
L-R Angela, Steve, Sikka, Nick, Tessa, Doris.
Jim, Nick, Tessa, Doris, Angela and Sikka emerged from the train and cycled to Angmering village to meet Steve, who was waiting for us on the Green, his second Clarion outing.
Once through the village, we climbed gradually uphill, first along a pleasant and quiet road, then off-road on mostly dry and stony bridleways through conifer woodlands. No hint of the bluebells that will carpet the area in spring, but homely winter brown and above a thick canopy of tall fir trees.

At the top of the hill we joined the Monarch’s Way and enjoyed a splendid and extended downhill run on smooth surfaces, stopping briefly to inspect the red sign marking the spot where the last man was hanged in West Sussex in the 19th century. Thank goodness we no longer condone this institutional murder!

We lost Nick briefly as he dived head first into a bed of snowdrops to get the right angle for a photo, and announced he was comfortable enough there to go to sleep. Daffodils, primroses and celandine growing along the banks of roads were lovely indications of the coming spring.
On the train and over lunch in Arundel at the Edible Sandwich Company’s cafe by the river, there was mention of Seat 61 – a website for the planning of train journeys as various destinations and adventures in Europe were discussed. Holiday homes in France, the potential of travelling in comfort by sleeper etc.
Arriving early for lunch we were seated outside for a while, enveloped in cosy blankets, with menus flying off the tables in the sharp wind, chased by Jim before they had a chance to escape to the river.
Lunch was hot and comforting, followed by cake and hot drinks to sustain us in the cold. We had been lucky to see some sunshine and were surprised as we set off again to cycle through a brief – was it snow? – shower.
Nick and Sikka were experimenting with heat pads that fit inside gloves, advertised as working for up to 11 or 12 hours. These certainly made the experience of riding in the cold a lot more comfortable.
A mostly flat route to Littlehampton followed, arriving in Littlehampton with a wait of 13 minutes for the train. Sikka and Steve chose not to wait but cycled back to Angmering station, taking in views of sea and a wide sky along the way.
Thank you Jim for a lovely winter ride.
Sikka