Finally the sun broke through the grey clouds that had hung over East Grinstead since we had arrived, (though I assume the two events are not connected) – it was a delight to be able to look out from the house windows and see the valley opposite and the skirt of Ashdown Forest. It was a morning to explore; Annabel and I, ( after a brief hour of work) headed out to walk the dogs to finally venture into the world of Pooh.
Pooh bridge was our intention, and we headed to Pooh carpark on the edge of the forest – following a path down, we passed Piglet’s house and headed towards the famous bridge.
We had been warned that it was nothing out of the ordinary, and in some ways this advice was true – the well beaten path led to a simple wooden bridge that passed over a small bumpling river, however it did feel a little magical to walk in the steps of such classical literary figures as Winnie and Eeyore.
A simple game of Pooh sticks, Annabel and I counted down the drop of our respective twigs, and we watched as they fell into the river below before dashing across to the other side – only to see Annabel’s stick appear, but mine…well it vanished!
Fair to say Annabel had won….and I,…well guess I had performed at least some magic?
From Pooh bridge, a little explore in some local shops around Forest Row where we found a good fishmonger and an organic shop.
Lunch, dogs resting we venture to East Grinstead.
East Grinstead a town that offers a lot of character around St Swithun’s church, with Tudor wooden framed buildings that still play host to local shops and flats above. We explored this quiant part of the town, and then strolled down to the main street, where the quaint fell way to the modern street scene of empty shops and a few high-street names 🙁 . Our Christmas shopping once more looks to be an online experience.
