Monday 28 May 2012

Ice creams and silly hats

Another Sunday and, as the late night revellers made their way home, team Towis arose from their respective slumbers and headed out on another training walk.

Meeting at John's house I decided to put the "make sure we don't rely on only one person having a map" contingency plan into action by forgetting mine, luckily pace-maker Bev had bought a back up.  So, following on from my "don't rely on only one person having a compass" contingency plan of last week, another success.

After, once again, disappointingly not being offered a full fry up by Clare, we headed to Pyecombe for the day's training walk to Checkpoint 9 and back.
Jack (or Jill) Windmill, Checkpoint 8

After arousing the suspicions of one Pycombe resident (who we passed three times whilst trying to find somewhere to park) we found somewhere to park and "booted" and "silly hatted" up.  Just before 9am it was very warm, so we could tell we would be in for a hot day.

Out of Pyecombe the South Downs way crosses a busy road before gently climbing through a golf course to the Jack and Jill windmills which mark Checkpoint 8.  After the windmills the track climbs gently some more before levelling and opening out into a similar sight to previous sections of the walk, the path being perched on top of a ridge with the sides falling gradually away to afford glorious views both north and south.  Unlike previous sections of the walk we could actually enjoy the views rather than being pelted by rain, hail and/or wind.

First in series :"Rusty Farm Vehicles"
As we made our way along the track I remembered from a couple of years back the presence of an ice cream van in the Ditchling Beacon car park.  So we upped our pace and made for the first energy stop of the day - Mr Whippys all round.

The AMEX stadium at Falmer
Weighed down slightly by our ice cream (though a suggestion of replacing the flake with chocolate covered Kendal Mint Cake might be taken up next time) we headed on as the route became a more defined path again, slowly heading downwards.

At this point we leave the South Downs Way to zig zag around Lewes - a part of the route we had been told was easy to get lost on, one reason we were keen to try this section out - mindful of the fact that, on the day, we'll have been walking for around 20 hours at this point so our map reading skills may not be the greatest.

Rail underpass
After leaving the South Downs Way you pass through the Blackcap Reserve - John pointed out the cluster of trees that gave their name to this area, before some passing locals pointed at the correct cluster of trees before muttering something about "tourists" and heading off.

After the reserve the route becomes a defined path again, that fairly steeply (more noticeable on the return route) heads down to the 'Gallops'.  Several footpaths join and head in different directions, but following the special instructions, we navigated this quite comfortably, before joining a zig zag section (not so zig-zaggy if you shortcut it, hey Paul?) which passes near to Kingston Prison and round the back of some houses before having to negotiate one main road ... you're then taken under a railway line and over the A27.
Checkpoint 9

Once over the A27, the route rises sharply and diagonally through a field before rejoining a track signposted South Downs Way which leads you to Checkpoint 9.

We walked through Checkpoint 9 and took advice from another Trailwalker team who had steamed past us about 10 minutes earlier and were now eating their lunch to head to a local pub in nearby Kingston for refreshment.

After a cheeky drink at "The Juggs" we decided to head back and sit in a shady spot for some lunch.  We had seen the steep climb out of Checkpoint 9 enroute to Checkpoint 10 looming in the distance as we made away along the route earlier, and decided to leave that for another day.  When Tony is with us as, we know how he enjoys hills.

"Rusty Farm Vehicles" 2
As we headed back the intensity of the heat, coupled with a lack of breeze, became noticeable.  The climb up before, around, and after the 'Gallops' was particularly hard work - glad we don't have to do that on the day.  And the heat almost made wish for the rain of previous weeks.  Almost....

Once back up on the ridge we were driven on by the thought of reaching the ice cream van for a second time - hopefully making it before he packed in for the day. We did and we signed up to his loyalty reward scheme before enjoying Orange Refresher lollies and double Mr Whippies.

"Two large ones please barmaid" (c) Paul
Energised by our frozen treats we then headed back to Pyecombe to enjoy the "bar" in the boot (water, lucozade or beer in a cool bag) - standards for the next driver have been set.

So, another section completed - and another ice cream van identified.  Next up is walking half the route, from start to CheckPoint 5, with some help from the support crew ... then we might think about checking out the climb out of CheckPoint 9, followed by lunch at The Juggs.

