Midhurst Footpath Companions
Walking in Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.

East Dean walk on 2nd November 2022

The weather forecast for the morning was not bad, but rain was forecast for the afternoon. In the event we did have a couple of showers but nothing to spoil the enjoyment of walking in the South Downs. Jennifer took us from the Star and Garter up the road to All Saints church. We paused briefly to find the grave of Christopher Fry, writer of the play The Lady's Not for Burning, his most successful work which gave employment to Richard Burton, Jack Hawkins, John Gielgud and Claire Bloom amongst others. Margaret Thatcher deliberately misquoted him with "You turn if you want to — the lady’s not for turning,"

We then tackled Court Hill and on into Wood Lea before turning to descend North Down and then up North Lane to find an excellent drink stop. Suitably refreshed we headed back up Wood Lea through the woods to the West Sussex Literary Trail. We had to dodge a few fallen trees but all survived to eventually descend into the village of East Dean. Lunch was at the Star and Garter.

All Saints churchyard

Last resting place of Christopher Fry

North wall of All Saints church. Builder on the left couldn't quite make his mind up, then thought "I'll just copy that window next door."

Storming up Court Hill

Rain in Wood Lea

Down towards North Lane

"Who are you looking at?"

Recent winds have been very damaging

But we managed to find a way through

Luckily some parts of Wood Lea were not quite so difficult

Back down into the village, taking a different path past All Saints

It's November, and still a tree full of apples

Star and Garter at last!

Happy walkers before their meal.

Can't think whose sock this could be?

About 5 miles

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