Walked from Hastings to Fairlight. Looks short on a map but God what a trek. The lift was down so we (I) had to start off with the steepest climb one can imagine. There was an elderly couple behind me, so to avoid embarrassment I had no choice but to do it in one go, quickly, with beads of sweat falling ceaselessly from my brow like the rain promised by the grey clouds hanging overhead. Somehow the route continued uphill for seemingly 90% of the journey, despite never really getting noticeably higher. People criticise modern day Everest climbers for being rich yuppies helped the whole way by sherpa guides doing the real work, but if its even twice as hard as my hill then they have my awe and adoration forever.

After a little while the sun came out, and while it did leave me more parched and breathless, the views were worth it. Wish I'd brought more water though, what was left in my bottle was gone within the first 20 minutes.

Have attached roughly a million photos to this post, apologies for how similar many of them are but there are a few gems. Had to resist the urge to explore down every little path, there was too much for one trip. I was very tempted by the 'disused quarry' marked on the guidestones but my mouth was too dry at that point to contemplate anything too adventurous.

I went a bit further up past the sign saying the beach was closed due to cliff collapse, but sensibly turned back when I reached a particularly steep area with a guide rope. Maybe another time. I believe that's where the naturist beach is - there was a sign saying "beach ahead: clothing optional", and the existence of such a beach was mentioned in a pamphlet in the only pub in Fairlight. Hardly the weather for it though, even if the cliff was intact. There was an abandoned bike - maybe the owner was down there with his cock on the rocks. Noy for me personally.

The fellow hikers all seemed nice. Lots of "hello"s as you passed and jokey comments about the climb. A very pleasant countryside feel to it all, helped by the fact they all seemed to be retirees. Wouldn't get that in the big city fr fr.

The view really was beautiful. Some great vistas. The sea glittering in blue and white, the sand on the beach, the cool wind rustling through the leaves of a hundred trees and shrubs. You're meant to be able to see France when the visibility is good, and I think I could make out the glow of a lighthouse, though maybe that was just a far off ship.