The full trial has about 4,150m of ascent. Day 1: Winchester to East Meon (18 miles)Staying at: Angel Cottage B&B (58 for 2 including breakfast), Day 2: East Meon to Cocking (18 miles)Staying at: Hysett House Inn (90 for 2 people including breakfast), Day 3: Cocking to Amberley (12 miles)Staying at: Black Horse (150 for 2 people including breakfast), Day 4: Amberley to Steyning (11 miles)Staying at: Uppingham B&B (150 for 2 people including breakfast), Day 5: Steyning to Pyecombe (10 miles)Staying at: Period Cottage (131 for 2 people including breakfast), Day 6: Pyecombe to Southease (15 miles)Staying at: YHA South Downs (30 for 2 people in a private room. But! Just like the campsites, you are going to need to factor in travelling to and from your hotel as there really arent loads of options that fall directly on the trail itself. I found that I drank so much more when I had a mouthpiece beside me at all times. Probably the most comfortable backpack Ive ever worn. The following are the points where the path can be picked up using public transport: Meon valley, South Harting, Cocking, Amberley (train station) Bramber, Devil's Dyke and Ditchling beacon at weekends, Southease (train station) Alfriston and Cuckmere . We met just three other people that were walking the entire distance, although there were dozens of other people out on day hikes. Subpar gear but superior English weather. Difficulty level: easy to moderate. Debit cards, train tickets, and cash (I'd like to say I didn't use the debit cards and cash, but that's wishful thinking) Reading glasses and a pair of cheap spares (Poundland!) My tip: when youre planning your walk, make sure you include the distances to and from your accommodation. Off-road cyclists regularly complete the trail. 8 days is a reasonable target for most people with reasonable fitness . Thanks for reading :-). However, your horse should be comfortable carrying you for the majority of the day. Fantastic breakfast with homemade sourdough bread (the owner runs classes on how to make sourdough bread, so you know its going to be great!). The South Downs Way National Trail is a glorious 100-mile (160km) national trail between Winchester and Eastbourne through the South Downs National Park. The South Downs Way is the most famous trail in the South Downs National Park. A linear route which forms the seventh part of the Sussex Hospices Trail. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. The hills on the coastal section of the hike can feel a little endless at times lots of up and down. Always, always, always size up! The South Downs is a national park in South East England. Day 1: Winchester to East Meon (18 miles)Staying at: Angel Cottage B&B (58 for 2 including breakfast) perfectly located on the SDW. Stretching the full width of the South Downs National Park, the trail starts in Winchester, Hampshire. The views were consistently pretty. The South Downs National Park and the South Downs Way: The official leaflet for the South Downs Way National Park and South Downs Way National Trail. 98 miles (158 km) The South Downs Way is a long distance footpath and bridleway. The wind from the ocean can be strong and relentless at times. The British summer can always be temperamental, so I know we had a fair bit of luck. 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. This was the first walk where I didnt get blisters on my heels and I believe its from wearing a larger shoe. I physically retched as I watched him eating unmentionables in the Australian jungle. 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). The owner really helped to make our visit perfect. As with any other hack, we strongly recommend you bring your mobile phone, allowing you to contact someone for help should it be required. Would love to get a taste and work up to something a bit longer (and sloppier and filled with those rock shards!) Can you wild camp on the South Downs Way? You can carry most of your food, opting for sandwiches and simple pasta meals cooked on your stove at night (ignoring the pub temptations along the way).20-30 a day should be plenty for campsites, DIY food and the odd drink/ice cream although youll also need to add in transport costs (we spent 53 each on return trains to London) and your gear which you may already have. The route provides the visitor with the oppor We had two challenging walks, where we racked up 20 and 22 miles, but the rest of our mileage felt comfortable. I wanted to start with a brief introduction to give this guide context. 