LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

Parking was £1 for up to 2 hours in Seven Sisters Country Park. It was a lovely day in south-west England, but there was mist off the sea on the South Downs. There were no views as visibility was down to 100 yards. From the car park you could walk along the busy main road to the eastern edge of the country park buildings, or better still, walk between the buildings to a kissing gate just before the last cottage, into a field. It was a steep climb up the field to the forest. Rabbits were everywhere and not a dandelion was left in the field. I climbed a lowered wall from the field to the wood. There was a broad path down wooden steps into West Dean. The peace was shattered as school children passed to ascend the wooden steps. I made a short visit to the church and back on the track. There was no stile at '3'. Some of the coloured posts were still around but not enough to make any sense. I followed the South Downs Way from the car park alley alongside Charleston Manor. There was a broad path to more steps for the descent to the manor. The entrance to the manor was clearly marked 'strictly private'. I walked down the drive to the first building but turned around when the first dogs barked. There were obvious good views from '8' but fog/mist stopped my enjoyment. I met a couple with a Labrador and Great Dane just after '8'. I said I was surprised to meet anyone and they said it is always quiet after tea. I turned right at a field gate and stile at '9' then along the broad path down to a fork, and a long straight gravel road to '10'. Care was required at '10' where there was no red post. I nearly missed the path between the trees as I was watching a crow. I returned to the car via West Dean, Pond Cottage, wooden steps and closed country park buildings. There were plenty of broad paths which were easy to follow on the map. I didn't visit Beachy Head as planned because of mist, but drove home instead via Brighton and it's Pavilion. I drove along the prom with headlights on but couldn't see the sea as the fog was too dense.

Location Map: - www.streetmap.co.uk
Start & Finish: Seven Sisters Country Park (off A259)

This walk is recommended when the visibility is good and during a dry spell.