Feeling that gentle breeze...

We had intended to go to the beach today, but decided it was a bit breezy for a day by the sea so instead, bizarrely, we decided to go up to the Firehills and then onto Hastings old town - an equally windy walk!! Fortunately the sun kept us warm and the views definitely keep you distracted...

We sneaked off the beaten path for our lunch with a spectacular view of a rocky beach which was quickly disappearing as the tide came in.

After lunch we rejoined the path along to the East hills and down to the tram stairs.

Love the views from the steps which run alongside the East Cliff Tram. Beautiful on the way down and the perfect excuse to stop and catch your breath on the way up!

We had to walk all the way down to the old town for a milkshake - this time, Crunchie, Galaxy and Aero Mint!!

Rye Harbour... where all the birds hang out!

Ok, I haven't been to Camber Sands since I was a teenager - and it was for the parties rather than the sandcastles! But, now I have a dog to wear out, I decided to return for a bit of sand between my toes. Unfortunately, for several reasons, we didn't quite make it through Rye, and instead parked up at Rye Harbour. However, there is nothing to complain about here - massive free car park, an excellent pub with a pretty fine seafood menu, a lovely long walk to the beach and of course, dogs are welcome.

So, once parked and stocked up on any drinks or nibbles you may need (I love the little shop's sausage rolls :-) ) you can set off along the path which takes you through the nature reserve, along the harbour 'lane' (I don't know what the proper term is!). When the kids are with us, it feels like quite a walk but on this occasion they were at school and so it seemed a perfectly reasonable stroll, with two stops to bird watch en route...

Eventually you reach the beach - this is Camber Sands, on the other side of the harbour mouth. You could swim across, but don't plan on a stroll!

It was low tide, and the ickle waves went on for miles across the flat sands...

So flat and shallow, this boat was probably grounded for the afternoon!

With no 'cooling breeze' the water felt really warm, it was a lovely day for getting your feet wet.

Looking into the harbour mouth (the deeper part flows towards Camber beach and out to sea).

The only rock pools to be found here - they have developed on the low wall next to the harbour mouth. I didn't see any fish though!

Hottest day ever!!

This week saw the hottest day on record in the whole wide world I think (or something along those lines!) Where were you on this momentous day? Sadly, like most people, our day was pretty standard, but once school and work was over, we hot footed it down to the beach, where luckily, the tide was low...

For once, the water was warm, and everyone went in!

Plenty of space for everyone and their dog...

and their horse!

finishing up with a barbecue and a beer.

Back to Front

When we walk the dog (and children!) its always good to have a rest stop mid way round - I prefer a licensed venue with clean toilets, but its really drinks for the kids and a chance to rest. With this in mind, we decided to walk into Sovereign Harbour from Eastbourne beach side, thus hitting the marina refreshments at perfectly midway...

A westerly wind meant the high tide was perfect for a bit of body boarding, but we only saw sunbathers and fishermen / women.

In the other direction, Eastbourne looked so far away, but glorious in the sunshine.

As you approach the marina, I always think its a strange contrast of swanky apartments and an almost industrial outer setting.

All calm in the outer harbour!

Ah, many, many boats all looking very appealing in the sunshine, and some pretty big beasts bobbing in between the regulars! 

The seagulls weren't interested in moving for anyone and just seemed to float alongside the tour boat!

Its Eastbourne, so it must be sunny!

In a vague attempt to get my dog to be as relaxed on the beach as he is in the countryside, we decided on a looong beach walk to the pier. I parked half way down Prince William Parade which runs off the Sovereign Leisure Centre roundabout. Its easy parking, easy boot access and most importantly, free!

Having walked across the grassy wastelands to the steps up to the promenade (separate pedestrian & cycle paths) which runs all the way into Eastbourne, we were greeted with our goal...

Eastbourne centre, forwards!

Love all the little boats, waiting patiently for their day out.

Past Buzz Active (formerly known as Spray Water Sports) - lots of water activities on offer for anyone more active than me!

And then on past lots of other little business; angling, cadets, lifeboats, even a yoga studio...

Until we rounded the corner to see how much closer we were to the pier! By this point, Bruce was very anxious to get down to the sands...

The promenade is always very popular (although never too busy) but we had the beach pretty much to ourselves. Bruce hasn't mastered swimming yet, but he does love to run across the wet sands, so if you ever see us, beware of spray!!

At this point, my flipflop broke! So we retreated to the footpath which was much easier to walk on, and then became distracted by the whiff of coffee...

Hang ten... or not!

The girls have been given thirty year old body boards by the grandparents (cleaning up their loft again!!) so we have to fit in a lot of practise. This basically means rushing to the beach as soon as the sun comes out and the tide is coming in

Tactics are discussed...

The general consensus at this stage is that its easier to use the boards as enormous floats, and just bob about, trying not to think about the water temperature!

The dog and I needed a wander so we checked out the mini boat area...

 and watched the fishermen doing their thing...

 and spotted the rest of the fleet out to sea!

 We walked quite a way, chatted to lots of dogs and sniffed the barbecue filled air!

 Natural windbreakers at work, this was the view by my towel!

Coffee with a view

Sometimes you just want to sit back, sip your coffee / green tea / double choc milkshake with everything and enjoy the view...

So, we hit Sovereign Marina to see the sights, enjoy the views, grab a drink and indulge in a little people watching! As we wander round, we have to chose our favourite boat, apartment and general view of the harbour!

I'm not fussy, I'll take which ever boat's sailing...