This morning started with rain, so for the first time I left my overnight place with rain coat & rain trousers on. Because of the rain I put my camera away, so not many pictures today!
After walking through Houghton it went steeply up the moors following the South Downs Way. I thought with the rain I would be the only person, but when I took a breather, an elderly couple overtook me... On the top there wasn't much to see of course, but it was wet and warm, so my rain gear became also wet on the inside. But at least I stayed warm.
After a while the route went of the downs to go to Storrington, home to a Catholic Priory & of course an Anglican Church. I toyed with the idea to bypass Storrington, as that meant I did not of to climb twice!
But I did go down. In the rain the chalk paths get very slippery! So I fell, I didn't hurt myself, but it's difficult to get up with a backpack on...
Once in Storrington, I had a quick look at the Catholic Priory Church, but it was all nicely carpented and I was very wet and grubby. So I went next door to the Anglican Church (St Mary's) and got to the tail end of their coffee morning! Which resulted in a nice cup of coffee and a chat with Vicar Kathryn. By the time left there it had cleared up and after winding my way through Storrington the path went up again. Just before the Downs proper there was this little church in Sollington (St Mary's).
By this time the weather had cleared enough for the camera to be used again
But it was not very clear yet and the tops of the Downs were still in the clouds. For people who did not want to climb there was an lower alternative route, so I decided to take that. Am easy and straightforward route through beautiful countryside. I saw some Buzzards from close up calling to each other.
I also walked this beautifully covered lane.
After crossing the A24 I got to St Mary's in Washington. I had a nice break there, they were very hospitable even though no one was present. I could have just made myself a cup of coffee or use the toilet as everything was open and unlocked! Nice comfy chairs to and running an Alpha Course.
After Washington I had another choice: i could either continue on the easy route and finish early or go up the Downs again. I did the latter and after quite a steep climb again, I met some other walkers who did a three day section of the South Downs Way. I was jealous of there light day packs!
On the top of the Downs here is the Chanctonbury ring, an old Iron Age Fort
Plus some cows nicely positioned in front of the wonderful views!
As I was taking pictures I did not pay attention and slipped on the wet grass and fell again!
Then it was time to go down again and head towards Steyning. I arrived at 5:15pm at my hosts for the night. They are members of St Andrews and St Cuthman Church and they invited a few others including the Vicar for the meal and so I concluded today with very nice company!
