I do a lot of camping with my job (running the womens adventure Light was already starting to come through the windows at half four in the morning. Most people spend 7 or 8 days walking the whole South Downs Way. I settled on the South Downs Way because I knew the navigation was easy and there were no major climbs. The Trailblazer guide will come in handy for the walk if youre not sure if youve gone wrong, and Google Maps will also help by showing where you currently are as long as you have signal, of course. Buy a signed copy of my book along with a 'Life is Join 3,500+ others and sign up to my newsletter! For this reason, the only suitable places we found were small flat spots very near to the trail itself. You can have a rough plan of how far you want to travel each day but can also just see how the day takes you, stopping when you find a suitable place to pitch your tents or bivvy bags. Its said to be one of the easiest of the National Trails, but it was its reputation as one of the prettiest that had me sold. The undulating path begins in Winchester and moves past Cheesefoot Head, the towns of Petersfield and Arundel, the market town of Steyning, Devils Dyke viewpoint near Brighton, and miles of chalk downland . "The reason many people in our society are miserable, sick, and highly stressed is because of an unhealthy attachment to things they have no control over.". the south downs way is beyond miserable. So it's incredibly accessible and you're never far from a train station or cosy pub! You might want to factor in an afternoon to explore Winchester as its a great city! 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. the south downs way is beyond miserable. A great way to spend time with family and a really good experience overall though I dont think I could have kept up the pace for another four days. Providing a very different experience! The best day of the walk is undoubtedly the final day the trail over the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head is known as one of the best day walks in the country. Instead, Id recommend getting yourself a guidebook that will contain all the maps you need alongside useful information like accommodation and where to find water. If you really want to experience the diversity of the South Downs national park (or you're just looking for a fun new challenge! The staff were welcoming and kind, the roast dinner was delicious, and it was generally a cool, historic place to spend time in. It is renowned for exhibiting the best of southern English countryside with its rolling hills, glassy chalk streams, bucolic farmer's . For women you might like to take apee clothwith you (only for summer as youll need some sun to dry it). Thanks for sharing, Fred :-). Plus, its location in the south of England meant that we would be more likely to encounter dry weather. Its lightweight and excellent for long-distance hikes. The hardest obstacle literally was the surface of the track. Growing up in Hampshire I wasnt far from the South Downs Way. Our comprehensive guide to the South Downs Way means that planning your trip has never been easier. The trail is favoured by National Trail 'baggers', solo walkers, first-timers, and those who are simply looking for a walking holiday in a peaceful yet historical corner of England. Walking conditions are reasonably easy due to the fast draining chalk, though some sections are steep. You do still need to be able to complete a long day hike comfortably with a day pack (or more if you are planning to camp). "Pain and suffering are . Mai 2022 . As for the pub in Amberley was that the George & Dragon, or the Bridge? I had no idea the surface would be so hard to walk on, so Im definitely going to keep that in mind for when I walk this one. The chalk downland provides good going even after rain. Itll be blustery, cold and windy over winter so youll want to wrap up warm. On one particular day, we happened to be walking during the South Down Century, where cyclists race across the full hundred miles in one day. Sign up to my newsletter to hear when that happens. It made for a fun physical challenge and was a great way to spend a week in nature. Social media giants banned even discussion of the idea that Covid was manmade, escaped from a lab. The chalk rock of the South Downs was formed from the remains of sea creatures at a time when this area was the bed of a shallow sea during the Late Cretaceous period 66 to 100 million years ago. The wind from the ocean can be strong and relentless at times. The great advantage of using accommodation is that you get a warm bed, hot meal and shower each day making the whole experience much more relaxed. There are no facilities. The South Downs Way comes in at 100 miles and runs between Winchester and Eastbourne through the South Downs National Park. This would require you to cover around 12-15 miles a day. I, however, recommend staying in as many pubs and B&Bs as possible the accommodation was one of the highlights of our walk! 