Bluebells & Blisters - A post by Beverley

With just two weeks to go until we leave for Uganda and the ascent of Mount Egon I decided that it was time for some serious training. Fresh out of my plaster cast, it was time for me to hit the trail - or as we call them in East Sussex, paths!

Starting from Vines Cross I set out for Sapperton Woods -the bluebells have benefitted from a late Spring, in fact this is best I have ever seen them -the scent is heavenly too.

From the woods the path leads into some stunning Wealden countryside.This part of the Sussex Weald was once an industrial landscape. The earth was rich in iron deposits which were worked to make cannons and other weaponry. Today the evidence is in the brown/coppery coloured residue in the streams, cooling ponds (now filled with fish) and some of the local names e.g Furnace Lane and Gun Hill.

Partly following the Weald Way I headed up the hill to Old Heathfield. This tiny hamlet boasts one of the best pubs in the county. The Star is a 14th century Inn nestling in the shadows of All Saints Church. After a brief stop in the pub garden (honestly!) I went to explore the churchyard. Here, amongst some very unusual tombs you can find examples of work by one Mr Harmer. He invented terracotta reliefs for tombstones.

Following the road back towards Vines Cross I stopped to pick up my dog Jazzy and we headed back along the old drover's track towards Maynard's Green and Vines Cross.It was here that I heard my first cuckoo of the season! From the village centre,I crossed the fields which are full of buttercups, and cuckoo flowers to join Vines Cross Road.

Soon I was heading back up the hill through Hidden Springs Vineyard. Its not so long ago that this vineyard was producing wine for HRH the Prince of Wales. Today, there is little evidence of the vines which have been largely replaced with orchards and a camp site.It does,however, have three yurts! These are huge Mongolian tents pitched in the fields above the orchard - they look amazing!
After passing four buzzing bee hives I headed back through the fields to join the track home.
I notched up 15.4K and burnt off 800 calories.I also have the start of two quite impressive blisters- pass the surgical spirit someone!

I'll certainly sleep tonight - and tomorrow those walking boots are going back on.