GMT 4 -Sloop Inn – Disillusion.
By: snowgood
Tags: Disillusionment, Greenwich Meridian Trail, Scaynes Hill
Category: Rural Community, Walking
| Aperture: | f/1.8 |
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| Focal Length: | 4.25mm |
| ISO: | 32 |
| Shutter: | 1/0 sec |
| Camera: | iPhone 11 |
I should be rejoicing.
A recent survey suggests that for the first time in a decade there are now more pubs than there were in the preceding year.
Sadly “The Sloop Inn” at Scaynes Hill closed just 2 weeks before we arrived.
Five miles into our walk that was a disappointment.
The publican’s struggled to attract a suitable chef.
One of my companion’s struggled with the absence of “facilities” during our three and a half hour walk.
Anyhow we were not completely without cheer.
Snowdrops were in bloom on the verge near the defunct pub, and Roz had a tupperware box full of goodies.
An ancient steam engine has been left decaying in the Sloop Inn garden, one wonders if someone will ever resurrect the pub?
Just a few yards further on The Greenwich Meridian Trail crossed over the River Ouse. It was nice to remember my time following The Ouse Valley Way back in 2017.
Beyond the Ouse we forked off to the right, and into Freshfield Mill Farm. The trail crossed a field featuring tiny sheep that looked Hobbits!
When we’re out walking with Rowena we seem to have a routine which invariably involves seeing an interesting train.
As we came towards a brick built railway bridge a solitary steam engine on The Bluebell Railway chuffed into view.
It was probably about to hook up with the carriages, but we were on a mission so carried on trudging towards Danes Hill.
Snowgood's Blog 
In 2002 my wife and i stopped at the Bluebell Railway office to ask for directions. Several older people were sitting around a table figuring out how to get an old steam locomotive running. They directed us to the East Grinstead train station.
The Sloop Inn is alive and well! Stopped for a drink here on Easter Sunday whilst taking the Sussex Ouse Valley Way from Isfield to Lindfield.
Ah – good news _ i will have to give it a try next time we are down that way.