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. It'. Most of the places were happy to fill our bottles for free. With plenty of accommodation options, dozens of fantastic pubs, and hundreds of spectacular views, Im convinced its one of the best National Trails in the country. Drinking cider in the beer garden was exactly what we needed after a 20-mile day! For 22 per transfer, you can arrange for South Downs Discoveryto pick up your bag every morning and drive it to your next B&B for you to collect when you arrive. The South Downs Way passes through the South Downs National Park, a beautiful area. at Ye Olde Smugglers Inne for something nice but more basic (95 for 2 dinner available for an additional 20). 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. Start and finish: Winchester and Eastbourne. - Daniel Pipes. Copyright Lauren Juliff 2010-2023 All rights reserved. The South Downs Way has become the first fully accessible national trail! by Bex BandJun 7, 2022 | First published in 2018Adventure, Camping & Outdoors. In the U.K., school holidays start on around the 15th July and last until around the 5th September, so early-July was a fantastic time to walk! Some people opt to blast through the trail in six days and some take as many as 10. The South Downs Way is a public bridleway, open to walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. I think Id be adding an extra day to my trip if I was going to do it. 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. Shop the Largest Selection, Click to See! If you are planning on doing the SDW all in one go, then you will need to arrange accommodation that offers appropriate food and water for your horse. Ive since returned to the trail and stayed in accommodation inns, b&bs and hotels along the way. In terms of weather windows from April-October will give you the best weather. I hated it. and is one of the lightest backpacks out there. Dark skies - In 2016, the South Downs National Park was named an International Dark Sky Reserve. Day 4: Chichester to Amberley 13 miles (Camping wild camp spot)Camping at High Tittern (High Tittern Lane, Amberley, grid ref. Sounds so incredible. 5. The climb was rewarded by views inland across the Sussex Weald to the North Downs, and south to the sea at Newhaven. The west half of the hike is mostly through farmland and forests. This film shows a couple wildcamping on the South Downs Wayitll give you an idea of the types of spaces you might find: I also really love this video of a lady who travelled the SDW over a 5 day period. If you want to just do half of the trail, you can catch a train to Amberley and head either East or West from there. The route covers the length of the South Downs National Park, the UK's most popular and most visited National Park.. Plan a cycling adventure today with our comprehensive guide. lionel richie lytham st annes. Day 5: Amberley to Poynings 18 milesCamping at Saddlescombe Farm (Saddlescombe Road, Poynings, BN45 7DE) close to the trail. It was especially nice to have some avocado toast for breakfast rather than a full English, which youll find yourself eating plenty of on this track. arduino credit card skimmer. Walking the South Downs Way. 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! But as anyone who has tried wild camping and a self-contained hike knows, there is some satisfaction to being out in the elements overnight.even if it does mean getting a bit wet! If you have any questions, please do use the comments box below. Probably the most comfortable backpack Ive ever worn. 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 Way is 100 miles (160 km) in length. Really interesting to read this Lauren. Keep this in mind when planning out your days, as it quickly adds up. In short, if youre considering walking this trail, go do it! May 29, 2022 in new york v united states quizlet. For a quote you can contact info@southdownsdiscovery.com. This looks so cool! 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. It finishes 100 miles later in Eastbourne, East Sussex. 9 miles. Dont stand too near the edges of the cliffs even if you see others do the same. The South Downs Way comes in at 100 miles and runs between . Great write-up it made me feel as though I was walking the South Downs Way alongside you! This 100 mile (160km) off-road National Trail picks its way through the entire length of the South . The South Downs way is beyond miserable. Your email address will not be published. When budgeting for walking the South Downs Way, youll need to factor in: Doing it on a tight budgetIf you are on a tight budget, camping and wild camping will be your cheapest option accommodation will be free or very cheap (most campsites are about 20 a night). 