There were several good reasons for visiting Lewes in Sussex yesterday. It's a nice little town to wander around. Harvey's Brewery is based here and there are numerous decent pubs. I particularly like the Lewes Arms near the castle (though ironically it isn't a pub run by Harveys). The annual Seedy Saturday event was taking place in the Town Hall. There were various stalls selling and swapping seeds, plants and promoting local and national environmental initiatives. 

 There is a much larger event taking place in nearby Brighton today called (what else?) Seedy Sunday. But the Lewes version is a nice low key occasion to buy or swap seeds, eat wholesome veggie food and listen to folkies play old time guitar and fiddle music.

 Probably the best reason to visit Lewes is that it nestles in the South Downs making it a good point to access various trails on the eastern stretch of the Downs.

 One such is a steep lane just beyond the High Street that climbs with panoramic views above Lewes and the River Ouse (as seen in the first photo). At the top just past the golf course a sweeping vista opens up towards Mount Caburn. To Caburn and back is only an hour or two so it was just a stroll really but it was the first time this year I've got my legs pumping on some gradients.

 I strolled back the way I came stopping for a pint en route to the station. Did I mention I particularly like the Lewes Arms?