Читать книгу Walks in the South Downs National Park онлайн

48 страница из 55

The path leads directly to Wilmington churchyard. Note the ancient yew tree opposite the church porch. Reckoned to be about 1600 years old, it is one of the oldest trees in England. Wander through the churchyard and out to the village street. For pub refreshments walk left for about 500 yards. The continuing walk crosses the road and goes up a track used as a bridleway. Rising up a slope you come to a section of beechwood where the angle eases to skirt a hill before coming to a track by St Peter’s Church, Folkington, at TQ 559 038.

Alfriston peeps through the trees across Cuckmere water meadows

The 13th-century St Peter’s Church in Folkington has a squat shingle spire projecting from a flint-walled tower. Inside there are box pews, and among the memorials, there’s one to Viscount Monckton, an advisor to Edward VIII in the days leading to the king’s abdication.

Veer slightly right onto the gravel track which takes you past the church and along the foot of Folkington Hill. After a while the track narrows and is enclosed by hedges tangled with wild clematis or old man’s beard. Ignore alternative paths to right and left and eventually, shortly before reaching Jevington, you come to a crossing track. Bear left and soon pass between houses to reach the main street in Jevington, opposite The Old Post Office. Turn right, wander past the Eight Bells pub, and when the footpath rises above the road and curves to the right, enter the churchyard through a swivel gate to arrive at St Andrew’s church where the walk began.