From Chantry Farm where I stayed I took a different route, direct north and upwards to reach the top of the Downs directly bypassing Pyecombe.
The only problem was to cross the A273 to go up to the Jack and Jill windmills. Had to walk along for a bit, but most drivers were very considerate. It is on of those places that are more impressive from afar then from nearby. Yesterday I could see the windmills from a long way off, so I was looking forward to see them up close. But when I got there they were surrounded by trees and the only shot worth taking was from the car park.
As both Mills were closed I could not get any closer either.
I admire all these people queueing to pay respect to the Queen. I wonder if they have the same feeling: having queued for 12 hours, they have only a few minutes (or less?), to pay their respects, and then it's all over. What would people remember most, the time in the queue with all the others , or the few moments in Westminster Hall?
The same for my journey too. My destination is Canterbury Cathedral. But I probably won't be there a long time. I have seen it before, and probably would like to go home. Why do it then? It's the journey, the walking, meeting different people and the achievement.
Today was an achievement. Not because of the length or the height, but this one was more one and the same.
From Jack and Jill the next stops is Ditchling point, the highest point on the South Downs.
And the views are gorgeous, but having to walk for what feels like hours with similar views gets a bit same-y. And and if the path isn't so interesting it gets same-y and therefore tiring.
The final stop was at the beacon on Mount Harry, where in 1264, the Battle of Lewes was fought.
From this it was down to Offham, almost near to sea-level again, nearly 600ft - which me knees are feeling!
In Offham, the church was closed. The route suggested a detour to visit the church at Hamsey, as it has hardly changed since 12th C when it was built. It even does not have electricity. Unfortunately I couldn't see that either as this church was also closed! It does not help morale if you go somewhere special to find it is not open.
Lewes Castle was interesting decorated by an art project. And close to the home of my hosts was St Michael's
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