Ouse Valley Viaduct

In the morning, I had no idea where exactly I was going. I knew that the nearest town is Haywards Heath. I surmised that it is a big enough town to have a mobile ‘phone repair shop. All I needed to do was find it. Over my breakfast tea I decided that the best way to go about finding the repair shop was to find a large supermarket. Again, there was bound to be one and it would be signposted. From there, I would be able to make enquiries and if necessary, get on a bus to the town centre.

As I was gingerly making our way back over the speed humps pass the college, I spotted a couple of blokes in one of those garden estate buggies. They were about to exit from a field. I instinctively stopped, got out of the truck and approached them. I asked them whether they knew of any repair shops. “Two in Haywards Heath.” I was told. “Parking would not be easy, though.” I asked about a supermarket. “That’s easy. And town is walking distance from there.” I quickly established directions. It was easy.

Ten minutes later. I was parked in the supermarket. I got directions to town. In town, I popped into a convenience shop and got directions to a repair shop just a few minutes away. I explained what had happened to the proprietor. He assured me that I only needed a new screen. I was concerned that the whole machine was fried. He told me that he would replace the screen and have it ready for collection in less than half an hour.

Opposite his shop is a coffee house. I popped across and had a coffee while I waited. It is popular place. Half an hour later, I wandered back across the road. My mobile was ready. Ten minutes later, I was back at the supermarket, where I took the opportunity to stock up on groceries and work out my route to our next destination.

It had originally been my intention to walk the mile or two to the viaduct from Ardingly, but of course, that was scuppered. Rather than go back, especially after I had told Goresh that I would move on, I decided to park by the viaduct. Parking by the viaduct is not ideal, just heavily rutted laybys on each side of the road. Tucked in as best as I could, we settled down by the surprisingly busy road. Rowan and I then went for a walk.

The viaduct was opened in 1841 and carries the London to Brighton Railway. It is described as ‘probably the most elegant viaduct in Britain’. It stands 96’ above the River Ouse and has 37 arches over 1,480’.

The only trains I saw crossing it were two the next morning. Both heading in the direction of London.