Harrow Hill that is:

My only day of hiking/caching over the Easter weekend was a 21 mile hike up and down and over the south downs from Amberley to Harrow Hill via North Stoke, Camp Hill, The Burgh and Wepham Down. Taking in Blackpatch Hill, Harrow Hill and Barpham Hill too whilst there, before heading back up to the South Downs Way via Chantry Hill and it's spectacular views and then back to Amberley along the South Downs Way.

The weather was cool and overcast when I started at 09:30 in the morning, but by 13:00 the sun was out and it became very warm; only respite was the nice breeze and the occasional bit of shade along the way.

In fact the sun was so strong that I got sunburnt for the second time during a hike this month! Last weekend I did a 23 mile hike further south; from Arundel via Wepham and Burpham to Patching and through Angmering estate and surrounding areas and back again in a large figure of eight.

Loads of butterflies about now; Peacock, Speckled Wood, Sulpher, Orange Tip and plain White species. Many Skylarks singing and the occasional Lapwing with it's distinctive call. Lots of tit species spotted along with robins and the occasional bunting. Several raptors were seen using the thermals, as were many crows.

Numerous primroses and cowslips were spotted and all the trees are bursting into life. Lots of vegetation sprouting along with the less welcome stinging nettles which seemed to grace almost every cache I did today. Thankfully I had my walking pole and gloves and also a long sleeved fleece to protect me from their wrath.

Shame I had to go back to work today as I can already feel the need for another decent walk today :-(

I did manage to map some new footpaths around Harrow Hill and Blackpatch hill area, so that was worthwhile.