For fifteen years I have run on the downs in my part of Sussex, but for some reason, I have never run over Mount Caburn. Today I rectified that, with the help of Duncan, CharlieCat to his intimates, Race Director of the Moyleman, and agronomist to the Sussex gentry. After a Lewes Twitten run, refreshed by the traditional coffee, I mentioned that I wanted to do this, to add some extra distance in readiness for next weekend’s Newhaven to Marina 15 miler. I asked Duncan for directions, knowing he runs up there regularly. Not only did he give me directions, he agreed to accompany me.
So off we went. There’s a stiff climb up Chapel Hill, then a ridge that eventually overlooks Ringmer. In the fog, the view were diminished, but not so much as to spoil the day. On we went, up to the very summit of Mount Caburn, inhabited by some handsome cows. Duncan is usually generous with his farming knowledge, but, uncharacteristically, I had to extract from him by force the information that these were Sussex cattle. Then there was a long descent. Here I was a long way behind Duncan, who runs as does the sure-footed ibex. He told me that the lunatics of Lewes AC run up here on winter evenings by the light of head-torches.
After running along the bottom of a blissfully quiet valley, we ascended again. I know now what we put the poor Moyleman runners through, and, which is encouraging, feel much better about next weekend’s event.