River Walk - Southease to Lewes along the Ouse

Four meandering miles from the sea, and the Ouse is fattened with high tide.

It heaves at the struts of the bridge and teases the banks with waves that break sporadically into puddles on the path.

The crisp Autumn sky is dotted with harried cumulus scraps. The level green meadows stretch away west, and to the east rise the South Downs.

They march to the middle distance where their lines break in a jumble of white chalk scars which mark the town of Lewes.

The footpath hugs the river, comfortably elevated from the water’s surging width.

A cyclist hoists his bike over a stile and excitedly reports a seal in the river a few miles further inland. 

Seagulls dart and plunge above the water, screeching and switching their course with breakneck turns.

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