Friday, 27 March 2026

Another South Downs painting

At the top of Kingston Ridge near Lewes, Sussex 

The unpredictable days of March bring everything from sunshine to hail . As a fairweather person It makes it hard to plan a walk . I needed a plan B so I decided to paint a view from one of my favourite places . I need no excuses for another South Downs painting, in fact it turns out to be my  114th ! Oh my goodness , I didn't expect that ! .  

Kingston Ridge is situated just South West of Lewes in Sussex and is on the South Downs Way . It's quite a steep climb up there but it's well worth it as the views are amazing !  I have vowed to walk there every year until my knees won't let me . 

Views over the Ouse valley from Kingston Ridge 

 In late Spring the  Hawthorn blossom looks beautiful with views over the Ouse Valley towards Mt. Caburn and Firle Beacon 

Hawthorn blossom on the South Downs 

 There are two  chalk tracks that lead up to the top, this is one of them .

 Each is as picturesque as the other .

Chalk track on Kingston Ridge 

 There is also a narrow path just to the south which is very steep in places . These days I prefer to go down it rather than up !  It's so very pretty , grassy banks filled with flowers and butterflies dancing on the breeze .

Wild flowers on the grassy bank by the footpath 

 On one occasion I sat for ages watching a Kestrel hover and fly around me , it was a perfect day .

Heading down the path towads Kingston 

There's a stile half way down which has fabulous views over Kingston village, Ashcombe windmill and Lewes in the far distance . A pefect composition for a painting and a lovely memory for me :) 

                                                      "Down from the Ridge " 

                                                          Acrylic on canvas 24" x 18"  

Painting the South Downs at Kingston 

 

  Some close ups of the painting 





At the bottom of the hill the path leads onto a lane which takes you past the pretty flint  Church with it's Sussex tapsel gate  
The tapsel gate at Kingston chuch 

                                       and The Juggs .....for a well deserved pint ! 

The Juggs at Kingston 

 

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