SEWSSC AUTUMN WALK. SEPTEMBER 2014.

The SEWSSC Autumn Walk was held on Saturday 13^th September just off the A29 near Arundel. A group of Welshie owners congregated in the car park at ‘Whiteways Lodge’ car park, along with a number of ‘Bikers’ who may well have been surprised when 17 little red and white dogs appeared!

Ralph made everyone welcome and explained the route and terrain that would be encountered. He and Silvana had already walked the route in the morning to ensure that all was in order – such dedication!

The dogs were allowed off lead once well away from the traffic and thoroughly enjoyed racing ahead, first along a narrow path between field and wood for a while, then eventually it opened up into a wider flint path with cut corn fields on either side. Here the dogs streamed out full pelt, what a sight. Now and again, it must be said, frantic shouting and whistling was necessary to get them back. After 30 or 40 minutes we reached some barns, where ‘ Reggie’, Ralphs dog , decided to show the younger novices how to be a ‘springer’.

Up to this point we had had an easy walk. Downhill most of the way. Now the difficult part, the uphill struggle was about to start. Ralph said it was only one in three before us, but to me it felt much more, I went really slowly, but the other ladies were amazing, chatting and laughing and striding up the hill at the same time. I thought then, this isn’t a competition, so I continued like a snail.

Once at the top the view opened up and what a view! On one side fields of sweet corn and to the other the wide sweep of the Sussex South downs. Here the breeze presented a welcome relief to the heat earlier on. It was so peaceful, with only the noise of the dogs rustling in the maize. Continuing along this path finally brought us into the ancient woodland of Houghton. Here the shade provided a lovely coolness to the air, walking under the canopy of trees on the softer soil, so relaxing, the dogs welcomed the shade also, running into the undergrowth, cooling themselves down, but still as ever on the go.

By this time we had walked almost to the end of our journey, the traffic noise from the A29 was once again heard in the distance, heralding the portal to return to reality. Ralph was almost exhausted from photographing non-stop, but what a day. Dogs were put on leads, and all of a sudden we were there, back amongst the bikers in their black leather.

Ralph said the walk was 4.5 miles, those country miles do seem much longer though!

Thank you Ralph and Silvana for such a wonderful afternoon.

Carol Greenway