10:20:52
The view from Blackfriars station, where I changed trains on the way down to Hassocks.10:21:30
11:49:41
After arriving at Hassocks I walked along the road to Ditchling, which apparentlyh means crossing from West to East Sussex.11:57:12
A rather handsome house on the edge of Ditchling.
11:59:37
I had hoped the Black Dog Hill shop in Ditchling might be open for a change, but it never is.12:07:50
So instead I headed to one of the village pubs - the White Horse Inn - for lunch, where happily I discovered they do off sales and had a bottle of Black Dog Hill in the fridge.12:16:57
My halloumi burger and chips was also very nice.12:50:01
Heading from Ditchling to Ditchling Beacon now - this is Plumpton College's Ditchling vineyard.
12:50:12
12:51:31
Some berries.12:51:58
The track which goes alongside Plumpton's vineyard.12:56:35
The next vineyard on my walk, which I think is an extension of Black Dog Hill.
12:59:37
Looking back down over Black Dog Hill's extension vineyard.12:59:43
13:00:25
13:00:52
The wine I had picked up at the White Horse in Ditchling.
13:02:50
Mushrooms.13:07:35
Climbing Ditchling Beacon.13:07:39
13:11:08
13:14:03
13:14:06
13:14:10
Lovely views as I neared the top.13:14:51
13:14:54
13:15:49
The road which goes over the top of Ditchling Beacon. Much loathed by cyclists.13:17:00
More views from Ditchling Beacon.13:19:01
Sheep.
13:19:58
More sheep.13:23:10
Black Dog Hill, looking down over Black Dog Hill's vineyard.13:23:14
...once again with the wine a bit more in focus.13:23:27
13:24:45
Again making use of this handy trick to avoid knocking over the glass and/or bottle.13:26:55
I love this spot on top of Ditchling Beacon.13:35:00
The stopper came in very handy - both for saving the wine for later, and for preventing any insects from getting in.13:38:31
More sheep.
13:40:10
13:40:48
A video of the sheep.13:41:47
Sheep.13:46:14
More of the views from the top.
13:46:33
Me again, looking rather pleased with myself.13:54:50
One last view before I was starting to think about heading off.14:02:30
Sheep as I was heading off.14:02:33
14:04:42
14:08:34
Along the South Downs Way now, views of the sea in the distance.14:11:37
Me walking along the SDW.14:13:15
Once again I found this dew pond made a very interesting subject.
14:13:29
...this photo is perhaps slightly better composed.14:20:36
Love these SDW signs.14:21:14
Chalky tracks.14:24:52
More signs.
14:26:35
More chalky tracks.14:26:38
More selfies.14:31:06
Approaching the Jack and Jill windmills.14:34:12
14:34:26
After passing the Jack and Jill windmills.14:47:02
Last view of the downs on the way to Hassocks station.14:58:58
The path which follows the railway tracks to Hassocks.16:01:57
The view of the London skyline as I was heading back into London on the train looked nice but I wasn't quick enough to get a decent photo of it.
16:41:55
Met Andrew on the way back for some wine at the Boot and Flogger near London Bridge - first of all some Court Garden.17:29:12
Then a 2007 Grand Cru Gevrey Chambertin (!) - from Chambertin Clos de Beze, Domaine Drouhin Laroze. This was wonderfull rich and leathery.19:39:19
Finally rounding off the day at the George Inn.