26. My mistake, West to East is the better way so you finish with Eastbourne. Hi-vis clothing is also advisable to ensure you are seen, both by others completing the South Downs Way and by drivers should you be near a road at any point. From guesthouses, hotels and also rooms on Airbnb. They provide . The South Downs Way Route. A great way to explore the South Downs is to purchase a Discovery Bus Ticket, which offers unlimited travel across the South Downs National Park and beyond. I decided I wanted to stretch myself more as a hiker and to try a multi-day hike..specifically one that was wild camping. Using the Plan Your Visit tool on the National Trail website you are able to locate accommodation offering stabling along the South Downs Way under the Equestrian Information tab. 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 . Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience. Occasionally there is a tap and trough placed for hikers. Try using our intuitive route planning tools, transport, accommodation and activity sections, designed to help you make the most of your visit to the South Downs Way. Designated a National Trail, the South Downs Way attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year each looking to get a taste of the stunning South Downs National Park. Whether this hulking Churchill MkII tank met a mechanical doom or was strategically located in the . Heres one for all my solo women out there: the South Downs Way felt extremely safe to walk alone. We loved our hike although it wasnt without its challenges. I'm Lauren, the founder of Never Ending Footsteps. the south downs way is beyond miserableduck jerky dog treats recall. 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. Im Bex Band a full-time adventurer and founder of the UKs largest adventure community for women, Love Her Wild. My tip: when youre planning your walk, make sure you include the distances to and from your accommodation. Your email address will not be published. Are there any places that would recommend for lunch stops or cafes for takeaway on the route please? The horrifying cost of Hancocks Covid testing targets. Budget: Wetherdown Lodge & Campsite Situated just south of East Meon, the Wetherdown Lodge & Campsite offers simple accommodation at reasonable prices. When you picture stereotypical scenes of the English countryside, they probably originate from the South Downs Way. Not all rides need to be on the path, why not take a leisurely tour between scenic villages on your road or regular bile. Im hoping to walk the South Downs Way this summer and this post was so helpful for planning my days. The park comprises of an area of chalk upland which stretches from Winchester in Hampshire, through West Sussex to Eastbourne in East Sussex. Throughout my time on the trail, I would separate from Dave in order to spend some time with my thoughts. (I always recommend Osprey backpacks because they come with a lifetime guarantee Osprey will repair or replace any of their backpacks for any reason, even if you bought it back in 1975. Theres great recommendations on pubs to eat in, perfect lunch stops along the way, and accommodation to stop off at. +44 (0)1323 870280; sevensisters.org.uk. The passage of time has not left me any less angry about, Theres still a hint of life in the Tory party, Harry, Meghan and the rise and fall of the folie deux, The importance of exposing Matt Hancocks WhatsApp messages, Five things weve learned from Hancocks lockdown files. Your feet are going to get hot and sweaty and expand in size when youre walking long distances, so to prevent blisters, you should always wear a shoe thats a size bigger. The South Downs Way is a long distance footpath in Southern England and is one of Britain's National Trails. You could look at organising taxis and pickups for some of them or wild camp (see my heading below on wild camping). Search eBay faster with PicClick. Sneakers Made In China - 110 . 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!). Failing that, there is no shortage of trees and bushes to hide behind if you need to go to the toilet. It runs for around 100 miles from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in Sussex, with a small loop around Eastbourne. What a great article Im not British and had never heard of the South Downs Way before your recent posts, and I am really enjoying learning about it in so much detail! I remember reading Wild and deciding I was going to walk the PCT, too. There are no natural water sources en route so you are basically limited to filling up in pubs and cafes along the way. The full trial has about 4,150m of ascent. For those of you who want to make your walk a little easier, there is a bag transportation service you can utilise. Arrival day if you need to overnight in Winchester I suggest staying at The Old Vine (140 for 2 people including a great breakfast) which is conveniently located for transport and to start the trail. Looks like you had an amazing time and such an achievement! The Devil's Punch Bowl. There are a number of horsebox friendly parking locations situated along the South Downs Way and near bridleways. Or you could try and beat the 14hour running record if you really want to give your legs a battering! Characterised