things change

Before starting a South Downs walk from Ditchling Beacon we stopped in Ditchling village for a morning coffee. The café on the crossroads has had a chequered history. We can remember when it was a rather splendid deli and cafe, and then it became a rather formal restaurant / café. It is now a café, and just a little odd. The tables and chairs are clearly old canteen furniture and arranged just like in a canteen! The café has only been going for 6 weeks, so hopefully the owners are waiting on some decent furniture.

On to Ditchling Beacon where there is a National Trust car park which is now pay by mobile phone only. What a palaver! After the sixth attempt to enter three different card numbers the automated system failed to accept any of the card numbers. We gave up and took our chance with non-payment. The walk from the Beacon to the Jack and Jill windmills has panoramic views all the way. There is also a large, free car park at the windmills which might be a better option the next time.

Back to the village for tea at The Bull. There can’t be a darker pub lounge, but it’s cosy and welcoming.

Finally, who was the smart gentleman standing outside the village hall, looking like he was selling matches but who we think was selling poetry? He was there when we arrived and there when we left, 4 hours later.