Easter in Eastbourne

Back from another great break with EFOG. Easter weekend in Eastbourne was cool but not very wet and the sun did not desert us completely. The journey there went smoothly; the mid-morning travel avoided potential Bank Holiday crowds, giving us time to look round and have lunch before booking into the hotel. Many of us even had sea views.

Saturday was the “long walk” day – for most – walking up and down all of the Seven Sisters. A few of us did a shorter walk - from East Dean to Belle Tout Lighthouse, then to Birling Gap, where we fortuitously met up with the others for a bite to eat before going on with them to Beachy Head and thence to Eastbourne. The Downs were lovely, the views spectacular, even under an overcast and occasionally drizzly sky.

Unfortunately, because of her leg injury, Lynne was unable to join the walks this weekend. However, she found lots to do, including visiting some of the places we walked to – and giving us ideas of places to visit if we had time. We also had the pleasure of Parviz's company on the walks and Frances's company in the evenings.

The evening meal that night was particularly good – the huge, “pink” moon fantastic. There's sure to be a photograph here – Paul may have difficulty choosing which one to use.On Sunday most of us took the bus to Alfriston, a lovely “olde English” village. Soon we were back up the hills and on the South Downs again, searching for The Long Man of Wilmington. On the way we saw a chalk horse in the distance and some hang-gliders (it was certainly a good day for it). We were treated yet again to fantastic views, good walking and, of course, splendid company.

Some thought the long man needed a bit more definition (he was better seen at a distance perhaps) but we greeted him anyway. The weather was improving all the time – no rain today – so delicious ice-creams were enjoyed by many when we got back to the village. Back to Eastbourne, where there was plenty of time for a lovely stroll through the gardens, shopping or just “chilling” out near the sea before another nice meal – and “bingo” for those who fancied it. Did anyone win this time?

Quite a few of us used the 'Hop On Hop Off' bus on Monday to re-travel to places we had already seen and to go to places we had missed. We did brave the top deck at first – but the wind was a bit strong on the second bus we boarded (less cover). It was good to be able to “just look” rather than concentrate on walking as well. It was a good way to end the break – before what proved to be a pretty easy journey back home. Thanks for organising it, Ken.

Pam, 7th April 2015