EASTBOURNE VISIT 2014
“It’s a warm the west wind, full of birds’ cries”…Well it was quite a warm wind, and it did come from the west, but I’m afraid no one could have heard bird’s cries. Even the seagulls were silenced on Saturday the third of January on top of Beachy Head!
If you remember it was one of the stormiest week ends for years and yet a doughty group of Henley U3A walkers who were visiting Eastbourne refused to be defeated and ventured up on to Beachy Head. It was decided to rely on the weather forecast and the group set off early expecting to miss the worst of the weather. And indeed it was very calm as they climbed up from the town. The planned walk took them down a beautiful grassy valley on springy soft turf cropped by hardy downland sheep well shielded from the wind. The route dropped down to Shooters Bottom (make of that what you will), then up on to the top of the down where they caught the wind – luckily blowing from behind. Sensible walkers that they were, they all kept well away from the cliff edge letting the increasingly strong gusts blow them along. Shelter was found at the top in Beachy Head Inn or outside, and it was even quite easy to sit and eat packed lunches and listen to the elements. The descent was sheltered and dry underfoot.
It was only on reaching the sea front again that the threatened rain began to fall. The walk back along the prom was the most exciting part of the day as it was high tide and the wind was sending the waves crashing on to the foreshore with the crash and roar of the shingle. Yes most of the group did get wet on this part of the walk, but everyone agreed it had been an exciting and stimulating expedition and well worth the soaking. And the climb up to the top had not been nearly as hard as they had feared!
Next day once again starting early and relying on the weather forecast the group set off to walk round the Long Man of Wilmington gleaming white on the hillside. After facing him head on, the path climbed up on the down and round behind him. Ancient bridle tracks climbed steadily giving wide views of the coast below. The path went through a nature reserve and round a fascinating dry valley before coming out on top of the Long Man (who doesn’t look much from above) so a steep climb down on the short springy turf brought everyone back to the cars where – believe it or not – the first drops of rain began to fall.
NB We were sad to find that the whiteness of the carving was due to what looked like concrete blocks. No doubt it was far easier to maintain but it was a bit disappointing.
Once again the stay was a great success, the hotel well up to scratch, Eastbourne was a very pleasant town and the quizzes and evening activities very good fun. Thank you to all concerned.
Jill Kendal