WealdWay 2021 – final day

Even though my legs were still screaming from yesterday’s efforts, it felt a lot easier getting out of bed to run again today knowing that it would be the final stretch of the run. Even better that it was just 12 miles to the finish, and with four secluded downland hamlets to pass during the run I was inwardly chanting the mantra “Arlington, Wilmington, Folkington, Jevington” to myself as I drove to today’s start point. Amazingly, the weather continued to behave itself, just a little cooler and breezier than the previous 3 days but still great running conditions. Setting off from yesterday’s finish point in the village of Upper Dicker, the only hint of drama happened within the first mile as I crossed a field containing a very large herd of cattle. After lulling me into a false sense of security by feigning their indifference, they suddenly organised themselves into a full blown stampede, with me clearly fixed in their sights. It’s funny how you find that a change of pace is still possible when you’ve got 50 tons of sirloin steak heading towards you at 20 miles an hour!  As you continue south you can’t avoid the sight of the South Downs looming up ahead, and after three or four miles of mainly flat, you reach the tranquil high street of Wilmington and the climbing starts.

Soon passing near the feet of the 235 feet high figure of the Long Man of Wilmington – a chalk carving on Windover hill, that overlooks the village.

The rollercoaster hills continue and after leaving Jevington the climbing is steady up Combe hill (628 feet) and then Willingdon hill (659 feet) by which time you can see Eastbourne down to your left, and the end is in sight. Another mile or so, and you come to a small but familiar landmark to Wealdway walkers – a brick built seat by a golf course.

That seat is the signal to turn left and descend the last several hundred metres to the welcome sight of the finish. Job done!   

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