Devil's Dyke: Ride or Paddle?

This evening we had the first ride of winter 06 in the rain. It was raining when we set off, raining while we were riding and raining when we got back!

After a couple of days away from riding a quick blast to clear the cobwebs from the mind was in order. We were fully prepared with water proof jackets, gloves, trousers and boots so at least we were dry. There was a strong wind that was blowing from the sea when we started out heading west along the South Downs Way. We knew it was going to be tough when we rode behind the brick building to ride the drops on the far side, as soon as we were out of the shelter of the building we were literally blown sideways back down the hill! The ususal pattern developed, it didn't matter what direction we rode in the wind was always blowing directly into our faces.

Due to time constraints it was a short ride. From Devils Dyke pub we headed west on the SDW, immediately through the first gate take the bridleway diagonally to the left across the field, you are going south west. This path comes to a gate, straight through and down the narrow bridleway next to the barbed wire fence, keep stright ahead over Mount Zion to the bridge across the A27 at Fordown Tower, this section was very muddy, ride on the left but not to far over as there is a fallen barbed wire fence buried in the grass. Do not cross this bridge, double back down the hill on the left and go through the riding school at New Barn. Climb up to the Monarch's Way and follow this to the Golf Clubhouse at Skeleton Hovel, then take the bridleway parallel to Dyke Road back to Devil's Dyke.