Sledging at St. Peter's Pit

Image: © John Goldsmith Taken: 8 Jan 2010

This is the favourite sledging spot for Bury St. Edmunds - one of the few steep slopes with public access. St. Peter's pit is basically rectangular, but a fenced off private site occupies one side, and another side is lightly wooded. Despite the use of two routes at right angles there are few collisions. The fence acts as a final stop, and depending on footwear can provide a necessary help on the return climb. As well as plastic, wooden and metal runner sledges, improvised versions included carpet squares, plastic bags (including one girl wearing one like a short skirt), a tarpaulin with 7 riders, a blow-up jetski, crates fixed to real skis, skateboards with wheels removed, surf boards, and the rather unsuccessful bread tray visible here (It's the wrong way round you idiot). What a brilliant way for children to get serious exercise and to very clearly enjoy it. And a great way to socialise. Houses in Grove Park and the West Suffolk College can be seen behind.

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