South Downs Way

Pycombe → Upper Beeding

Distance: 7.08 miles
Ascent: 789 metres
Duration: 2 hours 29 minutes

A very wet day
« Not walked | Not walked »

Although the South Downs Way runs through he normally-dry South, every time we've tried to walk sections of the path the weather has hampered our plans. Today was no different: rain and high winds made the walk pretty unpleasant, and we stopped short of our 13-mile target at Upper Beeding.

Early in the walk, the path passes Saddlescombe Farm, which is well worth a few minutes' exploration. The official guide book mentions the farm's traditional donkey-wheel, which would have provided power; part of this was visible in a boarded-out loft. But if this doesn't seem enough of a reason to stop, the farm also provides cream teas and lunches.

When we reached the road to Devil's Dyke the rain started but we foolishly plodded on, hoping it to be a passing shower. It wasn't. Three miles later and soaked to the bone we called it a day.