A lost boy scout points the way

Date:
 27 May 2012 8:51 am

Distance: 20.5 miles

Elapsed Time: 7:59:01
Avg. Speed: 2.5 mph
Max. Speed: 5.2 mph



Wednesday 23 May 2012

Ice Creams and Ambulances

Preparing for Beeding Hill

Last walk we started at Checkpoint 5 (Washington) and headed for Checkpoint 7 (Devil's Dyke) - we didn't quite make it due to a combination of bad weather, coffee stops and some stupid big hill we struggled up.

This week we decided to start at Checkpoint 6 (Botolphs) to let Tony enjoy the delights of the hill, with a plan to try and get to Checkpoint 8 (Jack and Jill) and back - a distance of roughly 20 miles.

After being expertly navigated by John to a suspiciously "dogging-like" (according to Tony) car park we donned our waterproofs and boots before settling down to the serious business of sampling this week's selection of energy food.  The "cookies and cream" power bar was good, though may have to be rationed as it is very sweet.  The "strawberry and cranberry" natural energy power bars could be a good compliment ... "The sourness of the fruit works well with the sweetness of the bar" we concluded.

Tony enjoys Beeding Hill immensely
We headed alongside the River Adur, through the housing estate, again resisted the lure of the Rising Sun's roast dinners and headed for "The Hill".  At the bottom we prepared with stretches and the bizarre sensation of actually removing waterproofs and then headed up it ... and this week it didn't seem anywhere near as bad as last time.  Maybe the fact there wasn't any driving rain, or we had already been walking for 3 hours, or maybe we just knew what to expect - which means these training walks along the actual route are proving useful.

Once at the top of the hill the route becomes road based (there is a track to the side which the instructions told us to use, but it is very narrow) as it gently goes up and down past a Youth Hostel (lunch point for last time) and a couple of farm buildings.

Up above the trees and pylons ...
The road then turns into a field based track, still going up and down, with at one point you walking level with the top of some electricity pylons spanning a nearby valley.

Even more bizzarely, the sun (remember that?), decided to come out giving us a glorious blue sky with a couple of gliders buzzing around above.  It also made me feel much better for carrying my "Factor Ginger" suntan lotion for every single walk.

As we got close to the Devil's Dyke checkpoint the track splits in two - one inviting track heads toward the pub perched high above the "Dyke" whilst the South Downs Way continues in a different direction ... 110 degrees on a compass reading apparently ... if I'd remembered to bring the compass ... which I hadn't ... which, obviously, I got no stick for whatsoever.

Ah, team TOWIS, we've been expecting you ...
After passing through a couple of gates the checkpoint is on the other side of the road (we never actually saw it due, again, to the lack of compass) but navigator John pinpointed it on the way back - well pointed left and said "field, that must be it".

The track then skirts across the top of Devil's Dyke before heading steeply down to a road, a slope met with whoops of delight as we contemplated climbing up it on the way back.

After negotiating the fast moving traffic we entered the land around "Saddlescombe Farm" and, in the true spirit of trekking, stopped at the local food van for a tub of "Real Sussex Ice Cream" - and very nice it was too.  Unfortunately, due to our calculations, it'll be evening when we pass this on the day so our plans to stop for a cream tea as dessert to the Ghurka Curry at Checkpoint 7 are tentative at the moment.

Recommended by athletes
After leaving the farm the track ventures up hill again.  I've walked this section before and didn't remember it being too bad - but it was pretty steep, first passing through a small wood before opening out into a field.

At the top, with the weather still warm and sunny, the view was good, if a little hazy (due to weather, not our unfit state) and we could see one of the windmills at Checkpoint 8 sitting proud on top of a distant hill.

We headed down the hill, with a horse jumping event to our left, and reached the A23.  A BP garage and pub sat invitingly on the other side, but we decided to turn round, stop for a spot of lunch, then head back to the car.  Not as much distance as we'd have liked but not a bad distance and time.  On our way back we noticed an Army Medic Van parked near Devil's Dyke, they'd obviously heard we were out walking and felt concerned for our health - thankfully it wasn't needed.

DANGER - fast moving traffic
So in general an enjoyable walk - a couple of big hills but the sun being out, and the welcoming ice-cream-providing van, made them feel ok.

Next time out hopefully Checkpoint 9 to 10 ... and then we aim to up the distance with a "big walk" over the Jubilee Weekend, a great way to salute Her Maj's 60 years on the throne.



Date: 20 May 2012 8:57 am
Distance: 14.9 miles
Elapsed Time: 6:50:44
Avg. Speed: 2.2 mph
Max. Speed: 6.0 mph
Avg. Pace: 27' 38" per mile






Tuesday 8 May 2012

Welcoming BP stations and leisurely hills


Well, I guess it was our fault for choosing to walk on a Bank Holiday Monday, but once again our walk started out in very grey conditions with the threat of rain.  At least our waterproofs are getting a good test.

