Tag Archives: hills

Brightling, East Sussex, England, High Weald, South East, UK

Mad Jack Fuller’s Follies Walk, Brightling

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Introduction

Brightling, a quiet village in the High Weald, hides a collection of follies built by John “Mad Jack” Fuller (1757–1834). Fuller was an MP, philanthropist, and notorious eccentric whose wealth and imagination left behind a unique landscape of monuments.

This walk follows a loop around Brightling, taking in all six follies: the Pyramid, Tower, Temple, Sugarloaf, Observatory, and Needle.

Here’s a short flyover reel showing the route in OS Maps 3D, with photos of each folly along the way.

See all my mapped Sussex locations

The Pyramid

Standing in Brightling churchyard, the 25-foot Pyramid is Fuller’s own tomb. Legend has it he is buried upright inside, so he could rise facing east on Judgement Day.

The Pyramid jack fuller folly Brightling high weald
The Pyramid jack fuller folly Brightling high weald

Built in 1811, it dominates the churchyard and is the most famous of his follies.

View Brightling Pyramid on Google Maps

The Tower

Brightling Tower rises on a ridge above the High Weald. Built in 1813, it’s said Fuller wanted to watch ships coming into the English Channel — though at nearly 10 miles inland, it seems unlikely.

The Tower jack fuller folly Brightling high weald
The Tower jack fuller folly Brightling high weald

Today the Tower is a striking landmark on the walk.

View Brightling Tower on Google Maps

The Temple

Tucked away in the fields is the Grecian-style Temple. Used for Fuller’s gatherings and amusements, it shows his taste for classical design.

The Temple jack fuller folly Brightling high weald
The Temple jack fuller folly Brightling high weald

Now surrounded by farmland, it adds a surprising touch of ancient Greece to the Sussex countryside.

View Brightling Tower on Google Maps

The Sugarloaf

The Sugarloaf is perhaps the most curious — a conical stone monument with no clear purpose. Local tales suggest it was built to hide the brickwork of a smuggler’s kiln.

The Sugarloaf jack fuller folly Brightling high weald
The Sugarloaf jack fuller folly Brightling high weald

Others think it was simply another of Fuller’s eccentric whims.

View Brightling Sugarloaf on Google Maps

The Observatory

Fuller was a supporter of science, and in 1810 he funded the building of an Observatory on the edge of Brightling.

The observatory jack fuller folly brightling high weald
The observatory jack fuller folly brightling high weald

Though it is no longer in use, the building is a reminder of his patronage of astronomy.

View Brightling Observatory on Google Maps

The Needle

The final folly is the Needle, a tall obelisk standing stark on the hill. Its purpose remains uncertain — perhaps to mark an estate boundary, or perhaps simply to bewilder posterity.

The needle jack fuller folly brightling high weald
The needle jack fuller folly brightling high weald

Whatever the reason, it completes the set of follies around Brightling.

View Brightling Temple on Google Maps

Practical Info

  • Location: Brightling, East Sussex, in the heart of the High Weald.
  • Access: The follies are scattered around the village; OS Maps or a GPS route is recommended. Parking is possible in Brightling village.
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring through autumn for clear paths and views across the High Weald.
  • Nearby:
    • Burwash — village linked to Rudyard Kipling.
    • Bateman’s — Kipling’s former home, now National Trust.
    • Socknersh Manor — a historic 17th-century house just outside Brightling.
Castles, East Sussex, England, Hastings, High Weald, History, June, Ruins & Remains, South East, UK

Hastings Castle – The Ruins That Still Rule the Hill

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Introduction

Hastings Castle may be a ruin, but it still commands attention. Perched high above the Old Town on West Hill, it offers not just a window into the Norman past but one of the most breathtaking views in Sussex — castle walls in the foreground, the pier and coastline stretching out beyond. To me, that’s more than worth the entrance fee.

One of my favourite vantage points in the area — here’s the full video Short. If you’re exploring Hastings, don’t miss this spot.

A Castle That’s Seen It All

Originally a wooden motte-and-bailey built in 1066, Hastings Castle was soon rebuilt in stone by 1070, making it William the Conqueror’s first permanent stronghold after landing at nearby Pevensey. Over the centuries, coastal erosion, neglect, and storms have taken their toll — especially the Great Storms of the 13th century, which destroyed large portions of the site.

Hastings castle ruins west hill
View west from inside the grounds of the ruins of Hastings Castle on top of West Hill east Sussex south east England UK

By the Victorian era, what was left was romanticised as a ruin, excavated and reimagined for a new kind of tourism. Even the dramatic archways visible today owe something to 19th-century reshaping.