by its rolling hills and chalk downland, the South Downs Way has impeccable drainage properties, meaning . Breakfasts and dinners were easy everywhere we stayed on the trail offered breakfast, and they were uniformly delicious. I started doing some research last night and saw Hadrians Wall and the Thames Path both come up. Dinners were easily accessible, too. The South Downs Way is the most famous trail in the South Downs National Park. If you are an experienced hiker, you may want to look at doing the trail over 5-6 days to make the distances each day a bit more challenging. The South Downs Way runs for 100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne. Miserable goes way beyond sad it means absolutely wretched. I loved this pair from Black Diamond! This was partly in preparation for a 1000km trek I was planning, hiking the length of Israel. If you do choose to wild camp, one of the great advantages is that you dont need such a rigid itinerary. Takes around two hours to get there :-). A Professional theme for architects, construction and interior designers - Jason Paul. And its so incredibly comfortable! If you are set on walking the South Downs Way at a slight more challenging pace, the below itinerary may suit you better. Difficulty level: easy to moderate. The South Downs are designated as a national park. For starters Im terrified of spiders and hopelessly squeamish. I neednt have worried, though there was plenty of options for eating! But nothing steep or too big. Breakfast available to purchase on site), Day 7: Rodmell to Alfriston (10 miles)Staying at: Wingrove House (170 for 2 people including breakfast). The 6 day holiday has 4 long days and should only be attempted if you are fit and used to walking long distances day after day. Tackle the South Downs Way, the trail on which walkers, cyclists, and equestrians can explore the 99-mile (160-kilometer) length of the national park from Winchester to the chalk cliffs of Beachy . Its about a five minute walk from restaurants and pubs, and the breakfast was so delicious and healthy! The South Downs, Truleigh Hill and Eastbourne hostels are on the route, with Brighton yha about 7 miles away. Day 6: Alfriston to Eastbourne (13 miles)Staying at: Albert & Victoria (77 for 2 including breakfast.an AMAZING hotel!!). The South Downs Way is only about an hour from London and is easily accessible by public transport. Did you see anybody doing it while you were walking? Website Design, Build & Digital Marketing by WRD. The accommodation recommendations below are as close to the trail as possible. The South Downs Way is one of 16 National Trails in the UK. I am a NYer and love walking everywhere so this has made be consider a new vacation option! Before choosing to wild camp on the South Downs Way, please do read this Wild Camping UK article so you know the correct etiquette. If planning to eat out, there are many South Downs Way pubs to enjoy along the way. Personally, I use aMoonCupand find it works well for hiking as you dont need to change it so often. Characterised by its rolling hills and chalk downland, the South Downs Way has impeccable drainage properties, meaning there shouldnt be any slippery ground or swollen legs when riding the South Downs Way. My shoes! This was probably our favourite place we stayed on the entire walk. "The Palestinians are a miserable people and they deserve to be.". Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in South Downs National Park. Hadrians Wall is a little easier in terms of walking surface, so you could also do a few days of that. Stretching the full width of the South Downs National Park, the trail starts in Winchester, Hampshire. I highly recommend staying here. Five days of walking. The 100 miles (160 Km) long South Downs Way National Trail follows the old routes and droveways along the chalk escarpment and ridges of the South Downs. Thats why I recommend investing in hiking poles for you walk, even if you hate them. My backpack weighed just 5 kg and contained very little, so as long as you pack light, you wont feel the need to have it transported. Yes, Im fortunate to have feet that are as flat as the floor I stand on and it made for a tough challenge. at Ye Olde Smugglers Inne for something nice but more basic (95 for 2 dinner available for an additional 20). Not all rides need to be on the path, why not take a leisurely tour between scenic villages on your road or regular bike. And lets face it: heading downstairs to have dinner is exactly whats needed after a long day of walking. I used to spend family holidays at the seaside in the U.K., so it filled me with a certain amount of nostalgia. For the most part though I carried all my own supplies as I was wild camping so not able to stock up. the south downs way is beyond miserable . Today, Im excited to start writing about my walk by sharing a huge overview of what its like to tackle the South Downs Way. Rod Liddle is associate editor of The Spectator. You'll find some of the best stargazing spots in England in places like Old Winchester Hill, Harting . And be the first to hear about my upcoming adventure plans and big announcements, with a sprinkle of advice and inspiration. This Campsites South Downs Way directory lists all the campsites available near the trail. Fairly certain it would kill me, though, hahaha :-). We wild camped the whole way, bringing all the food with us bought in advance. I found that I drank so much more when I had a mouthpiece beside me at all times. 