Graffham to Arundel – to see dear Chip and Fev

A bloke at the campsite saw me pitching my tent and I said I kept things to a minimum and didn’t even have a mattress. He came back with the mattress he puts his dogs on in the car. Smelt alright and it gave me a good kip.

I cut across country in a straight line to Arundel, crossing the downs after 7 or 8 miles. My mate Chip was joining me for a walk the next day. Him and Fev, old school mates of me and Maggie, live on the coast near Arundel and tonight I was stopping at theirs. 

The morning was cool and misty, as it had been for nearly a week. But it gives a good background and effect when you see country houses like this one.

Winter still hung around the lakes scattered about the area, like a grim and miserable guest outstaying his welcome. 

Loved these flowers by the roadside.

And this tree’s roots look like something from Lord of the Rings. Just brilliant.

The sky was clearing a bit as I approached the South Downs, and a touch of sun would be very welcome for these hardy vines. Lots of them!


The River Arun cuts through the Downs and on the valley floor I saw Amberley, which I would be walking to tomorrow with Chip. The sun was nearly there.

It was a decent 14 mile walk and I got into Arundel just after 4pm. Quite a classy old place with the Catholic Cathedral and a historic high street running down to the river.

The sun was really beginning to get his hat on and was coming out to play. Chip picked me up by the bridge over the Arun and the views there were lovely.

We went back to Rustington to their new house and had a very pleasant evening, catching up on each other and the kids and listening to Fev’s amazing playlist.  Until I got tired. Yawn.

113 miles done. Around another 60 to go. 

Night night.