Wealden Alliteration
BLACKBOYS TO BERWICK STATION VIA WALDRON, EAST HOATHLY, ROWLAND WOOD, LAUGHTON, RIPE AND SELMESTON This walk is pretty flat and draws a line across an area in a direction I needed to walk, i.e. for no particular reason, other than to crosshatch the map with my wanderings. The trailhead and destination have a ring to them and lifting oneself up to Firle and to see the sea, was not required on this occasion. Eighteen or so miles in a sultry and sometime blowy heat was quite enough. In between the blue skies, the Downs were shrouded as if warning me to keep off the hill. Who was I to argue? A strong attempt is made in this area of ancient droving routes, sleepy lanes and anciently undeveloped parishes, not to gather much attention but surprises are yielded. The topography is subtle with small rises and open horizons revealing the Downs darkly in the distance. Nodes of human activity and frequent woodland, old and new punctuate your walk with history and an enthusiastic sense of community....
