The best I’ve known

Back on the six-miler
in Sussex from my home
it's great to be up here again
the best walk I have known

And that is saying something
as many trails I've trod
several on the continent
and more on English sod

But it's always back to Sussex
which is hardly a surprise
as this is where my home is
where my heart truly lies

Goring beach II

With eyes open wide
whilst the world was still snoring
I went for a walk on
the beach here at Goring
and the sky was as big
as ever skies get
with a hint of blue there
for some sunshine still yet
and the breeze was refreshing
and full in my face
as I put best foot forward
in this lovely place

Walking Days

Around about this time of year
in ones now in the past
my mind has turned to walking
with my brother for a blast
Together we have wandered
many miles o'er many hills
mostly here in Sussex
with the pleasure all that fills

This field we walk

This field we walk
our saving grace
and for result
we love this place
Changing as
the year goes by
and different things
each time we spy
The joy of seeing
running paws
and flapping ears
to much applauds

Three acre field

December in Three acre field
so it’s wellies every time
as mostly it is raining though
sometimes it’s also fine

It’s colder now as well of course
but Obi doesn’t mind
as he still has his run about
and has a lovely time

And we still have a wander round
breathing in the air
and just like him enjoy the fact
of simply being there

A sheep’s lot

A sheep looking chilly
there in the field
caught my eye when just passing
in the Sussex Weald

Forlorn it stood pleading
with a look it its eye
“Could it come with me?”
as I wandered by

Thwarted

I felt like a wander
out to the Loop
six miles again over the Downs
But the rain paid a visit
its objectives upheld
resigned to stay home with some frowns

And yes I agree with you
strongly in fact
the weather shouldn’t get in the way
but I tell you the stair rods
falling out there
made their point as they had their say

My southern hills

Last time I came along this way
it was chalk upon my feet
Clouds of dust cooked by the sun
in lovely summer heat

But what a change here now to see
now autumn rains have come
the dried out dip now water-filled
reflecting autumn sun

November reflections

Clouds in the field
and up in the sky
caught my eye there
as I wandered by
Some in the green
and others in blue
reflecting each other
the fall to eschew

A lucky chap I am

Up on the six mile circuit
these hills retain their charm
bathed in an autumn sunshine
they bring a certain calm
And wandering by these hedgerows
with berries bright and red
this is the perfect place to be
o’er anywhere else instead
So I put best foot forward
and walked because I can
so conscious of the simple fact
a lucky chap I am

With the sun upon my brow

I’d like to go out walking
but need legs to get me there
and as one’s out of action
and I don’t have a spare
I’m having to make do
with sitting with a smile
as a hobble and a limp is all
I’ll manage for a while

Because I can II

At the back end of August
with pause to regale
thoughts turned to the hills
and the much followed trail

So I put best foot forward
and headed out there
knowing it always
has much more to share

No selfishness here
it has so much to give
and for these Sussex hills
there’s reason to live

The hill, the view and breath taken

Walked through the woods
as it wended its way
uphill all the way to the Ring
The weather was kind
and we didn’t mind
as no waterproofs did we bring

The Circle III

The Circle, a walk
the morning quite warm
and three of us here for a change
showing others the view
made it all seem like new
though the route I did not rearrange

Better with more

I quite like walking by myself
although company is best
out here in the countryside
to spark an interest

I can comment on a lovely view
but it’s a bit one-sided
Nice to have alternative
when in a friend confided

I can put a best foot forward
but it’s also nice to pause
encouraged by companions
unbound by rules or laws

My hidden way

Took myself back round the Circle
starting with Mill Hill
heading to the chalky Slonk
my boots with joy to fill
Said hello to rabbits
and horses in the field
Took in long the valley view
across the Sussex Weald

Together

We all went up to Bignor Hill
the six of us as one
It wasn’t actually raining
but there wasn’t any sun
Yet none of us we cared one jot
as this was perfect weather
for a long walk in the countryside
the six of us together

With best foot forward

With best foot forward
I take to the hills
following each chalky trail
It’s different each time
and abundantly fine
bring joy every time without fail

Bringing joy

Never fails the trail
regardless of the time
that I have traced my steps up here
when the weather’s fine
Well trod chalk the wayside flower
the blue sky and the sun
combine here in God’s country
bringing joy whene’er I come

Circular

It’s around about six miles
twelve thousand steps or so
a circle up above the town
where to the hills I go
It works in both directions
but the better one I think
is via the park up to Slonk Hill
with pause to take a drink

Happy Place

I’ve found again my happy place
I’ve been away too long
but pleased that I was back again
my heart was filled with song
and beaming as I found my gait
with rhythm in my stride
I laughed and grinned with pleasure there
in Sussex countryside

Of Beacons and Mud

Went for a walk for a birthday
All of us met at the Star
heading off to the Beacon
via Falmer so not all that far
Up through the woods over Stanmer
frolicking under the trees
rained a lot here so the mud was
quite frequently up to our knees

Thoughts of walking

My brother sent a text
reminding me to book
some dates in May when
we’ll take another look
and with a best foot forward
and packs and beating heart
we’ll head into the Sussex hills
another walk to start

Tottington Wood

To Tottington Wood
in the mud and the rain
resolute and determined
we seven we came
And with best foot forward
we entered the trees
squelching through mud
which came up to our knees

Ditchling Beacon

Ditching Beacon in late summer
with views of Sussex Weald
walking slowly in the heat
cast by the sun’s strong yield

Wolfgang’s with us trotting slow
sniffing here and there
Inquisitive, excited
the moment here to share

By and by we’ll head on home
but an ice-cream first I think
Eating quickly, lest they melt
whilst Wolfgang has a drink

Long Mile Walking

Long Mile walking
Darkening sky
Sun a warm glow in the west
Toe in the water
Cool lapping sea
Smiling at nature’s behest

Walking Sussex 3 (revisited)

10 of 10 in the Jemverse ‘Sussex’ series

Slonk Hill circle to the Dyke,
sky surfers with a beer
Much warmer in the sunshine,
filled our hearts with cheer
Cloud cover in the afternoon
but when the sun came out
It was warmer than we’d felt of late,
of that there was no doubt

Walking Sussex 4 (revisited)

7 of 10 in the Jemverse ‘Sussex’ series

Beachy Head to Birling Gap,
the lighthouse red and white
The Seven Sisters rolling cliffs
made an awesome sight
Day four of walking Sussex
and this one by the coast
The hottest day we’ve had so far
and the week is gone, almost.