With Tony off in Vienna (means nothing to me) the rest of Team Towis set off from Check Point 5, Washington.  We parked on the south bound side of the A24, then navigated the "danger, fast moving traffic", so we could follow the Trailwalker route through the grounds of the posh school, before re-crossing the A24 further south.   The track then zig zags a couple of times before heading up a long, steep at times, incline before reaching the "dew pond", where it levels before sloping gradually down towards Botolphs.

Last time we were up here the views were glorious, today cloud surrounded us, and the tracks almost blocked at times from puddles built up from the past two or three weeks of harsh drought conditions.

As we headed down the slope the rain started, at times cold and horizontal into the side of the face,  but it thankfully eased, along with the wind, as we got closer to the checkpoint.  The view opened out to show a meandering river heading south to the coastal town of Shoreham-by-Sea and north toward the small town of Upper Beeding ... a view topped off by a large Chapel perched on a nearby hill.  Even on this grey day all a fantastic sight, slightly ruined by a concrete monstrosity nestled into a quarry.

After passing the "rear entrances" of some well appointed, and huge, residences (the gates were really marked with signs saying "Rear Entrance") we reached "Pear Tree" cottage, the site of Check Point 6.  Here the Trail Walker route deviated from the South Downs way to take us safely under the A283, alongside the swollen river as the rain started lashing down again.  The route then takes a bizarre route through a housing estate which, with all the rain, gave a soaking sense of being lost as the rest of the route up to this point had been so isolated from civilisation.

As we left the houses we saw our first sign of a pub on the route (the Rising Sun) and, even more welcoming in the conditions, a BP garage with a coffee machine and a toilet!  A chance to warm up a bit and be tempted by the sausage roll selection.

As we departed the BP station and headed out of the village the rain persisted so we stopped to put the rain covers over our rucksacks apart from "Apollo" John who seemed to turn his into some kind of a space age satellite receiver system (well, his cover was silver and shiny) which at times inflated to look like a weather balloon.

Space man .. I always wanted to go into space man
Note Tony: don't read this next bit.

On leaving civilisation the TrailWalker route heads back to join the South Downs Way.  Unfortunately to do so involved the most evil hill we've encountered on the route so far, the kind that never seems to end, as you go round the bends it just seems to go up and up and up.  The surface was ok, being a tarmac road, but boy it was hard on the knees, and legs, and calves, and ankles.  It also made us feel grateful no-one had been tempted by a BP savoury treat, as it would either have weighed us down or been "deposited" somewhere on the way up.

Ok Tony, you can start reading again.

After rejoining the South Downs Way the track levels again, with the ground sloping away on both sides.  The view would probably be spectacular on a clear day but the clouds were closing in again, though there were a couple of sights enjoyed by some members of the team.  We walked on and reached a Youth Hostel (well, there was a slight detour in a local field due to our poor navigational skills and the fact people coming from the other direction were coming via the field) and sat and had a fairly civilised lunch around a picnic table.  Next week candles and cutlery.  With just under 2 miles to go to the checkpoint, but having walked for nearly 5 hours, we decided to turn round and head back.

On the way back the rain and wind picked up and we chose to follow the South Downs Way back rather than the, err, evil (Tony read "leisurely") hill.  This bought us to the A283 which we crossed and then immediately rejoined the TrailWalker route on the other side of the swollen river.

As we headed up the long, gentle slope, towards the Chanctobury Ring, the rain eased, the clouds cleared, and the view opened up again, making the walk more enjoyable (rather than the nagging doubt of "why am I doing this?" going through my mind for the past few hours).  Once again our immense sense of direction was shown as we all pointed toward the "Water Tank on the hill", "Chanctobury Ring" and all other markers we'd spotted in the other direction.  As we took a sharpish left we realised we were all pointing in completely the wrong direction.

Chanctobury Ring and blue skies!!
After passing the ring and the pond we again deviated from the official route, down the South Downs way, to return to our cars parked nearly 8 hours beforehand.

So we're maintaining our walks of around 20 miles or so - we now need to think about walking a bit further, training with the support crew and also walking at night.

