It was a hard climb back onto the Downs at Buriton, my legs took ages to warm up. The views became more and more spectacular as we reached Harting Down. The South Downs Way is well sign posted and there are taps en route for drinking water. We were travelling light although we needed sleeping bags for this particular night as we planned to ‘Champ’ The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Warmingshurst, West Sussex. I would say its not far from Washington but I would be lying, it seemed a long way. After cycling all day (about 36 miles) and much later in the dark we eventually found the church. Richard and I were getting fractious with each other, my phone was nearly out of charge and I was worried it would die while using the map (I’d also left the charger at home so, not in anyone’s good books at this point) and the map provided by the Churches Conservation Trust was inadequate. We arrived cold and tired at the church and we were both very underwhelmed!
Rachel the lady who looked after the keys popped her head around the door and gave us ideas where to eat and how to get our breakfast in the morning. Thank you Rachel…..We cycled and had a good dinner at the Red Lion, Ashington (the staff charged up my phone too). Then back to our Sanctuary for a G&T (out of a tin) Richard sat hunched with a throw over his knees looking like a grandad (he’s in his forties so he won’t be happy with that description). I probably looked like an old crone so I won’t say anymore!
Regarding the church, we did know what to expect but I learned my second lesson, next time book a B&B with hot running water and heating! We were freezing and our sleeping bags not up to much! I was better off than Richard who had a pretty miserable night.
It was novel and I think had I had a car and maybe not quite so exhausted I would have enjoyed it more. It was expensive for what it was. The church was ancient and lovely.
Was it haunted? I was too exhausted to worry about Ghosts!
The Travelling Bee 