South Downs Way - South Harting to Cocking

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A much better day today after the drenching yesterday. The sun shining through the clouds and with a gentle breeze to make it ideal for walking. Most of the walking either along the tops of the Downs with glorious views or through shady woods with the birds singing. The Way was not too crowded considering it is a Bank Holiday Sunday and in fact there were quite a few stretches were I did not see a soul. Those that were about were either fellow walkers or cyclists on mountain bikes.The Way appears to be a mecca for those on mountain bikes who are taking up the challenge to cycle the whole length.
Along that part of the Way I travelled today is Uppark, a National Trust property,which I managed to visit. It's a 1690's country house which had to be rebuilt after a devasting fire in 1989. The NT have done a marvellous job in restoring it and needless to say it was very crowded being a bank holiday. The house has another minor claim to fame in that H.G.Wells' mother served as a maid at the house and it is mentioned in some of his books.
I have now covered 36 miles and by tomorrow evening I should be close to halfway to Eastbourne. Let us hope the weather holds.

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Photos

South Harting from Harting Down
The walk today got off to a fine start with views of not only South Harting but also the Rother Valley

Plenty of sheep about
The sheep seem to have been sheared early ready for a hot summer!!!

Struggling cyclists
The long climb up to Cocking Down from Cocking was a challenge for these cyclists. Fortunately I was going in the opposite direction

Uppark House
Set in wonderful surroundings and having glorious views

Uppark House
Well worth a visit if you are in the area

Comments

[Jayne Adams]

A much better day for you - what a lovely part of the country. Great pics and I am sure Uppark House was very interesting. Good luck and fingers crossed for the weather for the rest of the week. My garden cabin has been erected today so great excitement here at no 28! Take care - love Jayne xxx

[Alex]

Stay away Rain
Thank goodness the rain stayed away! Well done. Alex