Yesterday had to be one of the best first days anyone could wish for, with the largest number of walkers we’ve ever had – stretched along the Downs under a clear blue sky with stunning views out to sea and inland over the rolling Sussex countryside. So many highlights for me…The ribbon of people climbing up to Beachy Head. A peregrine falcon weaving over the rollercoaster cliffs of the Seven Sisters. The Cuckmere River with its oxbow lakes. The walk into Alfriston, an English idyll that would have had Constable reaching for his easel. The peal of church bells as we entered the village. The Aspalls cider in the garden of The George…

Big thanks to Hayley at the Trevor Arms in Glynde for hosting a great session. Endless tunes with some great musicians. Dan Quinn and ex-Oyster bass player Ian Kearey came in from Brighton. Sir Roger de Coverley was danced on the pub lawn. The bar was so packed that some people were watching through the windows, unable to get in. But the ultimate highlight for me was singing Adieu Sweet Lovely Nancy with The Copper Family.

Now back to reality: a grey overcast morning. About to head to Southease Station to start the difficult second day. We’ll see who’s there. JJ

Unbelievably clear and bright morning by the Wish Tower in Eastbourne. Looks like about 50 people walking today! So glad to get the first gig under the belt. Lots of new songs. Fantastic to have Benji, Rowan and Boff back in the team. The journey begins here. JJ

Listen to tonight’s Folk Show with Mark Radcliffe from BBC Radio 2 for a first exclusive play of one of the new tracks for the walking tour (starts around 30:49).

Also a namecheck for walkers Kay and Charlie at 54.50!

Here we are, about to undertake the 5th Walking Tour; swapping songs, listening to last year’s live recordings, cleaning boots!! and finalising rehearsals, pub stops, interviews and hoping the sun will shine. It is by far the most unpredictable and spontaneous thing that I do as a musician and I have learnt to ‘go with it’….to let it find its own pace and narrative. The ‘unholy alliance’ of Walking and Gigging turns out to have a strangely calming, almost spiritual dimension as well as the fun and the hard work and to share that with people is a joy. There are new songs to sing, others from Rising Road to re-discover, and an endless flow of stories to tell that will arise on the journey. To gather people round you, walk all day, and find somewhere welcoming to end the day with a great pint and sing for your supper….Hey, that has to be good. JJ [NB tour runs 26 May-1 June  – join us for walks, gigs or both].