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. But nothing steep or too big. TQ032123) which is a wild camping space right on the trail. Day 1: Winchester to Cheriton 6 mileCamping at Holdean Farm (Cheriton, Nr Alresford, hants, So24 0NX) close to the trail. July and August are the hottest months and being on the exposed cliffs can result in tough days if you get an especially hot spell. On a trail like the South Downs Way, I view them as a hiking essential. Its a beautiful trail! The park has a resident population of around 110,000 people and 125,000 sheep. Because time was short, we opted to not do the full trail in one go and settled on a 50mile multi-day hike, from Amberley train station to Eastbourne. With Bivvy bags you would definitely find wild camping South Downs easier (read more about in this Bivvy Bag guide). There is an option to book taxis to take you to and from your accommodation. The South Downs is fantastic riding country. You can choose to walk, cycle or ride a small part of the way or if you are up for a challenge you can take on the whole route. Would you have a recommendation for a beginners long walk trail in the UK or Europe? Ultra hikers and runners often cover the distance in a 2-day 100mile challenge (hats off to them!). South Downs: England's Mountains Green. There arent a huge amount of shops en route. 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! The South Downs way can be done in one go taking between 5 and 7 days or else in sections. Had some ice creams and lunch along the way and a bag of chips at the end. Ecstasy (noun): an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement.From the Greek ecstasis (standing outside oneself). 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. Ah, I love that. It runs for around 100 miles from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in Sussex, with a small loop around Eastbourne. Follow, Or for something really challenging, how about the. heres a quick guide and video if you are interested in horse riding the trail. This trail is so beautiful! Website Design, Build & Digital Marketing by WRD. For experienced walkers that enjoy a challenge, this itinerary allows you to complete the whole South Downs Way in 6 walking days. 9 miles. Fun fact: several years ago, I attempted to walk the length of Hadrians Walland ended up having to drop out on day three. The climb was rewarded by views inland across the Sussex Weald to the North Downs, and south to the sea at Newhaven. Be sure to cache your maps for offline use each morning. Or you could try and beat the 14hour running record if you really want to give your legs a battering! We offer 4 itineraries covering the whole route. Also check out my recently published book Three Stripes South, all about my first big adventure hiking the length of Israel. The South Downs Way has become the first fully accessible national trail! Whatever your approach to food, you are going to want to make sure you start with plenty of snacks in your bag to keep you going on your 100mile hike. Camping is tricky as there arent lots within easy access to the trail. 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). The views are pleasant and consistent. the south downs way is beyond miserableduck jerky dog treats recall. You can pack wraps and tups of peanut butter for lunches, pasta, couscous or freeze-dried meals for dinner. Most consider West to East to be the best way and I agree! I'm here to help you explore this planet safely, adventurously, and affordably. In 2013, the Youth Hostels Association (YHA) spent 3m on renovating this 14th . Yes, Im fortunate to have feet that are as flat as the floor I stand on and it made for a tough challenge. 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. Occasionally there is a tap and trough placed for hikers. The South Downs are designated as a national park. 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. 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. Once you complete the trail you can get a completion certificate to keep! 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. Birds fill woods and gardens with song in spring, while a relay of snowdrops, daffodils, and bluebells brighten verges and woodlands. There are a number of steep inclines and descends but once on the top of the ridge, the majority of the Way is flat and not too strenuous. This way you save the best views until last, build up resilience for the more relenting coastal hills and can also finish your trek with seafront chips in Eastbourne. When is the best time to walk the South Downs Way? The trail goes from the city of Winchester to Eastbourne, a famous seaside town with iconic white cliffs. The South Downs National Park welcomes visitors from across the country, and the world to experience its natural wonder, far-reaching views and endless skies (on a good day of course!). During the summer, bees and butterflies flit over classic flowers such as orchids, scabious, gorse and heather. 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. A Professional theme for architects, construction and interior designers theo coumbis lds; the south downs way is beyond miserable; 30 . Take a look at our guide for recommended walks. Are there any places that would recommend for lunch stops or cafes for takeaway on the route please? 2. If wed been staying in hotels and b&bs theres no doubt we would have kept to 4 days with the promise of a dry bed and shower each night.

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