Taming the 7 Sisters....

Day # 7.  Brighton to Eastbourne.

The toughest day so far. Pouring rain most of the day, slowing only after 3.00pm to allow the temperature to drop to about one degree with strong winds from the north—on my left side, as I headed east along my curvy, twisty friend, the A 256. Doesn’t sound too tough, when sitting in a warm room, toasting toes before a log fire. Yours truly was up on the heights of the South Downs as they terminate in the form of the famous white cliffs along the English Channel. In fact, what made it so challenging for me, apart from the constant heavy rain, were the three ascents of 12% gradient hills that rose from sea level, to repeat half an hour later for the next cliff. Only received, or at least noticed, one shaken fist from an irate, driver forced to slow on the narrow twisting highway so as to allow my stately (meaning SLOW) progress on the gradients.

That completes the first 7 days of the walk. Totalling 187 kms, about 109 miles for the unilingual. Pleased with this progress and well ahead, of where I thought that I would be at the end of the first week, especially given all the precipitation that certainly curtails mileage. During my preparation, I was encouraged by my internet friends, long distance walkers all, not to over do it on early stages of the venture. For that reason, I have decided to take a days rest tomorrow, Tuesday, here in Eastbourne, which appears, as I descended into it through the rain, to be a very pleasant large town. Time to do some laundry and other housekeeping.

35.2 Kms. walked today, per pedometer: Cumulative  187.4 kms covered:
Hours of walking today including rest stops: 7 3/4
Type of accommodation: Savoy Hotel Guest house.
Cost of bed & breakfast:  30.00 pounds.