Especially on a hot day. 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. If you do only one day of the South Downs Way, make it this one. 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. ), the South Downs Way is an adventure you definitely don't want to skip! Not only is the scenery breathtaking, but the pubs are cosy, the locals friendly, and the walking challenging but in a good way. If you have enough time, I recommend booking a night in both Winchester and Eastbourne. My mistake, West to East is the better way so you finish with Eastbourne. Website Design, Build & Digital Marketing by WRD. Would you have a recommendation for a beginners long walk trail in the UK or Europe? It is, however, absolutely overpriced, as Osprey recently discontinued it. Five days of walking. Well.the simple answer is yes. My shoes had never felt perfect and once I started to walk long distances every day, my ankles ended up so bruised that I could barely move my feet. The South Downs Way is one of the 16 National Trail walks that criss-cross their way around the United Kingdom. Id suggest bringing a buff and a warm hat you can pull over your ears to give your face a break on especially windy days. theo coumbis lds; the south downs way is beyond miserable; 30 . Day three: 28 miles to Winchester (25 miles on the trail). I was concerned about how accessible food would be on the walk so dutifully packed my bag full of protein bars before leaving. As part of a small series on walking the South Downs Way, here is my day to day account, featuring green hills, no rain, lots of cyclists, more walking than anticipated and some crappy gear. We stayed at the Ecolodge while walking the South Downs Way. 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. The South Downs Way is one of 16 National Trails in the UK. 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. Plan a cycling adventure today with our comprehensive guide. You could look at organising taxis and pickups for some of them or wild camp (see my heading below on wild camping). 5 - It's a walkers' paradise! Rod Liddle is associate editor of The Spectator. It begins in Winchester, Hampshire and ends in Eastbourne, East Sussex . Thats good to hear! 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. 21. This splits the South Downs Way stages across 6 days. Its pretty damn hard to lose the trail. the south downs way is beyond miserableduck jerky dog treats recall. Some people opt to blast through the trail in six days and some take as many as 10. Its a beautiful trail! on the England Coast Path. If doing a poo, you need to be a decent way off the trail and at least 200m away from any water sources. Three winter walks on the South Downs. **MY BOOK ABOUT HIKING THE ISRAEL NATIONAL TRAIL** Grab a copy of my published book, Three Stripes South. Growing up in Hampshire I wasnt far from the South Downs Way. Obviously, if you arent planning to camp you can ditch the cooking stuff, tent and sleeping gear. The South Downs Way Is Beyond Miserable FOR SALE!. The South Downs Way takes you through a wonderfully varied landscape of woodland, chalk downs, arable farmland, meandering rivers, ancient forts and castles and picture postcards, and traditional English villages. at Ye Olde Smugglers Inne for something nice but more basic (95 for 2 dinner available for an additional 20). 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. There are some moderately steep slopes but the path mostly runs on farm tracks across rolling open chalk downland. Stop anywhere in the South Downs and it is hard not to find an inspiring view. This was probably our favourite place we stayed on the entire walk. 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 ride from Arundel at the southern edge of the South Downs, through the villages of Petworth and Northchapel to the north showcases why this is such a special part of the world. You can also just navigate using a phone. "People who are not happy with themselves, cannot possibly be happy with you.". the south downs way is beyond miserablebrown sugar pork chops grilled. Located in East Meon, 23 km from Jane Austen's House Museum, South Downs Eco Lodge & Camping provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking and a restaurant. If you have any questions, please do use the comments box below. 2. A linear route which forms the seventh part of the Sussex Hospices Trail. 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. It'. We loved our hike although it wasnt without its challenges. May 29, 2022 in new york v united states quizlet. I physically retched as I watched him eating unmentionables in the Australian jungle. The many hundreds of miles of single track and bridlepaths spurring from the South Downs Way the trail and National Park means it is not only a haven for horse riders but a mecca for Mountain Bikers. Theres a decent amount of accommodation around, with villages scattered all along the trail but not on the trail so its fairly easy to set your own milage for each day. 98 miles (158 km) The South Downs Way is a long distance footpath and bridleway. Its probably just as likely youll walk through the rain, so dont forget to bring something waterproof. If one were coming from the US, how would they get to the trail? This was partly in preparation for a 1000km trek I was planning, hiking the length of Israel. Most people spend 7 or 8 days walking the whole South Downs Way. I'm here to help you explore this planet safely, adventurously, and affordably. Otherwise, this list should cover everything you need. But now added to that list are wheelchair users and off-road buggies. 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. If we were staying in a pub, wed simply walk downstairs to eat. 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. The owner really helped to make our visit perfect. Text settings. There are 1200km of bridleways spreading through the National Park for riders to enjoy - everything from a gentle trot along a country track to a hack up to the top of the Downs. Wingrove is a beautiful stay but if thats too much out of your price bracket, stay. Always, always, always size up! Theyll help your feet so much! Your email address will not be published. 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! Countryside and cultural events take place throughout the year in the towns and villages. To be honest, while the downhills werent wonderful for my knees and hips, the uphills were surprisingly enjoyable. Not only is the surface of the South Downs Way constantly conspiring to destroy your feet, but theres a remarkable amount of ups and downs to deal with. The horrifying cost of Hancocks Covid testing targets. Sounds so incredible. Walkers in Britain are an oddly talkative bunch for a country thats full of socially-awkward people so whenever you do run into someone, theyll usually be down for a chat. How did you decide what distances to walk each day? 