Success: Gldyne to Seaford

The day started off quite early with a tube ride to Victoria station from Hammersmith. I met all the walkers at this station where we then proceeded to catch a Southern train down to the station called Glydne where we began our 7hr journey.

The walk from Glydne to Seaford was not clearly defined as in there wasn’t a specific mapped out track you simply follow. We had a printed guide with instructions on where to go and things to look out for. We also had a compass to help us navigate when we turned up at forks in the roads or at T-intersections.

I’ve never been on a walk like this before with a compass and instructional maps but it is something I need to learn, especially the compass navigation. I would just go on a walk/hike and follow a path and not have a care in the world or which way to go next. So when others were navigating and shouting out instructions, it was kind of weird.

I’m also quite used to walking in the bush under a canopy of trees and up rugged mountains with stones or rocks you can slip on. So trudging through the English fields and climbing lush green hills without any tree cover was out of the ordinary. Luckily the walk wasn’t too boring as we went across fields, through small forests and also down along the coast.

We went through different towns along the way with recognized points of interests on the map – this being the pub. For lunch we sat in a garden in a petite town called Alfriston enjoying our rolls and some of us even headed to a pub for bangers & mash. Something very out of the ordinary – you usually enjoy a nice feast after the hike not during it but hey, whatever tickles your fancy!

The chalk cliff faces down at the Seven Sisters were amazing. Too bad my camera kept being a nuisance and not being able to focus due to the focus mirror occasionally popping out of place. After each shot I would have to put the mirror back into place and then take another shot. This got a bit annoying so I just ended up using my backup Canon compact digital camera.

We celebrated one of the walkers birthday on the train (happy birthday Colin!). We didn’t have much of an opportunity on the walk since we were required to get back to Seaford on time to catch the train as a few of us had priori commitments that evening. We handed out cake portions not only to all the walkers but a several people on board the train. It was rather amusing but quite enjoyable.

The hike from Glydne to Seaford was successful. After 23km and practically 7hrs in the sun, a little burnt and sore but nonetheless quite content that the walk (not hike) was completed injury free. I’m glad to say that my left foot is 100% healed after this enduring test.

I polished the great day walking with a big bowl of beef noodle soup at a Vietnamese restaurant down near Canary Wharf. It is out of the way to where I currently live but it was definitely worth the effort and wait in the queue. That place was rather popular and I can see and taste why!

I Have to thank the organizers of the trip and everyone who attended this pleasant day.

smiles