EXCEAT TO FIRLE

28th April 2011:  EXCEAT TO FIRLE


Sandra Elsena Barbara Mick and Ken(taking photo) at Exceat





Elsena in GRACE vest




Barbara Elsena Mick near Firle we hope!

 An overcast day, with occasional sun, but breezy - good for walking. It all went according to plan - Sandra and Ken drove us to Firle, where we met Barbara and Mick (my sister in law and brother in law) at about 10 am. We left their car at Firle, and all went in Ken's car to Exceat, where we parked in the official car park (pay and display) - £3.50 for the day - and set off on our journey walking towards Alfriston and Firle at about 10.30 am. It was a fairly easy start, but gradually got steeper. Just as you think it had levelled off, there would be yet another hill, but this was no comparison to the Seven Sisters! I'm afraid the others had to wait for me going up the steeper hills as I had to keep stopping to stretch my aching legs, or catch my breath! Then I realised I had brought my ventolin inhaler and after using this I could breather a lot easier!! Walking down towards the river and Alfriston was easy. We stopped at Alfriston for coffee and cake, before setting off on the long slow climb to Bostal Hill and then Firle Beacon, stopping occasionally to take in the view, have a drink, or eat a snack. The views all around were amazing and the strong breeze very refreshing. I particularly loved the long flat walks at the top of the hills! We arrived at Firle car park at about 3pm, so not a bad pace. We did 8.5 miles today over hilly terrain (with a half hour stop) in 4.5 hours! Only 81.5 miles to go! ...Next walk will be Sunday 1st May, with Jane, meeting at Newmarket Inn on A27 at 9 am, to drive down and start at Firle, to Newmarket Inn.