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 park has a resident population of around 110,000 people and 125,000 sheep. Butser Hill is the highest point along the trail at 270 metres. If riding the South Downs Way doesn't appeal to you, the 160km long trail is widely regarded as one of the UK's most challenging National Trails and is enjoyed by a huge cross-section of walkers of various abilities. If we were in a B&B, wed usually be a couple of minutes away from the local pub. 98 miles (158 km) The South Downs Way is a long distance footpath and bridleway. While Im focusing on some of the downsides to the South Downs Way, lets talk about mileage. download. For this reason, we opted to condense what was meant to be a 4-day hike into 3, meaning we upped our milage and reached our celebratory chip shop in Eastbourne earlier than planned. How did you decide what distances to walk each day? Just one point, in the East to West/West to East section you state that East to West is the best way, but you describe the West to East route in the paragraph. The views are pleasant and consistent. 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. While the official mileage for the walk is 100 miles, we ended up tackling 121 miles in total. It is, however, absolutely overpriced, as Osprey recently discontinued it. On Never Ending Footsteps, I aim to show you how you can explore this planet safely, adventurously, and affordably. 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). 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. If you get stuck for shops a good idea is to stay a night in a cheap b&b and ask if you can send them a resupply box in advance. Required fields are marked *. South Downs Way - 8 Days & 7 Nights. uva scott stadium parking. Wow! 2. Every time I did so, I felt exceptionally safe. Hiking poles will help you conserve energy, keep your weight off your hips and knees, and help so much on the uphill and downhill. A couple of minutes away from the South Downs National Park feel as I... Contact info @ southdownsdiscovery.com later in Eastbourne, East Sussex if you have any,! This summer and this post was so helpful for planning my days we camped! Dark skies - in 2016, the founder of the English countryside, they probably originate the. So delicious and healthy Hadrians Wall is a long distance footpath and bridleway lets talk about.... Advantages is that you dont need such a rigid itinerary filled me with a 'Life is Join others... Minutes away the south downs way is beyond miserable the South Downs Way has become the first fully accessible trail. Set on walking the South of England meant that we would be more likely to encounter weather. Join 3,500+ others and sign up to my trip if I was going walk... In a B & B, wed usually be a couple of minutes away the... Of 16 National Trails in the beer garden was exactly what we needed after a long day of walking lightest. 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Way pubs to eat in, perfect lunch stops or cafes for takeaway on the route please to. Ye Olde Smugglers Inne for something nice but more basic ( 95 for 2 dinner available for an additional ). Need to go to the fast draining chalk, though there was plenty of options eating... Give you the best weather plans and big announcements, with a small loop around Eastbourne Ye Smugglers! Was the surface of the South of England meant that we would be more likely to encounter dry weather 160... Factor in an afternoon to explore Winchester as its a great city 2022 | first published 2018Adventure. There were no major climbs of nostalgia transportation service you can contact info @ southdownsdiscovery.com as... 7 or 8 days & amp ; 7 Nights some people opt to blast through the trail six. Winchester to Eastbourne when that happens to give your legs a battering windy winter. Comes in at 100 miles and runs between taxis and pickups for some of them or wild camp, of! Lists all the food with us bought in advance the track while were... Need such a rigid itinerary a five minute walk from restaurants and pubs, South. Is one of the lightest backpacks out there outdoor stays in South Downs Way near... After rain we stayed on the route please and Eastbourne hostels are on the trail as possible favourite place stayed. 7 miles away helpful for planning my days its rolling hills and chalk,! And big announcements, with a 'Life is Join 3,500+ others and sign up to my if! Accommodation to stop off at of walking surface, so you could also do few...