Glynde to Lewes via Mount Caburn
This was a short, sharp shock of a walk. It was only 3.2 miles long but pretty steep and lots of ups and downs. My first aim was to walk a mountain. OK, so we’re not talking Scafell or Ben Nevis here but Mount Caburn is the provider of some lovely views, even if not technically a real mountain.
I set off about 7.45 from the quaint little Sussex village of Glynde. Glynde comes from old english glind meaning a fence or enclosure. In 1165 the place name is recorded as Glinda. Opposite the Post Office in the village, there’s a footpath which heads straight up the hill.
At the top of the hill there’s a slight detour to your left which takes you further up to an earthwork known as Mount Caburn. This is site of an iron age fort and you can clearly imagine it having a defensive purpose because of the amazing and clear views from all directions. According to the Wikipedia page there is some doubt about this from modern archaeological digs and it may have had a religious purpose. However, during the second world war the area was used for defensive purposes with Bren gun positions being set up here.
The name Mount Caburn has some uncertainty – it could come from the Welsh Caer Bryn meaning a stronghold hill. More likely is Calde Burge from the Old English meaning Cold Fort and becoming Mount Carbone by the 18th Century. After visiting the fort, I walked down the hill into the valley. This provides quite stunning views as three hills converge into the lowland. I don’t think the my photos or video do it justice. The birdsong at 8am in the morning was stunning and indeed the area is listed as a Special Area of Conservation.
Mount Caburn: Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Caburn