I made it!

Well, I made it – 100 miles on foot from Winchester to Eastbourne! It was an amazing experience in all sorts of ways I hadn’t predicted.

To now look at a map of the south of England, and realise that I have covered a significant chunk of it on foot gives a whole new perspective to distance, and geography, and in some sense with connectedness to the earth.

To be, a lot of the time, walking up on the high ground, among the grazing sheep and cattle – and the singing of the larks – and the richness of colour in the greenness of full spring and the dainty abundance of the flowers, just put the busy-ness and bustle of normal life in a whole new perspective.

It was a joy to have the space and time to carry in my thoughts the life and being of Southover Counselling and those it serves.

My grateful thanks to Chris and Geoffrey for providing the Winchester "launch pad", Tony for providing the “thoughts for the day” and the daily logistics of getting me from/to my end/starting points, and those who joined me for sections of the walk!

Cocking - departing, 23rd

The SDW's least helpful signpost

Alfriston - arriving, 26th

And to all of you who have supported this venture by adding your own thoughts to mine, and your generous donations – which have so far raised over £1,100 (plus Gift Aid) to sponsor those unable to pay the full cost of the service.