Sussex Ouse Valley Way

Set off today to walk the first part of the 42 mile Sussex Ouse Valley Way, a long distance path that follows (more or less) the River Ouse from its source near Lower Beeding in West Sussex to the sea at Newhaven. As I live more or less at the half way point its quite convenient. I like walking by the river, there is always something to see. Although it started wet, by midday it was hot and sunny and there were plenty of people messing about in boats or swimming in the river. I stopped for a chat with the volunteers who are restoring the late 19th century lock at Isfield, a job which has taken ten years so far with at least 4 more to go. An admirable job but slightly surreal when you learn that it will probably never function.

As for the image - just made me wonder how do people lose a shoe while walking? did they hop the rest of the way? perhaps they had a spare pair (who carries spare shoes?) .....