South Downs National Park and East Sussex

Downland Memories

Distance: 9.74 miles
Ascent: 370 metres
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes

26. Download walk from Telscombe

Distance: 12.58 miles
Ascent: 510 metres
Duration: 3 hours 51 minutes

28. Lewes, Balmer Down and the River Ouse

My worst ever experience with cows was on the stretch of the South Downs Way climbing from Cricketing Bottom to Mill Hill near Rodmell. Our write-up from that day doesn't mention the herd that refused to get out of the way, the bull that subsequently ran at us, and the frantic fence-hopping that ensued, but I remember it well. Walking in the opposite direction today I met a similarly recalcitrant beast and used the same technique to exit the field but at least this time I wasn't so panicked by the experience.

But don't let this put you off this stretch of the Downs. The lofty path above Standean in particular is a delight, with the sea on the horizon and miles of rippling countryside ahead.