After a short coach ride, we arrived early at Hassocks on Friday morning. With dry weather and clear skies, we set out to complete our first route across the South Downs. As evening approached, the weather became more inclement, and we were relieved to reach camp at Small Dole. After a speedy dinner of instant noodles and/or pasta, we crawled into our tents to escape the torrential rain and heavy winds. One D of E instructor commented that she had never camped in such challenging conditions.

On Saturday, reveille came at 06:30. Crepes were heated over Trangias and the gourmands among us supplemented their fare with marshmallows and chocolate spread. Hardened outdoors enthusiasts opted for brioche. One of us asserted that breakfast was unnecessary and that her zeal for king and country would sustain her; this may, however, have been a hallucination, brought about by extreme fatigue and withdrawal from comfortable sitting positions. Mercifully, the weather remained predominantly dry and bright over the course of the day, and all groups made it to the South Downs Way Caravan and Camping Park before nightfall. Throughout the day, we had all enjoyed magnificent views of the coast as well as encounters with various indigenous and non-indigenous flora and fauna. Indeed, one group happened upon a delightful emu in a garden, whose exciting presence caused a momentary loss of navigational discipline and a circuitous and lengthy detour through a golf course.

Sunday was another wet and challenging day, but the promise of a warm coach at the end of the route caused our blistered feet to dance across the downs. We arrived soaking, tired and exhausted into Cooksbridge at midday, whereupon staff and fellow trekkers greeted us with cheers and applause. We were delighted to have completed the Silver D of E expedition, and proud to have persevered with an extremely demanding 3 days of outdoor activity, camping and assessment.