Jevington Walks

At this time of year and with the particularly bad weather we've been having, I suppose that it's inevitable that my thoughts should turn to the walks that we have had in different parts of East Sussex, at times of the year when the weather has not been as inclement.

St Andrew's Church, Jevington

Jevington is one of those villages that I love to go and walk Jessie, with my husband. It is situated in a valley, not far from Friston Forest and with the South Downs Way running through it.It is popular with walkers, who use it as a stopping point for lunch, with some stopping for a beverage at the Eight Bells pub, on the main road.

The thing I love about it though is the fact that if you want just a short walk (less than an hour), then there are a few alternatives. I suppose that the only problem is that, being in a valley, any walk involves initially at least, walking up a slope (sounds easier than a hill!). And you, of course, can take your time.

There is a small car park that we have used once we get to the village. From there we have the choice of going on the path leading from the car park or across the road. The first one, from the car park itself is visually stunning right from the start, with fields on either side and the countryside opening up the further you walk up. Once you reach the top, you are on the edge of the forest, with a choice of left or right. We once sat on the bench that was there and watched the planes fly over who were part of the Eastbourne Air Show - wonderful sight. We usually go right as we have wanted to circle the village. One day (in a more adventurous mood) we will go left heading eventually to Butcher's Hole in the forest.

Then you have to be careful not to miss the gate that takes you eventually down to the church, touching part of the South Downs Way. In weather such as we have been experiencing, this part of the path would be nearly impossible to traverse. It is deeply rutted and at times incredibly muddy. We did walk there once when there had previously been some rain. Did I say walk? Rather it was a case of slipping and sliding our way, together with jumping from once side of the path to the other in an attempt to avoid the worst muddy bits.

Of course, if you wanted to avoid that experience, you could carry on walking along the path which meets up (eventually) with the Wealdway and which leads to the main road. A right turn will take you back towards the car park, with a pit stop at the pub for a refreshing brew. It does take a little longer, though.

A Field in Jevington at Harvest

The other route takes you across the road from the car park and up a path alongside the tearooms there. This is another part of the South Downs Way, heading towards Eastbourne (but we don't go that far). It differs from the first walk in that, to start with, there is no view, just hedges either side. Just when you think the hill, no, slope, is never going to end; the hedges disappear and the wonderful views of the Downs can be enjoyed. If you're really energetic, you can follow the path right around to a car park before following another path down to the main road and, eventually, the car park. Our usual walk is a little shorter, with a stile being crossed before the hill levels out to take us through fields and down to the main road to the point where the restaurant 'The Hungry Monk' used to be, which was famed for having created banoffee pie.

Makes me wish I was walking there at the moment, as we have sunshine this afternoon.