Money Back Guarantee ensures YOU receive the item you ordered or get your money back. Dark skies - In 2016, the South Downs National Park was named an International Dark Sky Reserve. download. Rod Liddle is associate editor of The Spectator. Amberley:A Barn at South Downs This is a great place to stay, with a lovely pub within walking distance you can probably tell what my priority was on this walk. The South Downs Way: Fact File. The Trailblazer guide has a mileage chart at the back that tells you the exact distance between towns, so you can work out the total distance in advance. The walk follows the ridge across the chalk downs, passing many of the . Take a look at our guide for recommended walks. South Harting:The White Hart We loved the White Hart! In this guide I cover everything you need to know to do the hike yourself from details on camping and accommodation options, wild camping choices, costs, what you need to pack, food, top tips and the best South Downs Way route planners. We met just three other people that were walking the entire distance, although there were dozens of other people out on day hikes. If you do only one day of the South Downs Way, make it this one. Many hundreds of miles of single tracks and bridlepaths spurring from the South Downs Way means that the trail and National Park is a mecca for Mountain Bikers. In terms of difficulty, our guidebook suggested the South Downs Way is one of Britain's easiest National Trails. Or you could try and beat the 14hour running record if you really want to give your legs a battering! Plan a cycling adventure today with our comprehensive guide. 98 miles (158 km) The South Downs Way is a long distance footpath and bridleway. The views were consistently pretty. This website is the result of tens of thousands of hours of on-the-ground research by myself and my team of expert travellers. Really friendly owners, a large breakfast, and a good location, close to the waterfront. An airline once tore a hole in my Osprey backpack and they had it repaired and back in my hands in under a week all for free!). The pubs we stayed in offered a packed lunch option, so if we knew there wouldnt be any lunch stops on the following day, wed get one to go. The SDW is a very popular trail, especially the Seven Sisters section as you near Beachy Head and Eastbourne. They undulate like a grassy spine from Winchester to Eastbourne, encompassing some of the most romantic, accessible walking trails in Britain, a welter of heathlands and peaks, grazing sheep and pounded footpaths.Kissing gates punctuate the chalk hills, the fields beneath the ridges a patchwork of farmland, green or . Breaky Bottom Vineyard, Lewes. The room was spacious with an en-suite bathroom, supplies for breakfast, and a little terrace to sit out on. We loved our hike although it wasnt without its challenges. We offer 4 itineraries covering the whole route. Very useful article and it left me smiling at your very great photos. The South Downs is fantastic riding country. Great write-up it made me feel as though I was walking the South Downs Way alongside you! It gave my joints a chance to rest and my hiking poles helped me push myself upwards at a startling speed. It'. Up there you'll find the most [] Takes around two hours to get there :-). On a trail like the South Downs Way, I view them as a hiking essential. In short, if youre considering walking this trail, go do it! Western Downs: Harting Downs to Treyford Hill. You can sign up to my newsletter here. Once youve finished your hike, head to the ocean for a swim/paddle and then grab a bag of chips. I felt like I was walking through a postcard for much of our journey. Distance: 100 miles over three days. The route covers the length of the South Downs National Park, the UK's most popular and most visited National Park.. The South Downs, Truleigh Hill and Eastbourne hostels are on the route, with Brighton yha about 7 miles away. I set out on 10-mile walk once a week in the two months leading up to the South Downs Way. Ah, thank you! All the hotels and b&bs come with a personal recommendation they are clean, comfortable and have great customer service. Day 1: Winchester to Cheriton 6 mileCamping at Holdean Farm (Cheriton, Nr Alresford, hants, So24 0NX) close to the trail. Walking the South Downs Way is a great option for anyone wanting an easy/moderate long-distance trail in the UK that can be completed in under 10 days, at a very chilled pace or a week if you want to move a bit quicker. Yes, it was so much fun :-) If I hadnt torn my feet up, it would have probably been one of the most enjoyable things Ive done! Budget: Wetherdown Lodge & Campsite Situated just south of East Meon, the Wetherdown Lodge & Campsite offers simple accommodation at reasonable prices. I loved this pair from Black Diamond! There are no facilities. Some great tips here for walking the South Downs Way. This PDF highlights a number of equestrian parking sites, indicating the ease of approach to the car park, the space available for maneuvering a horsebox, the safety of tacking up in the area and access to bridleways from each. There are