Coastal Field Chapters – A walk along the English countryside

With autumn approaching, we set out to experience the English countryside in its transitional season. A walk along the south coast marked the beginning of a 24-hour journey where weather, views and stillness set the pace – from hilltop views to the evening's campsite.

Text & Photo: Rasmus Motten Wernerby
Video: Leo Prim

Published 2025-09-02

The Hillwalk

We started on foot. With boots laced and packs on our backs, we set our sights on the trails running along the English south coast. Nothing to boast about in terms of elevation, but the views more than made up for it. The terrain shifted between gravel, grass and damp soil. The air was cool and the wind strong – in truth, ideal conditions for a hike on an early autumn day. The clothes we wore were chosen with care: layered for unexpected weather changes and easy transitions between movement and rest.

The View

After a few hours, we reached the highlight of the trip. The coastline stretched out beneath us, with rolling fields and white cliffs meeting the sea. We sat down in the grass, took off our rucksacks and let time pass for a while. It was one of those moments you don’t plan for, but that linger. With the sun warming us from behind the clouds and the wind in our faces, we let the stillness settle in.

The Overland

We packed into the car – a Land Rover with plenty of space for all our gear for the evening’s campsite. The route continued across private land, where we’d been granted permission to drive. Low stone walls, narrow bends and fields that never quite ended. This is England at its most characterful, yet the landscape surprised us as outsiders. At times, we were reminded more of the African wilderness than Europe – with colonial-era trees planted across the land and the unusually red dust swirling in the light of the evening sun now breaking through.

The Campspot

When we arrived, our friends had already pitched their tents and started cooking. The gear was out and the fire lit. Coffee was on the go and the pace had clearly shifted down another gear. We changed clothes and pulled on a warm outer layer. The evening would be cooler, but not uncomfortable. We set up our tents before joining the others by the fire and helped with the final touches before dinner. As the sun dipped behind the treetops, the soundscape quietened, and we let it stay that way. The day hadn’t been dramatic – but it was exactly what we’d hoped for on our adventure along the English south coast.