Not Just Crumbling Walls

Some people scoff at the £6.75 entrance fee, calling it expensive for “a few bits of wall.” But as a photographer and someone drawn to the atmosphere of old places, I see it differently. The framing of the ruined towers against the coastline is stunning, especially at sunset. And just standing there, imagining William himself looking out across this same horizon — that’s priceless.

This isn’t just about bricks and ruins. It’s about presence. It’s about putting yourself in the scene.

The Controversy

When I visited in June, a Pride flag was flying from the highest point. For some, it was a symbol of inclusion. For others, it sparked debate — was it appropriate to fly any temporary political or identity flag in place of the Union Jack at a site so steeped in national heritage?

Whatever your take, it stirred strong feelings. And that’s what these places do — they bring history into the present.

Practical Info

  • Location: West Hill, Hastings, East Sussex
  • Access: Best reached via the West Hill Cliff Railway or steep footpath from George Street
  • Best Time to Visit: Clear days for views; sunset for photography
  • Nearby:

Final Thoughts

Hastings Castle isn’t just a historic site — it’s a lens through which to view the past and the present. Whether you come for the view, the atmosphere, or the story, there’s something timeless here. And maybe that’s the point: the castle may be in ruins, but it still rules the hill.

East Sussex, England, History, Memorials, South Downs, South East, UK

Friston Airfield Memorial – A South Downs WWII Tribute

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Introduction

On the quiet slopes above Friston, East Sussex, a memorial stands to mark the site of a once-bustling wartime airfield. During the Second World War, this patch of the South Downs became an emergency landing ground and fighter base, where RAF and Allied pilots flew coastal patrols, engaged enemy aircraft, and escorted bombers back across the Channel. Today, the airfield is gone, but the memorial ensures that the men who served here are not forgotten.

Here’s a short reel from the site:

A simple stone memorial looks out across the Downs, inviting visitors to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made in these skies.

History

Friston Airfield was established during WWII as a strategic base for Fighter Command. Its location on the South Downs, just inland from the coast, made it ideal for intercepting enemy aircraft and providing protection for convoys and returning bombers.

The grass strip runway and temporary facilities saw intense activity during the height of the war. Spitfires and Hurricanes of the RAF operated here, later joined by squadrons from other Allied nations, including Poland and Canada.

The airfield also served as an emergency landing ground for damaged aircraft limping back across the Channel — not all of which made it safely. The memorial honours both those who flew from Friston and those who fell nearby.

Visiting the Memorial

Today, there is little sign of the wartime airfield itself — the South Downs landscape has reclaimed the site. What remains is a peaceful spot, with wide skies and rolling fields that once echoed to the sound of Merlin engines.

The memorial stone stands at the roadside near the village of Friston. From here, the views stretch across the Downs and out towards the Channel, a reminder of the very skies where the air war once raged.

Practical Info

  • Location: Near Friston, East Sussex, just off the A259 between Eastbourne and Seaford.
  • Access: The memorial is roadside and easily accessible by car. Parking is limited.
  • Best Time to Visit: Clear days give the best views across the Downs and out to sea.
  • Nearby:

Reflection

Friston Airfield has vanished from the landscape, but the memorial keeps its memory alive. For those who stop here, it’s a chance to picture the roar of engines, the tension of combat, and the bravery of young pilots who defended these skies.

August, East Sussex, England, landscape photography, Natural History, photography, South Downs, South East, Summer, UK, Wilmington

Exmoor Ponies on Wilmington Hill – South Downs Views to Firle Beacon

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Introduction

High on Wilmington Hill at the end of August, the weather turned blustery and dramatic. A rainbow briefly appeared before storm clouds rolled over the Downs. Against this backdrop, a herd of Exmoor ponies grazed the slopes, with Firle Beacon soft in the distance. These hardy ponies are more than just a beautiful sight — they play a vital role in conserving the chalk grassland of the South Downs.

Here’s a short reel from the day:

Exmoor ponies on the South Downs are here for a reason — conservation grazing keeps the slopes open for wildflowers, butterflies, and other wildlife.

📍 View Wilmington Hill on Google Maps
🗺️ See all my Sussex locations here

History & Landscape

Wilmington Hill rises steeply above the Sussex Weald, offering world-class views across the patchwork fields of the Downs. Just below lies one of the region’s most iconic landmarks — the Long Man of Wilmington, a mysterious chalk figure cut into the hillside.