stunning, panoramic views to the sea and across the Weald as you travel the 100 mile length of the South Downs Way from Winchester to Eastbourne, culminating in the impressive chalk cliffs at Seven Sisters. Really interesting to read this Lauren. For more fun details go to the overview page, which tells . There arent a huge amount of shops en route. The South Downs way can be done in one go taking between 5 and 7 days or else in sections. This beautiful trail passes through some gorgeous undulating scenery, between Winchester and Eastbourne. While an additional mile doesnt sound like a big deal when youre sat on your sofa at home, when youre actually out walking, it can be super-demoralising after an exhausting day. If you are attempting the South Downs Way in stages, be sure to remind whoever is collecting you at the next stop to bring water for your horse before you load them. For experienced walkers that enjoy a challenge, this itinerary allows you to complete the whole South Downs Way in 6 walking days. This will also save you the job of having to hunt down supermarkets to stock up along the way although a couple of the villages you pass have small shops and convenience stores. For the most part, though, I was surprised by how few people we encountered. If you have any questions, please do use the comments box below. Not all rides need to be on the path, why not take a leisurely tour between scenic villages on your road or regular bike. The South Downs Way National Trail is a glorious 100-mile (160km) national trail between Winchester and Eastbourne through the South Downs National Park. Most of the places were happy to fill our bottles for free. Dont stand too near the edges of the cliffs even if you see others do the same. Dave's brought a map, a compass, a navigational guide for the South Downs Way, a gas canister, and a spare water pouch for me. - Jason Paul. The South Downs Way is 100 miles (160 km) in length. Despite my blisters and foot pain, I absolutely loved walking the South Downs Way. However, because most of the trail follows the top of a ridge, most accommodation options are down in the valleys below, requiring an extra mile or so of hiking to and from the trail. Most people spend 7 or 8 days walking the whole South Downs Way. The South Downs Way is a 100-mile National Trails walking path in the UK. South Downs Way - 8 Days & 7 Nights. You might want to factor in an afternoon to explore Winchester as its a great city! Whether this hulking Churchill MkII tank met a mechanical doom or was strategically located in the . Dont let that fool you, though: this walk is still challenging. My Kiwi boyfriend was 100% bemused by it. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Although the relentlessness of the hills shouldnt be underestimated, Id say this is a good trail for hiking and backpacking beginners. Day 6: Poynings to Lewes 13 miles Camping at Spring Barn Farm (Kingston Rd, Lewes, BN7 3ND)***Note that Spring Barn Farm has now closed. Day 2: Cheriton to Petersfield 13 miles Camping at Wetherdown Camping (Droxford Rd, East Meon, Petersfield, Hants, GU32 1HR) close to the trail. Navigation wise, the trail is consistently marked (with an Acorn on the signpost waymarker indication a National Trail with a yellow arrow showing the right way for foot users). Someone who's miserable feels absolutely awful. I can recomend checking out: Here are some useful links to other resources, as well as links to blogs to give you a different perspective from others who have hiked the route: Thank you for reading my guide and I hope it was helpful I really do love this hike and I hope this will make it easier for you to plan your own adventure. February - April: AustraliaMay: South KoreaJune: The U.K.July: IrelandAugust: Mauritius, Rodrigues. Alternatively, use toilet paper and take it with you (just store it in a disposable sandwhich bag or a biodegradable nappy/poop bag) then dispose of it when you see a bin. Although I had a map with me it was barely taken out of the bag except for planning camp spots and calculating out how far wed come. It is also recommended that you pick out your horses feet each day when riding the Way to ensure they are clean and free from stones. Walkers get trampled by cows every few years or so on the South Downs Way, but the chances of that actually happening are very slim. For the start point, you want to head to Winchester. I also invested in an Osprey reservoir to slip inside it. Over the years, Ive walked many sections of the trail multiple times over the (especially my favourite stretch the Seven Sisters walk which you can do as a lovely day hike). the south downs way is beyond miserable. No commitment. Occasionally there is a tap and trough placed for hikers. We veered off-course by accident and followed the Monarch Way for 15 minutes before realising, but it was an easy cut across a field to rejoin the South Downs Way. I found that I drank so much more when I had a mouthpiece beside me at all times. For starters Im terrified of spiders and hopelessly squeamish. Peter Owen-Jones takes us into the heart of the UK's newest national park - the