First weekend of September 2022 and still feels very much like summer. Decided on a morning walk around Lewes Downs from Landport Bottom and maybe a visit to Lewes Castle.

Misty Hazy Humid Morning

For the first weekend of September decided on a return visit to Landport Down Lewes. Park up on the street that runs alongside Landport bottom with footpaths leading onto the downs. The last time I did this walk from Lewes to black cap it was thick freezing fog and could not see a thing.

This time low visibility again haze and mist very humid too, summer has not let loose its grips just yet. Still could see better than last time and there is some good views from Landport Down of the Lewes townscape with the outline of Lewes castle featuring strong in the midground. Mount Caburn rises through the mist in the background. Converted the above image into black and white as very little colour.

Kingston Ridge View

Across the race track to check out the morning views of Kingston Ridge on the south downs facing west. As the sun rose the mist and haze began to disperse. Again walked this section of the Lewes downs a while back during evening and sunset. Whatever time of day the views of Kingston ridge and the views from Kingstone ridge and the south downs are breath-taking.

This morning was no exception, the remaining mist added atmosphere and made me simply wish had got here 2 hours earlier at least. Although small in the mid ground Ashcombe mill does provide a focal point as does the lone farm house in the bottom left corner leading to the windmill.

Lewes Castle

Had got a few good landscape photos from the Lewes Downs. What I really wanted to do now was head into town and visit Lewes Castle and check out the views from the towers. Lewes Castle opens at 10AM and entry is £10. Parked up nearby at Westgate which you can pay via Ringo.

The difficulty with photographing buildings, tourist attractions like Lewes Castle are the distractions to try and subtract not least people. Would have been a lot easier in 1068, one of the second castles to be built by the Normans after Hastings Castle( which is on my list ). This was the home of William de Warenne, one of William the Conquerors right hand men.

Some nice views over the rooftops of Lewes town and the south downs beyond. Past 10AM and the mist had now completely evaporated.

Looking north gives a nice view of town houses, Mount Harry and the Sussex weald beyond. As you would expect good views all round.

Then across the keep to the Barbican and appreciate the views from there. Very steep and restricted wooden staircases to the top of the towers and starts to get busy with visitors after 10AM.

You can buy a guide book at the ticket office for £1.50. I did, but not look at it until back home. Should have looked at it there, plenty of cool places to sit in the keep and study the guide. Wish I did as missed a few locations should have visited and got some more viewpoints of Lewes Castle.

In the keep managed a nice shot of a butterfly on a colourful flower. Good morning out around Lewes, highly recommend. Was constantly switching between lenses 24-105 and 70-200mm to get the compositions, bit of a pain. Even with only a loose plan of what location to visit pays to get out of bed as early as possible to catch the best light and conditions, wherever you end up.

Check out the East Sussex Landscape Photography Gallery