Socially Distant in Shoreham

SOUTH EAST

WALK

Socially Distant in Shoreham

Saturday 20 June 2020

Like many, we have not walked for months. During the ‘lock-down’, imposed as a result of coronavirus, we managed to walk around the local estate for an hour a day for exercise and, on one occasion, we even managed a six-mile walk to a small village next to us. But these were not ‘proper’ walks.

I say during the lock-down but, as I write this, the lock-down is still actually enforced, albeit with some restrictions eased. However, you could be forgiven for thinking otherwise based on casual observation of many of the folk here, in the South East.

When Susan mentioned that there was a ‘Socially Distanced Group Walk’ planned by our friends in Team South East, I must admit I was intrigued.

On the one hand, I knew that TSE would have planned such a walk to follow all of the rules permissible at the time. On the other, I knew that such a walk would not be possible without encountering other walkers, runners, cyclists and ‘day-trippers’ and suspected that many of these could not care less about such rules.

Could such a walk be possible then? There was only one way to find out!

We met with the other members of TSE on the edge of Shoreham. We were five in total, so below the permissible limit of six, and each had travelled Shoreham with members of their household only.

We were all pleased to see each other, but virtual hugs and handshakes were the order of the day and strictly observed.

Full marks to TSE and so far, so good.

On country walks, there are obvious obstacles that are likely to be touched by all and sundry. Gates, latches, and the posts that steady the user as they cross a style, for example. These are often also the bottlenecks and places where the two-meter rule may be easily forgotten or ignored.

Narrow paths are another potential issue. Not all footpaths provide the user with space to step aside, let alone do so while leaving a two-meter gap.

On our walk, we did encounter all those predicted and even a couple of horse riders! I was pleased to see so many people being sensible about the potential dangers and respectful of everyone’s desire to enjoy their themselves but remain safe and observe the rules at the same time.

Inevitably, there were one or two occasions where this was just not possible, and on these occasions, everyone just did the best they could.

Standards did drop a little around Lullingstone. It was incredibly busy with lots of people trying to park their cars in the already full car park. We left as quickly as we could! Even without the threat of COVID-19, it would not have been the peaceful, tranquil experience that they were all clambering to enjoy.

Surprisingly, the worst behaviour observed on the walk did not come from an individual who was refusing to follow the socially distancing guidance but from a rather rude man we encountered who was shouting ‘two-meters’ at everyone and expecting them to jump out of his way as he marched along the path.

But, apart from that ‘covidiot’, it was a thoroughly pleasant walk with lovely people in a picturesque area.

The M25. A Source of much pain for many!

What a view! Nice to finally be out walking again.

Pickmoss and Pickmoss Cottage – 16th Century timber-framed cottages

The Route

Distance : 10 Miles

We started our walk from the station car park in Shoreham. At the time the car park was free.

Click HERE for a GPX file of the route.

David Welch – View Profile

Are you tired of being stuck in the office? Bored of being chained to a desk? Counting down the days until retirement?

Me too!!