The Hurtwood Inn in Peaslake is our base this weekend.
After a frosty night and an excellent breakfast (no parkrun for us today), all 13 of us assembled by the village cross amidst a mayhem of mountain bikers.
We were soon on our way, on a path that seemed to be forbidden to some of us.
Sue produced a box of specially concocted Nanaimo Bars. Delicious!
Holmbury Hill was reached after a forest walk. Views stretched to Canary Wharf in the distance, and in the other direction across the wealds of the Downs.
Here's the view across the Weald.
We continued on good paths, very cold in the dips, towards several more viewpoints, on this lovely sunny day.
Pitch Hill provided more good views.
We passed a windmill on our way to our lunch stop at Reynards Hill.
During the day we encountered many mountain bikers, hikers, students practicing map reading, and dog walkers. All enjoying the fine, dry weather.
Soon after lunch, Robin and Jenny took a shortcut back. The rest of us - me, Sue, Tom, Mac, Phil, Sue, Mike, Jess, David, Richard and Jenny - continued to another viewpoint.
By now the sun was close to setting, lighting the trees from our position in a long sunken lane.
Some edible mushrooms were found, as well as this 'Poor Man's Licorice'.
We were back by 4pm, to the inn, where the mayhem of mountain bikers was continuing unabated.
Here's our route - 16km with a bit of ascent, taking a leisurely six hours or so.