Thread by @domtooze

Have just started my weekend attempt to walk and run the Vanguard Way. 66 miles will take me from Croydon to Newhaven on the south coast. Will keep adding to this thread as I go!

No signs for the first few hundred meters, but reassured to have spotted my first by @ParkHillFriends

Walking through #Croydon and - while it has its iffy points - lots of beautiful green cut throughs to stumble upon

@lloydparkrun setup spotted! Lots of temptation between that and adjacent funfair! Also, first fingerpost spotted and a bench linked to Croydon's @RamblersGB group

Now in some woods I've only ever ended up in when lost. Not today!
Forgot how easily spooked I am by squirrels making noises in shrubbery.

Now passing through Selsdon Woods, a favourite dog walk for the family. Spotting (and appreciating!) informal navigation aids - the odd laminated note on a tree, the (hopefully green!) arrows marked on trees.

A wooden duck. Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.

Latest faith in humanity moments: meeting Honey and Jessie, a cute magazine route correction, and a passing driver redirecting me as I was heading into what was definitely not an overgrown part of the route 😅

Soon to cross the M25, have first pub stop, and hopefully pick up speed

A bull who proved tlnon existent (phew) and a spooky tunnel under the M25. All worth it for...

First rest stop at Limpsfield - an inspiring name! Lots of well presented families concerned about the sweaty chap in the corner covered in stings

These dudes surrounded me and forced me off the path. Not cool, dudes! (@alisdavidson, may need you and your cow whispering ways on speed dial 😂)

Legs are a mess due to se barbed wire and bits that I had to cross escaping the cows. Thought my ordeals were over, next field presented THIS.
Not sure the founders of this route ever watched Signs.

Have been struggling a bit to keep moving. But at my second stop in Forest Row. Now around 14km left to get to the B&B

As one might have guessed, the hours since Forest Row were super challenging, and even a little rainy. It was worth it in the end though, for some views like this

After changing course slightly (avoiding a treacherous bit while losing light), this was a welcome sight. Now all tucked up inside pretending I don't have to do it all over again tomorrow 😁

A new day! Feeling rejuvenated after enjoying a great bed and a cracking breakfast at B&B. Great dog too, and a nervous rendition of Teenage Dirtbag due to an iffy bathroom latch.

Going better already. So much so that my first planned stop is closed 🙈

Have made it to another pub intact. Seems to be a biker festival here. Bet they're jealous of my tiny shorts.

If my calculations are right, the sea should be just behind this bit. Bloody hope it is 😂

Of course, the Vanguard Way sees those hills and dogleg around them. The long way 😅
One of my feet not really working anymore, but found The Star Inn (one I remember going to with family), hopefully my last big stop!

A big horse from history times: hows.org.uk/personal/hillf…

The Vanguard Way's tribute to Mario 64's endless staircase

I found it! The sea, that is. Allowed myself one blub, not far to go!

The end is (sort of) in sight. If you can squint, you can probably see the pile of beer I plan to get for the train.

Last 5km seems to be a lot of this. That'll do.

So, after a last diversion on what should have been the last km, ran the long way round to the end point, Newhaven Harbour.
Exhausted, beaten up, but so glad I did all this. Thanks all for the support x

The name comes from the Vanguards Rambling Club, after a time they returned from a walk in the guard's van of a crowded train. I don't *think* I get to do that, though.

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