The ponies here are Exmoors, one of Britain’s oldest native breeds. Their hardy build and steady grazing make them ideal for managing rough chalk grassland, preventing scrub from overwhelming the delicate ecosystem. This form of conservation grazing helps to preserve habitats for species such as the Grayling butterfly, which depends on open, sunny slopes.

Photography Notes

The light on this day was constantly shifting — clouds racing in the wind, the land below glowing one moment and darkening the next.

Photographing the ponies against this backdrop created a natural contrast: the immediacy of a living subject set against the timeless South Downs landscape.

Exmoor ponies on wilmington hill south downs
pony on wilmington hill with firle beacon lit up in the background south downs east Sussex south east England UK

Practical Info

  • Location: Wilmington Hill, near the village of Wilmington, East Sussex
  • Access: Footpaths lead up from Wilmington village and nearby car parks; the climb is steep in places but rewarded with wide views
  • Best Time to Visit: Late summer and early autumn for dramatic skies and active grazing; spring for wildflowers
  • Nearby:

Closing Thoughts

The Exmoor ponies add something special to Wilmington Hill — a reminder that the South Downs are not just scenery but a living landscape, shaped by centuries of grazing, farming, and human imagination. With the Long Man at their feet and Firle Beacon on the horizon, this is Sussex at its most evocative.

August, East Sussex, England, History, Memorials, South Downs, South East, Summer, UK

The Butts Brow Liberator Memorial – Ruth-Less 1944

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Introduction

On a winter’s day in February 1944, a United States Army Air Forces B-24 Liberator named Ruth-Less tried to limp back across the Downs after a raid on V-1 rocket sites in northern France. It never made it. The bomber struck the ridge at Butts Brow above Eastbourne, killing all ten men on board. Today, a simple plaque set into the hillside remembers their sacrifice.

Here’s a short reel capturing the memorial and the view across the Downs:

A small stone, a wide landscape, and a story that travelled across the Atlantic.

👉 View Butts Brow on Google Maps
👉 See all my mapped locations here

The Crash of Ruth-Less

On 2 February 1944, B-24D Liberator 41-24282, code BAR-Y, of the 44th Bomb Group, was returning from a mission over northern France. The aircraft had been badly damaged by enemy fire and was flying through heavy cloud and severe icing.

The crew tried to reach the emergency landing strip at Friston, just beyond Eastbourne. But in low visibility the bomber clipped the ridge at Butts Brow and broke apart. Eight men died instantly; the remaining two succumbed to their injuries later that day at Princess Alice Hospital.

ruth-less memorial butts brow south downs
ruth-less memorial butts brow south downs

The crew are remembered by name on the plaque: Edward J. Ackerman, James H. Bales, James O. Bolin, George M. Dewald, Aubrey J. Maloy, Harold W. Schwab, Ralph E. Strait, James L. Wilson, Orville L. Wulff, and Chester W. Yurick.

Ruth-Less had already survived the famous 1943 Ploiești raid on Romania’s oil fields — one of the toughest missions of the war. That it was lost here, within sight of safety, gives the stone on Butts Brow an added poignancy.

The memorial plaque was unveiled in 1995 through the efforts of local historian Kevin Watson.

Practical Info

Location: Butts Brow, Willingdon, Eastbourne, East Sussex (plaque lies south of the main car park on the ridge).
Access: Public footpaths across the Downs; easiest from the Butts Brow car park.
Best time to visit: Clear days for far-reaching views, or quiet winter afternoons for atmosphere.
Nearby:

  • Beachy Head – The cliff-top lighthouse and another wartime crash site
  • Friston Airfield Memorial – The landing ground the crew never reached
  • Eastbourne Redoubt – The seafront fort that guarded the coast
  • Wilmington Hill – great views east across the east Sussex countryside

Reflection

It’s easy to walk past a small plaque in the grass. But standing here, looking across the same horizon those ten men never crossed, the scale of the sacrifice becomes real. Butts Brow holds not just a view, but a memory.

August, East Sussex, England, High Weald, History, landscape photography, Memorials, photography, Reels and Shorts, South East, Summer, UK, Videography

The Airman’s Grave, Ashdown Forest

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Introduction

On the ridges of Ashdown Forest, surrounded by purple heather, lies one of the most poignant memorials in Sussex. The Airman’s Grave marks the spot where a Wellington bomber from RAF 142 Squadron crashed on 31 July 1941, killing all six crew. It is not a burial site, but a place of remembrance, created by the mother of one of the airmen and cared for ever since.

