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The Long Man of Wilmington is said to be Britain’s largest chalk figure. Set on the flank of Wilmington Hill he gazes north across the Weald, he is 226ft (69m) long, holding a 250ft (76m) stave in each hand. His origin is unknown, but speculation suggests he could have been created in the Bronze Age, about 4000 years ago; or perhaps he was a product of the Saxons. Who knows? But whoever was responsible for this most famous of downland chalk figures, he was so cleverly created that from whichever angle he is viewed, he is never seriously foreshortened, despite the steepness of the hill.

At the foot of the Long Man there’s a concrete dew pond, and a gate taking a path between fields to Wilmington village. Ignore this and continue ahead, now on the route of the Wealdway. Eventually go through yet another gate to join a more prominent track (muddy after prolonged rain) which eases along the lower edge of beechwoods. Beech gives way to sycamore, ash and horse chestnut, and masses of wild garlic in springtime.