Cliffs at Peacehaven, East Sussex – Image: Rhiannon Harries
Amid lockdown in New Delhi, I’ve daydreamed about hikes in the British countryside. Having lived in Brighton prior to my posting in India, hiking on the South Downs was one of my favourite weekend activities…breathing in the clean, crisp air and enjoying views out to the English Channel.
The purpose of this short photo blog is to inspire you to don the hiking boots and get out roaming the British countryside. We’re so lucky to have it and our many rights of way, which are for all of us to enjoy.
The South Downs
The South Downs – Images: Rhiannon Harries
Spanning from Winchester in Hampshire across to Eastbourne in East Sussex, the South Downs offers a beautiful 160km of walking trails. One of my favourite stretches to wander is Hassocks to Lewes, easily accessible by train at both ends and manageable most of the year round. A benefit of the South Downs being chalky is that it rarely gets as muddy as some other walking trails!
The Seven Sisters Cliffs, East Sussex – Image: Rhiannon Harries
Towards the end of the South Downs, the path meets the sea in the form of Seven Sisters Cliffs – a tougher stretch to hike, but with views that are well worth it!
The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path
Coastal path near Newport (top first) and Marloes (top second), Pembrokeshire – Images: Rhiannon Harries
A few years ago, I had the great pleasure of taking a holiday to walk the 299km length of the Coastal Path in Pembrokeshire, where my father grew up. From its beautifully rugged northern stretches to its easier southern paths, it offers routes for every ability.
Dale, Pembrokeshire – Image: Rhiannon Harries
Some lovely little towns – like Fishguard, St. David’s, Solva and Tenby - and beaches along the way offer a break from the hiking. And for refuelling your tired legs? The Griffin Inn Pub at Dale has my vote for some of the freshest fish of the day’s catch.
Enjoy and make the most of it!
Blog contributed by Rhiannon Harries, Deputy Trade Commissioner for South Asia at the British High Commission New Delhi
