On the morning of Sunday July 29th a group of holiday makers enjoyed the local scenery on foot. Participants were dropped off just west of Beachy Head and then walked back to their hotel on the seafront. The route was easy, suitable for children and adults, and mostly downhill.
On the way Beachy Head lighthouse was admired from the cliff tops and a brief visit was made to the Countryside Centre. Clear sunny weather meant the panoramas were extensive in all directions with views to Selsey Bill in the west and Dungeness in the east.
With improving summer weather walking is a great way to enjoy the countryside around Eastbourne. From the town centre buses run to and from many local places such as Beachy Head and Alfriston on the South Downs and to Pevensey Castle and the lower lying coast to the east.
Cycling around Eastbourne
At last the dryer weather may be encouraging us to get our bikes out and go exploring. There is an extensive network of cyclepaths and bridleways in and around the Eastbourne area just waiting to be discovered.
National Cycle Network Route 21 enters Eastbourne from the north and comes via Shinewater Park down to the main seafront. From there level routes can be followed east to Sovereign Harbour and Pevensey or west (partly on the road) towards the town centre and main seafront facilities.
For the more energetic the nearby South Downs and Beachy Head area offer more hilly terrain but allow access to attractive countryside and local villages. Cyclists, along with horse riders and walkers, can legally use bridleways but not footpaths which are restricted to pedestrians only. The Ordnance Survey maps show rights of way and are obtainable from numerous local outlets.
A calendar of rides and walks takes place during the summer.
Plant of the month
This is especially for the chocoholics amongst you as the flower is distinctly chocolate-scented.
Cosmos atrosanguineus was first introduced to Britain in 1835 and originated in the scrublands and meadows of Mexico. The name Cosmos is from the Greek for beautiful and atrosanguineus is from the Latin for a deep blood-red colour.
Currently the plant is in flower near the cafe in Hampden Park and is one of a collection of plants being used in a new garden area there.