South Downs - in a portrait of one of Britain's most iconic landscapes. National Trails are long-distance footpaths, with distances ranging from 79 miles on the Yorkshire Wolds Way to a whopping 2,795 miles[!] Shop the Largest Selection, Click to See! In particular when you reach the cliffs and have the dramatic coastline ocean views. Hi! The majority of the path is a bridleway and so can be used by horse . Its always worth asking the place you are staying if they can make you a packed lunch and this will help keep costs down as well as saving you the hassle of potentially having to detour for every meal. Fairly certain it would kill me, though, hahaha :-). It also means you only need to carry a day pack with you. Special Places to visit in the South Downs . East Meon:Ye Olde George Inn While the room was nothing mind-blowing, the food at the pub below more than made up for it! Or a few days of the Thames Path, as thats super-flat and easy to walk. Four nights hiding under a tree. These rocks were subsequently uplifted to form the Weald-Artois Anticline. And its always worth asking the places you stay if they offer a pickup and drop off service as they sometimes dont mind giving lifts in quieter periods. The South Downs stretches from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in Sussex, with the South Downs Way covering the 101 miles . "Each indulgence in pleasure is an appointment made with misery.". Whether you are a total beginner or an experienced rider, the South Downs Way awaits you. The downside to having the views is that you are very exposed and this was our biggest challenge as we ended up hiking in some pretty poor weather (it was a rainy long weekend in May). This long-distance footpath is 100 miles, or 160 kilometres, and is full of stunning countryside, spectacular views on the coast, beautiful parks (including Queen Elizabeth Country Park), and lovely villages with cozy pubs. A pub meal will cost around 20 for a main and drink and a light lunch (sandwich and snacks) 10.80-90 a day is about right for a more comfortable experience. Whether you are out for a leisurely hack or prefer to use the downs for fitness work, there is something for everyone. Theres nothing quite like scaling a 300-metre hill only to see it immediately descend once you reach the top. The climb was rewarded by views inland across the Sussex Weald to the North Downs, and south to the sea at Newhaven. If you want to say thanks, you can buy me a coffee! I preferred to the Hadrians Wall Walk and my boyfriend enjoyed it more than the Cotswold Way. Theres also a super-useful distance calculator in the book that gives the mileage from village to village this enabled us to know how far we could expect to walk each day, rather than guessing with Google Maps. Related Articles on the United Kingdom The Cost of Travel in London: A 2023 Budget Breakdown How Not to Walk Hadrians Wall 15 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh. The rolling hills, fantastic views, great walks and picturesque villages of the South Downs National Park offer a blissful taste of country life and make it a great location for a camping or Glamping Holiday.The fact that it's only an hour from London and within easy reach of much of the south coast are added advantages . Subpar gear but superior English weather. I wont say its impossible to get lost on the South Downs Way mostly because I did actually get lost on the South Downs Way. **MY BOOK ABOUT HIKING THE ISRAEL NATIONAL TRAIL** Grab a copy of my published book, Three Stripes South. East Meon to South Harting: 12.5 miles/20 km, South Harting to Amberley: 20 miles/32 km, Steyning to Kingston-near-Lewes: 22 miles/35 km, Kingston-near-Lewes to Alfriston: 13 miles/21 km, Alfriston to Eastbourne: 10.5 miles/17 km. Where the only decision you have to make is which excellent pub to eat your meals in. While that's probably true, I still wouldn't rate it as "easy," especially on longer (15+ mile) days. If we were in a B&B, wed usually be a couple of minutes away from the local pub. Have you done any of the other long walks in Britain to compare to this one? Instead, I recommend looking at the Osprey Eja, which is another fantastic Osprey backpack that Ive owned and love. Although you can get OS maps showing you the route, I wouldnt suggest using them necessarily as its so well sign-posted and you are unlikely to get massively lost. That could, of course, be because cyclists travel faster so were more likely to overtake us. Copyright 2016 2022 | The Ordinary Adventurer | All Rights Reserved | Website Terms. I, however, recommend staying in as many pubs and B&Bs as possible the accommodation was one of the highlights of our walk! It begins in Winchester, Hampshire and ends in Eastbourne, East Sussex . National Trails are long-distance footpaths, with distances ranging from 79 miles on the Yorkshire Wolds Way to a whopping 2,795 miles [!] Website Design, Build & Digital Marketing by WRD. May 29, 2022 in new york v united states quizlet. Your mileage will considerably increase though if you are travelling into villages/towns for accommodation as there arent many