From the Sea to the Deans

Looking out over Ovingdean, with Woodingdean beyond

I’m abroad again writing this, so I missed the Albion fail to make the Championship play-offs. I’m not arsed, because the thought of a thrilling knock out comp and a possible trip to Wembley, all on Seagulls Player on my laptop, was too much to contemplate. Next year, next year.

The undercliff walk at Ovingdean

I had a couple of ale rambles at the end of March before flying out to work again, that’s why it looks hot in these phots – it was back in March. I believe you’ve all been freezing and soaking lately, bless.

Sunhattery badging from the Seagulls Shop and Casual Connoisseur

This was a good walk (5 miler) around the ‘Deans’, especially Rottingdean. I was lucky with the sunny views and fresh air, and writing about them now is making me properly homesick.

I was outside here before opening time

I cycle the undercliff walk from Brighton Marina to Saltdean fairly regularly, but this hike on the hills above the sea beats the cycling hands down, and I’m going to walk it in all weather in future. Sussex is the most beautiful part of the country in my opinion, if you live here and don’t get out on foot and see it, you doing yourself a real injustice.

A pint of Harvey’s – walking fuel

The Grange, Rottingdean, where Rudyard Kipling lived from 1897-1902

Heading west from Rottingdean and up onto Beacon Hill

“The Connoisseurs” tee

Looking east toward St. Dunstan’s Home for the Blind

Heading west towards Roedean & Brighton

I never get tired of this place

Come Over The Dyke

The weather’s been great lately eh? I picked up a copy of this little book over in Battle last week. It’s got some great walks in it, and of course, as there can no ramble without a beer en route, each hike has a pub on it.

Here are the phots from ‘Walk 27 – Devil’s Dyke‘. A three miler with a naughty climb out of Poynings up to the Devil’s Dyke Inn. I had a crisp pint of Bitter & Twisted after that one. Job done.

More walks will follow until I’m dragged away again for work.

Jake Wright is a Seagull

Great news. Although Crawley Town fans tell me he’s a natural centre back it looks like Wright will slot into cover Jim McNulty at left back. The new signing played for us at Torquay and was man of a very poor match for us.

Hearts were the SPL club interested in signing him, and offered a lot more money for Wright, but he seems to like life in Sussex. Good lad!

Russell Slade has made quite a few signings this summer, pre-season has been poor, but the buck stops next Saturday 8th August.