Day 6 - Amberley to Botolphs (Steyning), 13m, 5.5h

After a brief interlude 'castle-ing' in West Wales, we're back on the path again.  We were going to walk on Monday as the weather forecast looked better, but then this morning the idea of going walking seemed more attractive than tidying up after ten days away so off we went . . .

The climb up out of Amberley seemed tougher than it should have been, but the view back over Amberley and its castle was stunning.

 

 

The views on this section are absolutely amazing - and well beyond the abilities of my phone to capture.  There are limitless 180 degree vistas to take in on both sides of the ridge.  We could even still see the ghastly white 'thing' that is Butlins at Bognor Regis and Shoreham power station in the other direction - neither the most photogenic of subjects!  Having crossed the A24 without breaking stride (wow!), we soon found ourselves looking at Chanctonbury Ring.  This is somewhere else we've never been despite living nearby for the last 35 years!

 

 

In due course, we came to Steyning Bowl, an impressive natural amphitheatre overlooking Steyning.  The path runs right round the rim of the Bowl, so you get to admire Steyning from pretty much every angle!

 

 

The descent towards Botolphs and the bridge over the Adur (not photographed as it's modern and uninteresting!) passes through a most unexpected pig farm.  A novelty for about 30 seconds, we soon tired of the smell and couldn't wait to get past it!

 

 

 

Shortly afterwards, we arrived at a finger post that confirmed that we've now covered 60 miles and have just (!) 40 miles to go - or 46 if we do the coastal last leg as opposed to the shorter inland leg.

 

 

 

All we need now is another suitable day which doesn't clash with other commitments for the next leg, which will be Botolphs to Ditchling Beacon.  Check back by the end of the week to see if we found one!