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). The Cicerone South Downs Way guide book is my favourite, although the Trailblazer one is also good. I reached across my camp-bed to feel the temperature of the baby To celebrate the release of my debut book Three Stripes South, I'm running a Christmas special! 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. Merrell are king when it comes to long-distance walking, and I decided on the Merrell Accentor shoes for this walk. Ultra hikers and runners often cover the distance in a 2-day 100mile challenge (hats off to them!). Although the relentlessness of the hills shouldnt be underestimated, Id say this is a good trail for hiking and backpacking beginners. 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. Day 1: Winchester to East Meon (18 miles)Staying at: Angel Cottage B&B (58 for 2 including breakfast) perfectly located on the SDW. We mark out potential spots for wild camping, and discuss how far we can . Off-road cyclists regularly complete the trail. Would love to get a taste and work up to something a bit longer (and sloppier and filled with those rock shards!) If you do not own your own horse but would still like to experience the joys of hacking the South Downs Way, there are a number of riding schools offering hacks on the South Downs National Park and surrounding areas. The SDW is a very popular trail, especially the Seven Sisters section as you near Beachy Head and Eastbourne. It came with an en-suite bathroom complete with bath, which was greatly appreciated for soaking my blisters. 2. The route covers the length of the South Downs National Park, the UK's most popular and most visited National Park.. 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. Of course, this figure is trail distance only as most walkers stay in accommodation located another few miles away from the Way. We met just three other people that were walking the entire distance, although there were dozens of other people out on day hikes. Not all rides need to be on the path, why not take a leisurely tour between scenic villages on your road or regular bike. All the hotels and b&bs come with a personal recommendation they are clean, comfortable and have great customer service. I am a NYer and love walking everywhere so this has made be consider a new vacation option! The route provides the visitor with the oppor Where the only decision you have to make is which excellent pub to eat your meals in. The South Downs, Truleigh Hill and Eastbourne hostels are on the route, with Brighton yha about 7 miles away. 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. Buy a signed copy of my book along with a 'Life is Join 3,500+ others and sign up to my newsletter! Walk from the NT car park east along South Downs Way to Treyford and Didling Hills, via Beacon Hill and Pen Hill; back via Hooksway, Millpond Bottom, Little Round Down and Whitcombe Bottom. Your entire South Downs journey will surely be more than 100 miles! I did wonder if there are many shops on route to enable me to re-stock. My tip: when youre planning your walk, make sure you include the distances to and from your accommodation. I walked a walk just to the west, the Clarendon Way from Winchester to Salisbury, over two days earlier this year. All about my hike on the INT and how it changed my life. National Trails are long-distance footpaths, with distances ranging from 79 miles on the Yorkshire Wolds Way to a whopping 2,795 miles[!] Miserable Person Quotes. Even Google maps have the South Downs Way! The wind was especially relentless on the cliffs, and always coming from the right side which started to drive us a bit mad. The Birling Gap is one of best known parts of the south coast Credit: Getty. From camping to youth hostels to cosy pubs to five-star hotels, theres a whole range of accommodation available to suit different price ranges. Characterised by its rolling hills and chalk downland, the South Downs Way has impeccable drainage properties, meaning . In March-April, when the fields are dotted with lambs and calves, the trees begin to bud. And if there werent? Copyright Lauren Juliff 2010-2023 All rights reserved. This looks so cool! One of my highlights of this year has been successfully walking the South Downs Way. This is such a wonderful trail through a beautiful part of the country. Or a few days of the Thames Path, as thats super-flat and easy to walk. The South Downs Way National Trail is a glorious 100-mile (160km) national trail between Winchester and Eastbourne through the South Downs National Park. Your email address will not be published. Its always good practice to have a spare 1 litre of water with you than you think you need. Awesome website! The South Downs Way Route. Steyning:Uppingham B&B Such a lovely owner and bright, airy room! It runs from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in Sussex.. Ah, thank you! Hi Bex, love your website and specific detail on the South Down Way. Butser Hill is the highest point along the trail at 270 metres. durham ontario police; does maddie know the killer in hush; Heres where we stayed on the South Downs Way: Cheriton:The Brick House B&B What a lovely spot! Macs Adventure has been organising self-guided walking tours on the South Downs Way since 2010.Being one of the UK's classic National Trails, the South Downs Way proved popular from the outset. and is one of the lightest backpacks out there. For experienced walkers that enjoy a challenge, this itinerary allows you to complete the whole South Downs Way in 6 walking days. The smell . 4 - People - this is the most populated National Park with over 117,000 people and 2.2m living within 10km. The South Downs Way is the most famous trail in the South Downs National Park. Again a life-changing piece of kit. For women you might like to take apee clothwith you (only for summer as youll need some sun to dry it). Can you wild camp on the South Downs Way? Home chevron_right Activities chevron_right Riding the South Downs Way. 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. Not all rides need to be on the path . Would you feel safe doing so? L urking among the jubilant Americans venturing back out to bars and planning their summer-wedding travel is a different group: liberals who aren't quite ready to let go of pandemic . Thanks for sharing, Fred :-). The South Downs Way is a long-distance footpath that winds its way from historic Winchester to Eastbourne in Sussex. Or you can subscribe to my YouTube channel. The South Downs way can be done in one go taking between 5 and 7 days or else in sections. On the South Downs Way, I especially appreciated the hand-drawn maps for every part of the trail (heres an example from my copy of how great they are) Im not sure I would have been able to find my own way without them. Difficulty level: easy to moderate. In terms of weather windows from April-October will give you the best weather. Entire distance, although there were dozens of other people out on day hikes in... 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