Berwick Circular, 24 June
CUCKMERE PILGRIM PATH (Berwick Circular) 10 miles, plus optional 2+ mile extension.
ROAD SAFETY – Please, please, please – single file on all roads. Country lanes have local traffic and cyclists (silent and fast). The roads are a shared space. The A27 – busy and fast traffic
Trains: Victoria 08.54; change Lewes (arr 9.56 leave 10.14); arr Berwick 10.25
Please bring sandwich lunch and plenty of water.
The walk: The Cuckmere Pilgrim Path is a circular walk around seven ancient churches passing through the beautiful landscape of the South Downs and Low Weald. We may not complete the full Path on Saturday. From Berwick station, we will head west towards Selmeston (stained glass), Alciston (a possible surprise awaits you), Berwick Church (frescoes) and Alfriston (stained glass). Bring spare change for purchase of postcards etc.
THE TERRAIN – dry, hard, cracked soil. Easier under foot in the afternoon. Some undulation but no big climbs.
STILES – 6 or more decrepit stiles.
LOOS – Lewes station, Alfriston, Sussex Ox pub
LUNCH – Sandwiches at either Berwick Church or Alfriston – 20 mins
The Ramblers Bus (timetable below) is an hourly, circular service from Berwick Station which provides several drop-out opportunities. Including:
Optional drop out 1 – Alfriston after approx 5 to 6 miles (Alfriston features: church, tea rooms, and Clergy House.) Catch Ramblers Bus from Market Square – 10 or 15 mins to Seaford or 40 mins to Berwick. FARE – £2.00 contactless preferred. (Your Berwick return rail ticket may be valid for all or part of the way from Seaford to Lewes.)
Drop out 2 – 0.5 mile walk after Alfriston at Lullington Church. Catch Ramblers bus back to Berwick Station. Please contact bus company directly to determine exact spot for Lullington Corner – 01323 870 920
The rest of us will cross the Cuckmere, follow the river, then through some fields to The Sussex Ox pub, Milton, for a quick drink stop. And then on to Wilmington Church – stained glass and 1,600 year old yew.
Drop out 3 – Long Man pub, Ramblers bus – £2, contactless preferred. This is where the recce ended – 16.40 bus to catch 17.09 from Berwick.
Possible extension – a further 2.5 to 3 miles to take in Arlington Church and reservoir (or this could be a future ramble).
Leaders: Patricia and Sue C. Any enquiries, please contact walks@morleyramblers.uk