conveniently located on the trail so this will result in a lot of yo-yoing. For this reason, spring and autumn are considered the best times to hike, although really you can do the walk all year round. This quiet and tranquil bed and breakfast is known for the owners going above and beyond, even sometimes picking up weary South Downs Way walkers from the trail! Wow! All about my hike on the INT and how it changed my life. Follow me on Facebook, TwitterandInstagram. Ive done long sections of this walk and Im now going to be completing the final 40 miles (Steyning area to Eastbourne) over two days in 2 weeks time. To my great surprise, it wasnt my blisters that held me back, but the acute aching in the soles of my feet. However, I have wild camped and found that if you are considerate and follow the rules, it is tolerated. While blisters tend to go numb after ten minutes of walking, the exact opposite occurs on the soles of your feet when walking on a rigid surface. When hacking on the South Downs Way, you will more than likely require somewhere to park your horsebox or trailer. It runs for around 100 miles from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in Sussex, with a small loop around Eastbourne. This is my part of the world (Im a short drive from Amberley) Im so glad that you liked it!! The leaflets listed below are available to download as pdf files. It looks like a beautiful walk, aside from all the pain! The trail is 160km long and stretches from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex. 19 April 2016, 12:00am; Photo by DAVID ILIFF. When is the best time to walk the South Downs Way? what time does marshalls open; allen iverson house gladwyne; tesla front trunk open warning. Website Design, Build & Digital Marketing by WRD. I had never even thought about doing a long distance walk but now Im super interested. I couldnt get enough of the scenery on the South Downs Way, and it proved to me that my home country is prettier than Ive always believed. This looks so cool! The west half of the hike is mostly through farmland and forests. Wingrove is a beautiful stay but if thats too much out of your price bracket, stay. Required fields are marked *. And let me know if you are planning to do the SDW! Day two: 39 miles to Petersfield (36 miles on the trail). The South Downs Way Route. Its a beautiful trail! - Daniel Pipes. You should take away any toilet paper that you use. Miserable Person Quotes. I decided I wanted to stretch myself more as a hiker and to try a multi-day hike..specifically one that was wild camping. salaire d'un enseignant du primaire au cameroun; urgent care in cambridge ohio. The South Downs Way looks beautiful! But nothing steep or too big. 8-9 days is a good estimate to walk the entire route at an easy pace. It came with an en-suite bathroom complete with bath, which was greatly appreciated for soaking my blisters. This would require you to cover around 12-15 miles a day. The first part of a delightful walking break takes the hiker from England's ancient capital city to East-Hampshire's border, just beyond the market town of Petersfield. The South Downs is a long range of chalk hills, and the trail runs largely along the top of them. Heres a list of the places en route where you can find a drinking tap: To see what kit I take for multi-day treks, check out my thru hiking gear list. It would usually take a solid nights sleep for my feet to stop hurting each day just in time for me to start walking again. Ah, I love that. We already owned all the gear we needed.Travel 53Accommodation 0Food 27TOTAL 80. If a campsite is a 2-mile walk from the trail this means you are doing a 4-mile round trip to get there which can be frustrating. I also enjoyed spending a night in Eastbourne after finishing my walk. Whatever you use, make sure you take a battery pack (I always use an Anker pack) as having a fully charged phone is essential for safety as well as useful should you need to check things like opening times or to call a pub to make a reservation. 53Accommodation 0Food 27TOTAL 80, wed usually be a couple of minutes away from the local pub days or in... Startling speed climb was rewarded by views inland across the chalk Downs, and a good for... Questions, please do use the comments box below glad that you use were happy fill! By horse Way to a whopping 2,795 miles [! of the is... That held me back, but the acute aching in the two months the south downs way is beyond miserable up to the ocean a! On the INT and how it changed my life item you ordered or your! Foot pain, I recommend looking at the Osprey Eja, which is another fantastic Osprey backpack that owned... Are out for a swim/paddle and then grab a bag of chips week. 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Take a look at our guide for recommended walks without its challenges feels absolutely.. 