Here’s my short video from a late August evening, with the heather in full bloom:

The memorial sits in the heart of Ashdown Forest, a landscape famous for its open heath, forest walks, and connections to A. A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh. But here, the beauty of the High Weald meets the weight of wartime history.

View location on Google Maps
See all my map locations here

The Story of the Airman’s Grave

In the early hours of 31 July 1941, a Vickers Wellington bomber from RAF Binbrook, flying with 142 Squadron, was returning from a raid on Cologne. The aircraft had engine trouble and was struggling in poor weather. At 04:56 GMT, it came down on the southern slopes of Ashdown Forest.

All six crew — Flight Sergeant Harry Vidler, Sergeant Vic Sutton, Sergeant Wilf Brooks, Flight Sergeant Ernest Cave, Sergeant Stan Hathaway, and Flight Sergeant Len Saunders — were killed. Their average age was just 24.

airmans grave ashdown forest sunset
airmans grave ashdown forest sunset high weald east sussex

Soon after, the mother of Sergeant Sutton placed a simple wooden cross at the site. Over the years, this grew into the stone memorial we see today, enclosed by a low wall and marked with a plaque naming each of the crew. It has become a place of quiet remembrance, still visited and honoured each year.

A Place of Contrast

Ashdown Forest is a place of beauty: open heath, purple heather, and wide skies. It was once a medieval hunting ground, later common land, and now a landscape of walks and views across the High Weald. Standing at the Airman’s Grave, with the colours of late summer all around, it’s hard to reconcile the peace of the forest with the violent end of that July morning in 1941.

It is precisely this contrast that makes the memorial so moving. The forest endures; the heather blooms again each year; but the story of those six young men remains tied to this spot.

Practical Info

  • Location: Ashdown Forest, East Sussex, England
  • Access: Reached on foot via forest paths — parking available at nearby car parks – Hollies. The memorial is well signposted.
  • Best Time to Visit: Late summer when the heather is in bloom, or November when poppies mark Remembrance Day.
  • Nearby: Winnie-the-Pooh locations, High Weald walks, Sussex WWII sites.

Final Thoughts

The Airman’s Grave is one of Sussex’s most touching memorials — not grand or imposing, but personal and enduring. It stands for the young men who flew from Lincolnshire that night and never returned, and for the countless others whose names are remembered across our landscape.

August, East Sussex, England, History, landscape photography, Memorials, photography, Reels and Shorts, South Downs, South East, UK, Videography

The Lost Village of Exceat – South Downs History

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Introduction

High on Exceat Hill above the Cuckmere Valley stands a simple memorial stone. It marks the site of a village long vanished, where only wind and grass remain. From here the views sweep south over the winding river, Cuckmere Haven, and the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters. At golden hour it feels timeless – a reminder of both beauty and loss.

To bring the story to life, I also made a short film about Exceat. It tells the tale of the village, its church, and how it vanished from the map.

The stone on Exceat Hill is all that remains, but walking here you can still imagine the village that once overlooked the Cuckmere.

Location

Exceat Hill lies within the South Downs National Park, East Sussex, just above the meandering Cuckmere River.

Memorial stone on Exceat Hill marking the site of the lost medieval village of Exceat, South Downs, East Sussex.
Exceat church stone memorial seven sisters country park south downs east Sussex south east England UK

The memorial stone sits along the walking routes that connect with the popular paths to Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters cliffs. From this vantage point the entire valley opens up, making it one of the most evocative places in Sussex.

Explore on Google Maps: Exceat Hill – Memorial Stone
See all my map locations: Sussex Photography – Map Collection

History

Exceat is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. In medieval times it was a small settlement with a flint church at its heart and access to the sea via the river mouth at Cuckmere Haven. The fourteenth century brought disaster: famine, plague, and French coastal raids left the community shattered. By 1460 only two parishioners remained. The parish was absorbed into West Dean, the church crumbled, and the village was lost to time.
In 1913 an excavation uncovered the footprint of the church, and the memorial stone was set up to mark the site. Today it is all that survives.

My Visit

I came up here with the camera at golden hour. First to photograph the stone itself in the warm light of evening, then to turn my lens downriver to capture the Cuckmere as it curled through the valley toward the sea.

Golden hour view of the Cuckmere River winding through the valley in the South Downs, East Sussex.
The Cuckmere River at golden hour, curving gently through the valley towards the sea.

