Simple Pleasures & A Cunning Plan To Handle a Hot Summer
It has been a very hot summer…very hot indeed, and for some, it has been too hot. I have to say that there have been times when I have been dreaming about Autumn because there have been days - and nights - when it really has become too much.
However, if you plan your day carefully, you can really reap the benefits of a hot summertime and experience something wonderful to skirt around the middle of the day in high temperatures. I am talking about early mornings and late evenings here.
If you are a dog lover and guardian, like myself, you will know that the only times you can safely take your dog out for walks on very hot days is first thing in the morning and last thing in the evening. But even if you’re not - these rules will stand you in good stead and really give you a chance to make your day into something potentially memorable.
The dawn light on this landscape has to be experienced, and if you can somehow plan ahead by making a note of the time of sunrise and where you want to be at sunrise then that is a start. It’ll seem like a gigantic effort when that early alarm call goes off but if you can somehow drag yourself out of bed and into the shower, you’ll be up and running…kind of.
A little light planning beforehand is key, so I use a weather / photography app called Sun Seeker, and this tells me where the direction of the sun is at any given time and date, and practically anywhere. It will also tell me, very accurately, the hours of blue hour and golden hour, so I know exactly how much time I have during these ‘magic hours’, if I’m photographing or shooting video. For photography & video enthusiasts, this is priceless. For walkers, hikers, cyclists or paddle boarders, it is very practical and handy information that will make your experience that much better.
A good weather forecasting app is also essential - I simply use the Apple weather app and this does a pretty good job.
So - where to head to ? I would say the iconic place to visit at dawn is the Seven Sisters cliffs. The best place to head to for this is the Seaford Head Car Park, which is about a twenty minute drive from the cottage. From here, allow about another fifteen to twenty minute walk down towards Cuckmere Haven. I have walked here in darkness and near darkness many times before, but every time it has been well worth it.
The Bo Peep Car Park offers amazing views of the Sussex landscape as well as a refreshing breeze, and is a great place to be at sunrise, offering the chance to be up high on the South Downs but without the climb to get up there.
Friston Forest and the Long Man Of Wilmington are other great destinations, but really, just ot be out in the dawn light anywhere on this landscape is well worth the effort. If you’re a cyclist or paddle boarder then you will know the benefits of this approach.
Talking of Autumn…if you’re looking for an exceptional dog friendly holiday cottage in the South Downs National Park, then head to the Book page of the website…September, October and November can be really beautiful in this part of the world.
