10:43:47
10:45:37
The trains were a bit disrupted today, and it seemed to take a long time to get to Hassocks - an hour into my journey and I'd only made it as far as East Croydon.11:04:28
Still, things did improve a bit from there on, as there was plenty of space in fake first class on the Thameslink.11:20:57
..and once out of London there were lovely views of the countryside to be had.
11:51:02
After arriving in Hassocks, I decided to follow country lanes to Ditchling Beacon.11:53:53
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12:00:34
12:01:10
Quite delighted to be out in the countryside.12:02:27
New vineyard / winery.12:02:33
A misty view of the downs.12:02:53
12:03:28
Blackberries - alas I hadn't brought a suitable container to collect them.12:03:32
12:04:54
Sheep and the downs.12:04:57
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12:08:52
Underhill Lane.12:12:32
This sort of thing drives me absolutely nuts.
12:14:54
Attempting to recreate a photo from a couple of years ago...12:15:17
...although it was February the previous time, with a dusting of snow on the downs...12:16:23
That new winery again.12:20:24
The ascent of Ditchling Beacon.
12:25:18
12:26:52
Views part way up.12:28:13
12:28:35
Scabious - possibly Devil's bit rather than field scabious?
12:30:01
More views further up the hill.12:33:29
12:36:02
12:37:23
Some kind of memorial tree.
12:38:28
Still quite misty when I reached the top.12:40:10
The trig point atop Ditchling Beacon.12:40:18
Me looking a bit worn out atop Ditchling Beacon.12:40:31
12:42:08
12:43:18
I rather like this photo.12:44:03
12:45:32
12:55:31
Settling down for lunch for a bit, in a nice spot just off the path atop Ditchling Beacon.13:02:04
With some Gevrey Chambertin to accompany lunch.13:03:36
Although my dehydrated camping meal was probably not deserving of the accompanying fine wine.13:06:36
My little campstove.
13:23:44
A novel solution to prevent knocking over the wine glass / bottle.13:27:08
The view from where I ate lunch.13:32:53
Cheers.13:32:55
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Video of the view.13:37:57
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The sky starting to clear a bit now.13:40:01
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14:01:22
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Heading back towards Hassocks now.14:04:06
14:04:52
What a difference a blue sky makes!
14:09:18
Looking very pleased to be outdoors.14:15:40
14:16:30
Nice dew pond.14:23:48
14:24:08
These South Downs Way signposts always make me smile.14:24:54
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Chalky tracks.14:32:01
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14:36:44
Near the Jack and Jill windmills.14:36:48
14:37:52
A little coffee truck.
14:37:57
One of the Jack and Jill windmills.14:38:00
The view from near the windmills.14:39:45
14:40:17
Heading down the hill to Clayton.
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Last glimpse of the downs before getting the train at Hassocks.15:32:52
...and some more Gvrety Chambertin in fake first class on the train on the way home.
16:53:01
Not sure why this was necessary.