Stuart Reeve posted on November 04, 2009 09:21
A good day was chosen for the inaugural trip down the River Cuckmere as it was one of the few days this summer where it didn’t rain the whole day.
The trip started out from Alfriston which is an old Sussex village which is most notable for Clergy House which was the first building to be purchased by the National Trust in 1896 for £10.
The river was quite thin and windy at the put in and the tall reeds added to the feelings of trepidation. One crack CAP troop happened to say that it reminded him of his days on patrol in ‘Nam where you had to watch your back ‘cause Charlie could be anywhere’.
As the journey continued, the river gradually grew wider until we reached a bridge and everyone struggled to find there way down a particularly shallow part. Plenty of plastic was left behind at this point as the rocks took no prisoners. As the river wound it’s way through the countryside there was plenty to see in the beautiful valley including a white horse that had been cut into the hill.
After about 5 miles we reached our lunchtime destination on the beach at Cuckmere Haven. Food was consumed and then it was decided that anyone who felt up to it would have a little surf in the sea.
After an hour of play we headed off to paddle a short way back up the river to where the cars had been left at the Seven Sisters Country Park. It was a great day and everyone’s sunburn bore testament to how good the weather had been. Hopefully this trip will be made next year with a bit more tide to go out with and a bit more surf to have fun in.