Today we cycled from our hotel in Hove to the top of Chanctonbury Ring for the scattering of the ashes. Chanctonbury Ring was a prehistoric fort dating back about 2000 years, which was later developed by the Romans before it was later abandoned and turned back into farmland. It sits on a high peak on the Sussex Downs, and has stunning views of the surrounding country side. It has a very definite feeling of peace and a good place to appreciate Mother Nature.
The first 8 kms were Westwards along the seafront and through the industrial parts and the Port area, and were not much to look at, but then we turned North along the River Adur. The path then became traffic free and pleasantly scenic.
After we passed through Steyning, the big climb to Chanctonbury Ring began, and it was hard going and very hot. The route went from a narrow tar road to a gravel path which seemed to be a never ending huge climb.
We met all the family at the top, had a nice picnic and then scattered the ashes. The ancient site is truly beautiful and peaceful.
The ride up took us 2 hours and the return trip down only 1 hour, making a total of 42 kms.
We met everybody again on the Hove beachfront at 6pm for drinks which was very pleasant.
The sea is quite calm here and there are lots of Stand Up Paddlers. The beach is very stony, so one has to wear rubber sandals to walk down to the sea.
A very pleasant day.
The view from the top of Chanctonbury Ring.
No comments:
Post a Comment