Looking ahead, the next plan will be to pick up the route from Check Point 6 and hopefully walk all the way to Check Point 8 (Jack and Jill) as this seems to be just over 16k one way (10 mile) so fits in with our 20 mile standard.  Stage 8 to 9 looks like a walk on its own, being 13.8k one way and probably an hour and a half drive go get to.  But then we've covered pretty much the whole route - the last two checkpoints only cover 9.8k between them, so will be something to do to find the route but possibly closer to the event.  So we'll have the route walked and understood - just need to get our legs up to it!!


Date: 7 May 2012 8:56 am
Distance: 20.7 miles
Elapsed Time: 7:51:18
Avg. Speed: 2.6 mph
Max. Speed: 6.2 mph
Avg. Pace: 23' 31" per mile











Wednesday 2 May 2012

Checkpoint Details



Checkpoints broken down as postcodes, lat/long, etc + link to display all checkpoints on a map + spreadsheet importable formats:

CheckPoint 1- Harting Down
OS X (Eastings)     479000
OS Y (Northings)    118100
Nearest Post Code   GU31 5PN
Lat (WGS84)         N50:57:25 (50.956923)
Long (WGS84)        W0:52:36 (-0.876588)
LR                  SU790181
mX                  -97581
mY                  6580470

CheckPoint 2 - Hilltop Farm
OS X (Eastings)     487500
OS Y (Northings)    116700
Nearest Post Code   GU29 0HT
Lat (WGS84)         N50:56:35 (50.943111)
Long (WGS84)        W0:45:21 (-0.755932)
LR                  SU875167
mX                  -84149
mY                  6578036

CheckPoint 3 - Littleton Farm
OS X (Eastings)     495100
OS Y (Northings)    114600
Nearest Post Code   GU28 0LU
Lat (WGS84)         N50:55:23 (50.923030)
Long (WGS84)        W0:38:54 (-0.648335)
LR                  SU951146
mX                  -72172
mY                  6574499

CheckPoint 4 - Houghton
OS X (Eastings)     501700
OS Y (Northings)    111800
Nearest Post Code   BN18 9LW
Lat (WGS84)         N50:53:48 (50.896735)
Long (WGS84)        W0:33:19 (-0.555244)
LR                  TQ017118
mX                  -61809
mY                  6569869

CheckPoint 5 - Washington
OS X (Eastings)     511700
OS Y (Northings)    111500
Nearest Post Code   RH20 4AY
Lat (WGS84)         N50:53:32 (50.892193)
Long (WGS84)        W0:24:48 (-0.413196)
LR                  TQ117115
mX                  -45996
mY                  6569069

CheckPoint 6 - Botolphs
OS X (Eastings)     519100
OS Y (Northings)    109500
Nearest Post Code   BN44 3WB
Lat (WGS84)         N50:52:22 (50.872739)
Long (WGS84)        W0:18:31 (-0.308680)
LR                  TQ191095
mX                  -34362
mY                  6565646

CheckPoint 7 - Devils' Dyke
OS X (Eastings)     525800
OS Y (Northings)    110700
Nearest Post Code   BN1 8YL
Lat (WGS84)         N50:52:56 (50.882107)
Long (WGS84)        W0:12:47 (-0.213093)
LR                  TQ258107
mX                  -23721
mY                  6567294

CheckPoint 8 - Jack and Jill
OS X (Eastings)     530400
OS Y (Northings)    113300
Nearest Post Code   BN6 9PG
Lat (WGS84)         N50:54:16 (50.904456)
Long (WGS84)        W0:08:49 (-0.146811)
LR                  TQ304133
mX                  -16342
mY                  6571228

CheckPoint 9 - Kingston Hollow
OS X (Eastings)     539200
OS Y (Northings)    108700
Nearest Post Code   BN7 3JT
Lat (WGS84)         N50:51:40 (50.861063)
Long (WGS84)        W0:01:25 (-0.023485)
LR                  TQ392087
mX                  -2614
mY                  6563592

CheckPoint 10 - Woodingdean
OS X (Eastings)     537800
OS Y (Northings)    105900
Nearest Post Code   BN2 6QL
Lat (WGS84)         N50:50:10 (50.836233)
Long (WGS84)        W0:02:40 (-0.044417)
LR                  TQ378059
mX                  -4944
mY                  6559226

Finish - Brighton Race Course
OS X (Eastings)     533200
OS Y (Northings)    105200
Nearest Post Code   BN2 9XX
Lat (WGS84)         N50:49:52 (50.831018)
Long (WGS84)        W0:06:36 (-0.109959)
LR                  TQ332052
mX                  -12240
mY                  6558309


