New Shoes

BURGESS HILL, WOLSTONBURY HILL AND DITCHLING LOOP

I often do a walk with C but she had other engagements on this morning. I'm not averse to walking on my own. I probably look a bit of a crazy old bat, tumbling through the brambles in random rural locations but actually, I quite like it. It's my thinking time and my non-thinking time. It was expected to be about 30 degrees so I left before the kids had gone to school so as to be up the worst bits before the heat became too oppressive. I also have some new shoes.

Probably a good idea to gently break in a new pair of walking shoes but stupidly, I slung on some rather worse for wear socks and, with much enthusiasm for this endeavour, got on my way.

A word on shoes: I've had a pair of women's Scarpa Cruxes for a while and I use them for any lengthy slog, be that shopping or a quick hill walk. They're a bit sturdier than a trainer but not as hefty as a proper walking boot. Scarpa make climbing shoes and this is what you might call an 'approach shoe'. The best thing is, I've found them super comfy and just stiff enough to stop my wayward cankles doing me an injury. The Sussex countryside is full of mud and slippery chalk and these seem ok. I've had a few models.

I asked the internet to review something similar to replace my battered feet carriages and it offered up some other brands like La Sportiva. I thought I might assess them for fit. I didn't want the hassle of ordering online and return postage so I went to a shop, many shops. Could I try any of these shoes on? No. Either not available or not in my size. The other thing I wasn't too impressed by was that the tongue on my old Crux pair was unstitched to the toe which meant the tiniest puddle or rain shower made your feet wet. Enough walking and they'd probably dry out but it seemed a bit of an error. So I stuck to what I know and but bought the Crux Gortex ones in the hope they'd stitch conventionally. I had to order them from Germany. Seems crazy. All good though.

Taking the road on the east side of the station and through to Batchelors Farm, you cross the railway bridge. It is essential to wave at the trains here. Continuing through Nightingale Meadows to cross London road and join the green circle. Met a lovely fresh and bouncy spaniel here. Many dog walkers and joggers, first thing.

You then head south, bearing west to join Belmont Road. Cross Hurst Road. Lady doing excellent garden here. Panicked at the fast approaching runner when I spotted a shrew trembling on the path. Popped it in the hedge to prevent it becoming a dog snack. Continue south through the fields to a house with a pond. Turn west on a path with a splendid view of Wolstonbury Hill to join New Way Lane before heading straight for the trees and up it. Made a short sweaty ascent and slumped by some cow pats at the trig point

 Continue south then east to the Three Greys Riding School. Gorgeous horses rolling and scratching. Just before reaching the main road, Clayton Hill, a path runs south with the road. The horses obviously use it but the stingers were tall.

Cross the road and join the South Downs way through the golf course. A coffee and cake-selling horsebox is advertised at the Jack & Jill Windmills and you can get a little closer to both by detouring north along Mill Lane. I continued up. I had drained my water by this point and a rest stop at Ditchling was calling.

When the path levels off, you can head down Burnthouse Bostall. There are a few paths here but make sure to be on the slope to the east of the valley to Underhill Lane.

Head North past Everflyht Vineyard. The Monday Group had not long provide new walking furniture in these parts. You'll reach Neville Cottages in no time and continue north, through the houses to the junction of Clayton and Beacon Road. I continued up South Street to The Green Welly.

This won't be the first mention of this establishment. I was clearly quite sweaty and a little dishevelled when I reached the café. The lady behind the counter took my order for a pot of tea and asked whether I would like anything else. I said I'd sit down and decide. She looked at me with concern and offered me water. I asked if she could fill my water bottle. 'Certainly'. That wasn't enough - she offered me a further glass.

When I had composed myself and slurped some tea, I returned for a sausage sandwich with less of a sense of urgency. Some Ditchling locals celebrated a birthday with an impromptu sing and a dog with the same name as my daughter eyed my sandwich, expectantly. A black lab helpfully wagged his tail at all the excitement.

Onwards on West Street, cut across the churchyard and past the Ditchling Museum to Lodge Hill Lane and on to Oldlands Windmill. I can never pass Ladylane on Lodge Hill without hearing Bob Dylan's Lay Lady Lay. I don't know why. Take Oldlands Lane north to Ockley Lane. Walk carefully along the road to the Water Tower and Batchelors Farm. Rejoin the route out at the railway bridge. You know what you need to do.