Day 29. The Penultimate Day.
A shorter day. We had a game to get to and only 23.5 miles to complete the Bryson Line. We started in the beautiful village of Graffham right below the South Downs. Our party was again bolstered by friends and returning walkers meaning we were seventeen, including the youngest every Liner – 12 year old Tom.
We set off from the church and immediately had to climb 200 metres straight up to find the South Downs Way, a 100 mile trail which runs from Winchester to Eastbourne.On another, clear, hot and sunny day we marched through fields of wheat and barley, dodging cyclists competing in a 100 mile bike trial.
With the temperature nudging the early 30’s it was hot and thirsty work. We passed Toby’s Stone on Bignor Hill, a memorial to Toby Wentworth-Fitzwilliam, the secretary of the Cowdray Hounds.
We came down off the South Down Way after 8 miles, leaving our youngest Liner and three other companions who had to journey some distance to get back to their sofa to watch a certain game. The remaining walkers continued on, now following the river Arun. With three miles to go we came across a beautiful house and garden all set up for a wedding reception. We turned a corner to find wedding guests arriving at St Leonard’s Church. Sadly we did not see the bride but what a day and setting for a wedding!
Arundel Castle soon came into view, a welcome sight on such a hot day. We arrived at the Swan Hotel at 14:40. The rest, as they say, is history.
We really will see you down the Line.