9th March - Cocking to Buriton - 11.9 miles

One of the problems with finding accommodation on the South Downs Way is that the trail generally follows a high level route whereas all the local towns, villages and accommodation are off the trail and at lower altitude. So, the end of each day is marked by a descent to find the accommodation and the start of each day involves a steepish climb to get back on the trail. And so it is with Cocking!

We'd been told over breakfast about a local sculptor, Phillip Jackson - famous for his sculptures of QE2 and the Queen Mother.

As we left the hotel, the rain was already tipping down so we deferred the steep climb out the village for 10 minutes by walking into the churchyard and peering over the wall into a lovely garden in which the sculptor displays some of his works.
Half an hour later we were on top of Cocking Hill and back on the trail.
Last year, I'd noticed that many walkers used ponchos to cover themselves and their rucksacks with the hope of keeping dry. I'd bought one a few weeks ago and today was going to be its inaugural flight!!! Advice....don't try putting one of these on on the top of a hill when it's blowing a hoolie!!
...or at least stake yourself down securely if you try!!!
Fortunately, it didn't rain ALL day but the blustery cloud and mist hung low over the Downs so if it wasn't raining it felt as though it might any minute. 
There were a few other hardy souls out today. The first guy we met was training for his walk in April to Everest base camp. Today South Downs...tomorrow Everest!!!

We heard our first skylark and later watched a kite patrolling low over the path ahead.
In the mist, we quickly skirted the Devil's Jumps hoping that we hadn't been spotted.
In August 1940, a German Ju88 on its way to attack the airfield at Farnborough was brought down after a fierce aerial battle. A stone near the path commemorates the German crew who died here.

Then the steep blustery climb up Beacon Hill 
before crossing Harting Down with cloudy views to the Surrey Hills and North Downs in the distance.
We finally dropped down through the woods through the 'Milky Way' to The Nest at Buriton where, in front of a warm fire, we sampled a few pints of locally brewed Perridge Ale.
Very good too!!!

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