All points on a map
http://gridreferencefinder.com/?gr=SU7900018100|SU_s_790_s_181|1,SU8750016700|SU_s_875_s_167|1,SU9510014600|SU_s_951_s_146|1,TQ0170011800|TQ_s_017_s_118|1,TQ1170011500|TQ_s_117_s_115|1,TQ1910009500|TQ_s_191_s_095|1,TQ2580010700|TQ_s_258_s_107|1,TQ3040013300|TQ_s_304_s_133|1,TQ3920008700|TQ_s_392_s_087|1,TQ3780005900|TQ_s_378_s_059|1,TQ3320005200|TQ_s_332_s_052|1&v=h


CSV format
Grid Reference,X,Y,Latitude,Longitude,Description
"SU 79000 18100","479000","118100","50.956923","-0.87658831","SU 790 181",
"SU 87500 16700","487500","116700","50.943111","-0.75593223","SU 875 167",
"SU 95100 14600","495100","114600","50.923030","-0.64833509","SU 951 146",
"TQ 01700 11800","501700","111800","50.896735","-0.55524380","TQ 017 118",
"TQ 11700 11500","511700","111500","50.892193","-0.41319575","TQ 117 115",
"TQ 19100 09500","519100","109500","50.872739","-0.30867946","TQ 191 095",
"TQ 25800 10700","525800","110700","50.882107","-0.21309240","TQ 258 107",
"TQ 30400 13300","530400","113300","50.904456","-0.14681087","TQ 304 133",
"TQ 39200 08700","539200","108700","50.861062","-0.023483928","TQ 392 087",
"TQ 37800 05900","537800","105900","50.836233","-0.044416653","TQ 378 059",
"TQ 33200 05200","533200","105200","50.831018","-0.10995860","TQ 332 052",

Excel format
Grid Reference X Y Latitude Longitude Description Link
SU 79000 18100 479000 118100 50.956923 -0.87658831 SU 790 181 =HYPERLINK("http://gridreferencefinder.com/?gr=SU7900018100%7CSU_s_790_s_181%7C1&z=17&v=h&t=SU_s_790_s_181","Link")
SU 87500 16700 487500 116700 50.943111 -0.75593223 SU 875 167 =HYPERLINK("http://gridreferencefinder.com/?gr=SU8750016700%7CSU_s_875_s_167%7C1&z=17&v=h&t=SU_s_875_s_167","Link")
SU 95100 14600 495100 114600 50.923030 -0.64833509 SU 951 146 =HYPERLINK("http://gridreferencefinder.com/?gr=SU9510014600%7CSU_s_951_s_146%7C1&z=17&v=h&t=SU_s_951_s_146","Link")
TQ 01700 11800 501700 111800 50.896735 -0.55524380 TQ 017 118 =HYPERLINK("http://gridreferencefinder.com/?gr=TQ0170011800%7CTQ_s_017_s_118%7C1&z=17&v=h&t=TQ_s_017_s_118","Link")
TQ 11700 11500 511700 111500 50.892193 -0.41319575 TQ 117 115 =HYPERLINK("http://gridreferencefinder.com/?gr=TQ1170011500%7CTQ_s_117_s_115%7C1&z=17&v=h&t=TQ_s_117_s_115","Link")
TQ 19100 09500 519100 109500 50.872739 -0.30867946 TQ 191 095 =HYPERLINK("http://gridreferencefinder.com/?gr=TQ1910009500%7CTQ_s_191_s_095%7C1&z=17&v=h&t=TQ_s_191_s_095","Link")
TQ 25800 10700 525800 110700 50.882107 -0.21309240 TQ 258 107 =HYPERLINK("http://gridreferencefinder.com/?gr=TQ2580010700%7CTQ_s_258_s_107%7C1&z=17&v=h&t=TQ_s_258_s_107","Link")
TQ 30400 13300 530400 113300 50.904456 -0.14681087 TQ 304 133 =HYPERLINK("http://gridreferencefinder.com/?gr=TQ3040013300%7CTQ_s_304_s_133%7C1&z=17&v=h&t=TQ_s_304_s_133","Link")
TQ 39200 08700 539200 108700 50.861062 -0.023483928 TQ 392 087 =HYPERLINK("http://gridreferencefinder.com/?gr=TQ3920008700%7CTQ_s_392_s_087%7C1&z=17&v=h&t=TQ_s_392_s_087","Link")
TQ 37800 05900 537800 105900 50.836233 -0.044416653 TQ 378 059 =HYPERLINK("http://gridreferencefinder.com/?gr=TQ3780005900%7CTQ_s_378_s_059%7C1&z=17&v=h&t=TQ_s_378_s_059","Link")
TQ 33200 05200 533200 105200 50.831018 -0.10995860 TQ 332 052 =HYPERLINK("http://gridreferencefinder.com/?gr=TQ3320005200%7CTQ_s_332_s_052%7C1&z=17&v=h&t=TQ_s_332_s_052","Link")



