Walk Your Way

WITH SUSSEX RAMBLERS THIS SUMMER

Summer is approaching and with it the gradual end of lockdown, freeing us to wander across our lovely county writes Philip Buckle from Sussex Ramblers

‘I’ll give my jewels for a set of beads. My gorgeous palace for a hermitage, my gay apparel for an almsman’s cloak. My figured goblets for a dish of wood, my sceptre for a palmer’s walking staff…’ so wrote William Shakespeare in Richard II.

I’m lucky enough to live within sight and easy walking distance of the South Downs and can build my own preferences into my walking. However, the county has lots to offer and when googling ‘walking in Sussex’ I got 39,500,000 hits.

Walking in Sussex often brings people to our iconic coast. It includes one of my favourite walks – from Birling Gap to Cuckmere Sound and back. It’s harder than it looks as the elevation gain over the Seven Sisters is noticeable, but well worth the effort. There’s a pub at one end and café at the other, plus glorious views throughout.

Another favourite route is from Ditchling Beacon to the Jack and Jill windmills at Clayton. An easy walk with stunning views inland and out to sea, and on clear days of the Rampion Wind Farm.

There are plenty of other walks I’ve enjoyed, particularly in the Weald venturing from ancient church to ancient church. There’s Bodiam Castle, St John the Baptist Church at Clayton (with its wonderful frescoes), the Dark Sky areas at Harting Down and Pulborough. The going is never too rough nor too far from transport or refreshments.

There’s growing evidence for the mental and physical benefits of walking; being outdoors, forest bathing, lowered stress levels, aiding better sleep, and helping to treat and prevent depression. To me walking is enjoyable and its own reward and everyone can gain something unique.

As well as the walks printed in this magazine each month, it’s easy enough to organise one’s own walks, individually or with family and friends. Alternatively, contact one of the ten Ramblers groups in Sussex for advice on walking, routes, or groups and walks to join.

Sussex Ramblers’ website lists local groups and walks for the coming months, with registration details at www.ramblers.org.uk/sussex

This summer, Sussex Ramblers will be encouraging everyone to Walk Your Way, as part of a nationwide Ramblers campaign. Whether you’re in search of calming nature or thrilling adventure, whether you’re an ambler, scrambler, experienced rambler or absolute beginner, the Ramblers will be offering ideas, challenges and tips galore to help you enjoy the feeling of freedom that comes from walking in the great outdoors. There will be a series of downloadable Walk Your Way inspiration packs at www.ramblers.org. uk/walkyourway

Find a group walk or develop your own routes. Walk by yourself, with friends or a Ramblers group. But get out there. Respect others, respect the natural and heritage environment, and enjoy yourself. Happy summer walking… l

Sussex Ramblers will be encouraging everyone to Walk Your Way

To help make your summer walking even more joyful, join the Ramblers from £3.05 a month and get a free neck-warmer (until August 31st and while stocks last). You’ll get more out of walking with the Ramblers’ group walks and walking app. Find out more at ramblers.org.uk/join quoting: A21Z6A