Cliff Tops and Cathedrals

Our journey continues south and west, mainly along the coast but sometimes popping inland. The walk from Birling Gap to Eastbourne via Beachy Head was a highlight. The weather was beautiful and the views majestic, although coastal erosion is not just happening in Norfolk. Huge parts of this route have been moved further inland away from the crumbling cliff edges.

We then made an error in visiting Brighton on a Saturday when there appeared to be a lot of events happening including a treasure hunt, hen and stag groups and people who enjoy that Saturday shopping experience. My worst nightmare! Not the most relaxing morning, especially with a dog who could smell the fish and chips all the way along the sea front! A hasty exit took us to the tiny village of Bramber, where the ruins of a castle can be seen and lots of footpaths to walk along the river. 

The following day took us to Devil’s Dyke, nearly a mile long valley formed over 10,000 years ago in the last ice age. It is the deepest and widest dry valley in the UK and the misty views on a frosty morning stopped everyone in their tracks. 

Whilst we were in Brighton, a lady recommended we visited Arundel which we did to admire the castle and Cathedral up above the antique shop and cafe filled town below. A slippery, muddy stroll took us along the river for views back to the castle. 

From there a quick stop in Chichester to see the Cathedral and then onto Portsmouth. As we drove into Portsmouth in the evening, the sun was setting and the burnt orange sky through ‘The Sail’ is an image I won’t forget. There have been so many moments like that where I’m driving along a fantastic road, with stunning views, great music is playing on the radio and Poppy is sound asleep next to me that are the times I treasure. They make you smile on the inside. 

Our last few days have been spent in the New Forest after our failed attempt to visit Winchester and its Cathedral. Hundreds of hi-vis clad folk and lorries and cranes with lights were in town as they were filming for ‘The Crown.’ A friend wondered if I could sneak in as an extra, but I think Poppy may have been a problem!

We hope you’re all enjoying your January, whether it is your winter or summer where you are reading this. We are finishing our month by taking a ferry to the Isle of Wight, somewhere I’ve wanted to visit since I was little and had one of those coloured sand jars given to me by my grandparents as a holiday souvenir. Funny how tiny things are sometimes the things we remember the most.

Oh, Bother!

‘What day is it?’ asked Pooh.

‘It’s today,’ squeaked Piglet.

‘My favourite day,’ said Pooh.

So, deciding today was a great day and because we were close to Ashdown Forest (the inspiration for the adventures of Winnie the Pooh,) we set off on what was to be a VERY muddy walk! No gloves or hat today, the sun had some warmth to it and there was no wind. We only saw 2 other people on the whole route, but we were accompanied by the sound of woodpeckers and jays in the wood and the squelch of mud and the cracking of ice underfoot as we negotiated frozen puddles and waterlogged fields. 

After our efforts, we called in at the Anchor Inn where we had parked. There were as many dogs as there were people, including a black Labrador puppy called Logan that wanted to make friends with everyone! 

It was such a beautiful day, filled with calmness and lots of gratitude (as well as the MUD!) After a wash for Poppy, my boots and socks, it was time for a cuppa and to plan tomorrow’s adventure…

Five Hundred Acre Wood

How my morning began - someone sneaked under the blankets!

Forest Way

Five Hundred Acre Wood

Back at the van - time for tea!

The Landscape Trail

Pooh Sticks Bridge

Wealdway

South Coast Strolls

Our calling was to the coast again! Margate to see its colourful beach huts, Hastings for its shingle beach and pier, Broadstairs where the sun peeped through to warm us a little and the glorious stretch of beach that is Camber Sands. I also stopped off at the Battle of Britain Memorial between Dover and Folkestone. Such a peaceful place with views along the white cliffs and out across the channel to France.

On a wet day I also visited Leeds Castle (sort of by accident) and was very glad to be inside as the rain was relentless! I loved the library - sumptuous couches, armchairs you sink into, books floor to ceiling and views out across the courtyard from the huge windows. 

Also by accident, following a recommendation from an American friend, I ended up walking in Fredville Park which is home to some truly magnificent ancient trees. There is what is thought to be one of the best examples of a maiden oak in possibly the whole of the country on private land just through the park. You can usually visit ‘Majesty’ as the tree is known with the landowner’s permission, but sadly she was unwell when I went and so is not welcoming visitors at the moment. You can read more about the tree here and see some pictures: https://www.monumentaltrees.com/en/gbr/england/kent/960_fredvillepark/1720/

We found a campsite just outside Canterbury which was great and one evening we walked into town to see the Cathedral all lit up, with the sound of Evensong coming from within.

As I’ve written this and reflected back over the last week, I continue to feel such an appreciation for all the things I’m seeing and learning about our island home.

Broadstairs 

Leeds Castle

Hastings

Margate

Leeds Castle

Camber Sands

Fredville Park

Hastings

Rye

Camber Sands

Canterbury Cathedral

Leeds Castle

Being Inspired and Inspiring Others

From Norfolk we headed south, hugging the coastline and stopped in Aldeburgh in Suffolk. The sky is blue, the sun is out, a free parking space is easy to find and a beautiful walk next to the beach to Thorpeness and back along a disused railway line back to Aldeburgh where the smell of chips was too tempting to resist. Rounded off with an afternoon at Sutton Hoo, this was a pretty perfect kind of travel day. 

Unfortunately the following day was wet, wet, wet! That’s winter travel for you! I decided to visit Colchester Castle museum to stay dry. It has a very impressive collection of Roman artefacts, including the Fenwick treasure hoard. I enjoyed seeing the mosaics and the numerous items of intricately designed jewellery.  Well worth a visit if you like your history!

The rest of our week has seen both sunshine in Southend and showers as we crossed into Kent. It has been lovely to see and catch up with uni friends and their families in Essex and Kent. We realised it will be twenty years since we graduated next year - how time flies!

Finally, after being woken up most mornings by my youngest nephew whilst staying with them over Christmas, it seems the strange auntie he had sleeping on the sofa scrunched up in a sleeping bag is actually rather inspiring - see his back to school work below. I’m not quite going ‘all around the world’ on this trip, but tomorrow we are on the move again to Canterbury.