Start Time: 6.45
Finish Time: 11.55
Total Time Walking: 5h 10m (inc approx 40m for breaks)
Weather: Cloudy and lovely to start with. The sun came out at about 9.
General Condition: Pretty good - very happy to have completed my challenge!
Feet Condition: Sore, swollen and glad to be in flip flops
Notes:
So after a big steak and chips dinner (which I must admit to struggling to finishing) last night, I packed up for the final time and hit the trail. My stove ran out of gas just after I'd finished cooking my porridge - talk about perfect timing!
The day started with a gentle mile or so along the river Cuckmere before the hills started - today was going to all be about hills! They were worth it though for the stunning views especially when I was looking down on Cuckmere Haven (one of my favourite places in the UK).
After passing Cuckmere Haven it was time for the Seven Sisters - seven step ups and downs. Just at that moment the sun divided to come out and the breeze was still in bed! In was head down a march on.
After I'd completed the Seven Sisters it was down to Burling Gap for a tea break and a little rest before the final push. Now only Beachy Head to go!
After the Seven Sisters, Beach Head was relatively easy but there were a few step bits where I need to dig in.
The sight of Eastbourne coming into view was amazing - to say I had a dry eyes would be a lie.
I'm now sat on a bench about 10 mins out side Eastbourne writing my blog post before my final decent - and an abundance of chaos!
So the last six months of training and planning have come down to these final few steps - so to take the words of Big Chris - It's been emotional!
Addendum - the final 10 minutes of my walk went smoothly. I was met by Sarah and Zach for the last 100 meters which was great. Hilary and Graham were also there at the end to clap me over the finish line. Today has been good - my feet held out and my chaffing stayed under control. I think 12 miles is about the prefect distance!
