you are 'wondering 'about next week - it's T.B's birthday, so we shall be at the Duke's Head, Walton on the Heath - he likes the landlady, and so do we. Ta Ta
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