On my walk this morning, I came within 62 miles of London as on my rather laborious way up Rye Hill I stopped to catch my breath by the old milestone, and looked about me. It was 6.45am and a cuckoo was calling in the distance.
At the entrance to Leasam Lane, there is a little footpath that leads off to the right. On an impulse, I took this route for some wonderful scenery around the back of Rye Hill and into the sunken lane which is rarely walked these days; then climbing back to Leasam and down to Rolvenden Farm, by a narrow track that would not have permitted social distancing – had I encountered an oncoming walker.
In the distance was St Mary’s Church sitting comfortably abreast its hilltop and the white awning covering the George Hotel was clearly visible. There is a stand of trees down by the Tillingham River, which used to be home to a heronry, now sadly deserted, but my heart was lifted by the sight of the young lambs frolicking on the slopes, defying the bleating of their solicitous dams.
On my way back into town, I passed this sign which seemed an encouragement, to all those who are fit enough, to take exercise in the open air and discover the beauty of nature on these fine Spring mornings.
There are so many inviting footpaths around the town, mostly well maintained by the East Sussex CC Rights of Way team. The question can be put: how well do we know the country walks around where we live? They are worth the finding out.
Image Credits: Kenneth Bird .