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| 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 .
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| 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
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| 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 .
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| 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 .
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| 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 .
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| 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
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| The tapsel gate at Kingston chuch |
and The Juggs .....for a well deserved pint !
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| The Juggs at Kingston |