The light was soft, the cirrus clouds drifting, and the whole valley glowed. These are the moments that remind me why I love still photography as much as making reels – freezing a view that feels both ancient and alive.

Reflections

Standing by the memorial, it’s hard not to think of how fragile life once was. An entire community erased by forces beyond its control. And yet, looking out at the valley, it’s also a place of renewal – fields, river, and sky carrying on long after the village disappeared. Sharing these stories through photos and film feels important: the more people value these landscapes, the more likely they will be preserved.

Practical Info

  • Location: Exceat Hill, near Cuckmere Haven, South Downs National Park, East Sussex
  • Access: Footpaths from the Seven Sisters Country Park visitor centre and car park
  • Best time to visit: Golden hour for photography; clear days for sweeping views
  • Nearby: Seven Sisters cliffs, Cuckmere Haven beach, the village of Alfriston

East Sussex, England, June, landscape photography, photography, South Downs, South East, Summer, Sussex, UK

June Landscape Photography Review 2025

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Light, Colour, and the Fight to Remember

June came in hot this year — sunshine from the first week, long golden evenings, and bold flashes of colour across the Sussex hills. The countryside felt alive and defiant, with poppy fields in full bloom and coastal ruins standing proud under summer skies. This month I focused on moments of stillness and motion — wind-blown wildflowers, early dawn reflections, and the shifting light over landscapes I’ve walked many times before. From Bodiam at first light to sunset above Kingston Ridge, June brought some of my favourite scenes of the year so far — and reminded me why these places matter.

Continue reading June Landscape Photography Review 2025 →
East Sussex, England, January, landscape photography, photography, South Downs, South East, Sussex, UK, Winter

January 2025 Landscape Photography Review

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January 2025 began with some fantastic winter landscape photography across the South Downs, capturing the beauty of East Sussex in the crisp winter light. From chasing sunsets behind Belle Tout Lighthouse to photographing snow-covered views from Firle Beacon, the month was filled with stunning scenes. After mid-January, I took a short break from photography, but the early part of the month provided plenty of memorable moments. I’ll be back in February 2025 with more landscape photography adventures to share.

Continue reading January 2025 Landscape Photography Review →
April, August, Autumn, December, East Sussex, England, February, High Weald, January, July, June, Kent, landscape photography, March, May, North Downs, November, October, photography, September, South Downs, South East, Spring, Summer, Sussex, UK, Winter

Landscape Photography Review 2024

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Introduction for the Year in Review – 2024

2024 has been a year full of challenges, surprises, and unforgettable moments behind the lens. From stormy seascapes and misty woodlands to vivid sunsets and vibrant wildflower fields, every month brought its own unique story and photographic opportunities. Whether it was embracing the unpredictable weather of the South Downs, exploring new locations in Thailand, or capturing the fleeting magic of fog and light, each scene was a reminder of why I love landscape photography.

This review brings together my favorite shots and stories from the year, offering a glimpse into the diverse beauty of the natural world and the joy of capturing it. As I reflect on the experiences and lessons learned, I’m reminded that photography is not just about the images, but the journeys and emotions behind them. Let’s take a look back at 2024, one frame at a time.

Continue reading Landscape Photography Review 2024 →
December, East Sussex, England, landscape photography, photography, South Downs, South East, Sussex, UK, Winter

Landscape Photography Review December 2024

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December was a month of diverse landscapes, captivating light, and the quiet beauty of winter’s embrace. My photography journeys captured a variety of scenes. These included the iconic chalk cliffs of Beachy Head and the mist-shrouded woodlands of the High Weald. I explored serene seascapes, historic landmarks, and enchanting rural scenes. Each location presented its unique charm. This charm was showcased through dramatic weather patterns. It was also highlighted by tranquil long exposures. The timeless character of abandoned buildings added to the charm. The interplay of light, weather, and composition was a constant theme, shaping my creative process and resulting in memorable captures.

Continue reading Landscape Photography Review December 2024 →
December, East Sussex, England, landscape photography, photography, South Downs, South East, Sussex, UK, Winter

Belle Tout Lighthouse Sunrise

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Belle Tout Lighthouse Sunrise: Capturing a December Dawn at Birling Gap

When the weather forecast predicted a beautiful late-December sunrise, I knew I had to get out with my camera. Familiar with the stunning vistas of the East Sussex coast, I started planning a shoot featuring Belle Tout Lighthouse, one of my favourite subjects. This time, my focus was on a thoughtfully composed sunrise shot rather than scouting a new location.

Continue reading Belle Tout Lighthouse Sunrise →