Oxbow lakes & droughts

After walking the first four stages of the Trailwalker course quite extensively we decided to move on to stages 5 and beyond to see what scary hills and other delights were held in store for what will be the central part of the walk on the actual day.

As with previous weeks the plan was to walk a trail one week, then try it again a week later to see how we'd improved fitness wise.

Stage 5 covers Houghton to Washington, at 12.5km it's one of the longer stages on the course - as with all the stages it seems to start and end with steep climbs - but the central part seems fairly level.

Parking at Amberley station, after a short walk along the main road we joined the South Downs Way and started a long, and steep at times, climb up a combination of roads, clay/gravel tracks and a hill.

Once at the top of the initial climb, the way pretty much levels out - to the north and south of the track the ground slopes away to provide views right down to give expansive views in all directions.

Our first attempt at the route started in glorious sunshine which let us enjoy the walk and also lift our spirits that this part of the trail won't be too bad on the day - especially if the weather is good.

As we approached 3 hours of walking the track started sloping downward through fields, then into some woodland and then finally a tarmac road which led to the edge of the A24.  Once again the Trailwalker instructions weren't great as it tells us not to cross the A24 at this point, so we re-traced our steps, found the path we were meant to take and eventually found the check point, a field next to a private school.

On checking the time for this 7.17 mile leg we found we'd done it in just under 3 hours, so within the target time for doing the whole walk in 24 hours, which was good news.

We continued on from the checkpoint through the grounds of the school, crossed the A24 on the flyover, and then found another slope upwards.  On the cross section drawing on the Trailwalker instructions this looks a scary, steep climb, but in truth it was a long, not too steep, climb up through hills on a gravel track.  Once at the top again we were afforded fantastic views in all directions as we headed to "Chanctonbury Ring" perched high in the South Downs.  From here the track slopes gently down to the next check point but as we had been walking for around 4 hours we ate lunch then turned round.

As we headed back the skies got slowly greyer, to the north we could see black clouds and rain and prayed they would stay north.  But as we as we got closer to Amberley the rain started and we switched to waterproofs just before a period of torrential rain and hail - proof that the weather can turn bad quick and be very nasty, hopefully this won't happen on the day.  Views that had shown the River Arun meandering around Amberley on the way out were now non-existent due to the cloud.

The rain eased and we arrived wet but relieved at Amberley station. Just under 18 miles in 7 hours 20 minutes, so a good walk.

A week later we set out on the same route, this time the rain was already falling as we parked up - so this gave us a chance to check out our waterproofs, see how our boots coped with puddles, etc.

At the top of the hill the views were still good - with our expert geographical knowledge we're predicting an oxbox lake to form in the River Arun just north of Amberley in the next few thousand years, and from the looks of the fields the people of Sussex are now growing rice.

As we headed along the track the conditions couldn't have been more of a contrast to the previous week - the rolling views were gone and time was spent dodging the puddles scattered along the track.

We passed the couple of car parks situated along the route before reaching a cattle barn and decided to turn round due to the bad weather and the worry some waterproofs weren't as water proof as we hoped!

The walk back saw the rain ease a bit but it was still pretty grey and horrible as we arrived back at Amberley station.  We'd only managed a 9.41 mile walk, but a good exercise for checking out waterproofs and new methods of blister prevention.

Next week we start at Washington and attempt to complete stages 6 and 7, getting all the way to Devil's Dyke (there's a pub!) - from the cross sections stage 7 looks another steep up hill.


Date: 22 Apr 2012 8:57 am
Distance: 17.8 miles
Elapsed Time: 7:24:11
Avg. Speed: 2.4 mph
Max. Speed: 5.7 mph
Avg. Pace: 24' 59" per mile


Date: 29 Apr 2012 8:59 am
Distance: 9.41 miles
Elapsed Time: 3:49:27
Avg. Speed: 2.5 mph
Max. Speed: 4.6 mph
Avg. Pace: 24' 22" per mile