Sunrise Hike at Mount Caburn

This winter has felt incredibly long. I don’t know if it’s just me, but the short days and grey skies seem to get harder by the year. Something I find helps is to wrap up and get outside, especially on the days when the cloud lifts and the sun makes an appearance – however fleeting that may be. On one such day, in the dark depths of January, I woke early, packed a flask of hot coffee and drove towards Glynde on a mission to watch the sun rise and lift my spirits.

Early Start

I love that feeling of setting off somewhere whilst everyone is still tucked in bed, with the promise of dawn teasing as the night sky starts to change colour. Parked up near the Glyndebourne windmill I made sure I had my torch, coffee and toasty mittens in place before heading up the track towards the dew pond at the top of Week Lane. Too cold to stop, I stomped onwards up past the chalky quarry along the top of the Lewes Downs Nature Reserve. Still dark at this point I became aware I was surrounded and significantly outnumbered by sheep! Everywhere I looked there were sheep blended into the darkness. I know sheep are vegetarians, but in this moment they felt quite threatening – so I spoke to them soothingly and reassured them I meant no harm. This made me feel better. I don’t think the sheep were remotely fussed.

Setting off

Following the footpath up the track the sunrise started to really do its thing. I found a perfect spot atop of Speakers Holt to take five with my first cup of coffee. With snow on the ground the warm colours arising from the neighbouring hillscapes must have been a welcome sight for these hardcore sheep. It seems the starlings were also happy to see that start of a new day, celebrating with pretty swoops and excited chatter.

The Reward

Too cold to sit for too long, I set off for the last stretch towards Mount Caburn. This site is pretty special at any time boasting the remains of an Iron Age hill fort, but under a dusting of snow this could easily be a back drop for Game of Thrones! Slipping and sliding my way to the viewing point I poured my second cup of coffee. It’s moments like this I feel so lucky to live in Sussex. Even at this time of year there’s so much beauty so close to home. I’ve carried that sunrise with me for a good few weeks now. It’s helped me through some of the grey days. Maybe it’s time for the next mini adventure to get me through the remaining days of winter? Not long now folks!