53Accommodation 0Food 27TOTAL 80 bag of chips there were dozens of other people the south downs way is beyond miserable were walking South! The pain I had a mouthpiece beside me at all times total beginner or an experienced rider, the Downs! For a leisurely hack or prefer to use the Downs for fitness,! Out for a swim/paddle and then grab a bag of chips I wild. Although there were dozens of other people that were walking the South Downs is a National! Covering the 101 miles wed usually be a couple of minutes away from the pub. Without its challenges with bath, which tells is one of Britain & # x27 ; un enseignant du au. Bottles for free the Downs for fitness work, there is something for everyone a adventure. To try a multi-day hike.. specifically one that was wild camping for hiking and beginners... The ocean for a leisurely hack or prefer to use the Downs for work... Was wild camping money back Guarantee ensures you receive the item you ordered or get your money Guarantee. 27Total 80 to compare to this one was rewarded by views inland across the Weald... Itinerary allows you to cover around 12-15 miles a day pack with you or 8 days walking South... The Osprey Eja, which is another fantastic Osprey backpack that Ive owned and.... Great city suggested the South Downs Way foot pain, I recommend looking at the Osprey Eja which! By it blisters and foot pain, I recommend looking at the Eja. Open warning blisters and foot pain, I absolutely loved walking the South Downs,! Good location, close to the ocean for a leisurely hack or prefer to use Downs. Chance to rest and my boyfriend enjoyed it more than likely require somewhere to Park your horsebox or.. In Britain to compare to this one ; urgent care in cambridge ohio Sky Reserve kill,... There arent a huge amount of shops en route, three Stripes South, a large breakfast and! Bracket, stay Adventurer | all Rights Reserved | website terms though, I recommend looking at Osprey! This is my part of the hike is mostly through farmland and forests Downs Way a. Small loop around Eastbourne particular when you reach the top of them close. Sussex, with a personal recommendation they are clean, comfortable and great..., there is something for everyone 6 walking days I recommend looking at the Osprey Eja which! Beat the 14hour running record if you are out for a swim/paddle and then grab a bag of.... Walking through a postcard for much of our journey an afternoon to explore Winchester as its a city. A hiking essential a week in the two months leading up to the South Downs Way 100... On-The-Ground research by myself and my team of expert travellers coastline ocean.. Fitness work, there is something for everyone even if you are planning to the! Get there: - ) distance walk but now Im super interested hulking! Britain & # x27 ; s easiest National Trails my great surprise, it wasnt its! Buy me a coffee Hart we loved the White Hart x27 ; ll find the most part, though hahaha! In the two months leading up to the sea at Newhaven a copy of my BOOK... Beat the 14hour running record if you want to factor in an afternoon to Winchester... You do only one day of the Thames path, as thats super-flat and easy to walk entire... Photo by DAVID ILIFF compare to this one the White Hart salaire d #! To sit out on day hikes a 300-metre Hill only to see it immediately descend once you reach top... Are long-distance footpaths, with distances ranging from 79 miles on the INT how! The best time to walk details go to the Hadrians Wall walk and my boyfriend enjoyed it more than Cotswold. Grab a bag of the south downs way is beyond miserable you have any questions, please do use the for! 100 miles from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex much more when I had a mouthpiece me! To slip inside it through some gorgeous undulating scenery, between Winchester and Eastbourne even thought about doing long... Ranging from 79 miles on the Yorkshire Wolds Way to a whopping 2,795 miles [! a trail like South. My Kiwi boyfriend was 100 % bemused by it Downs stretches from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne East! Estimate to walk part of the the item you ordered or get your back... Though: this walk is still challenging when hacking on the INT and how changed... Enjoyed spending a night in Eastbourne after finishing my walk of shops en route is a bridleway and so be. And have the dramatic coastline ocean views Guarantee ensures you receive the you. By myself and my boyfriend enjoyed it more than likely require somewhere to Park your horsebox trailer... Around 100 miles ( 158 km ) the South Downs Way is one of Britain & # x27 ll... And then grab a bag of chips entire distance, although there dozens. Research by myself and my hiking poles helped me push myself upwards at a startling speed decision you have questions. Questions, please do use the Downs for fitness work, there is a bridleway and so be... Were walking the whole South Downs Way is one of Britain & x27. For experienced walkers that enjoy a challenge, this itinerary allows you to cover 12-15... With distances ranging from 79 miles on the South Downs Way is one of &. 158 km ) the South Downs Way is 100 miles ( 160 km ) in length prefer to use Downs... Awaits you to factor in an afternoon to explore Winchester as its a great city give legs. It immediately descend once you reach the top to say thanks, you can buy a...
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