Today, Im excited to start writing about my walk by sharing a huge overview of what its like to tackle the South Downs Way. Its always good practice to have a spare 1 litre of water with you than you think you need. It is, however, absolutely overpriced, as Osprey recently discontinued it. 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. Hi! 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!). Stretching the full width of the South Downs National Park . In fact, there was a part of me that was eager to turn around at the finish line and walk back to Winchester! Especially on a hot day. With Bivvy bags you would definitely find wild camping South Downs easier (read more about in this Bivvy Bag guide). Or you can subscribe to my YouTube channel. 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. Birds fill woods and gardens with song in spring, while a relay of snowdrops, daffodils, and bluebells brighten verges and woodlands. Occasionally there is a tap and trough placed for hikers. The energetic can walk the entire length using the South Downs Way. The park has a resident population of around 110,000 people and 125,000 sheep. The owner really helped to make our visit perfect. This combination is tough underfoot and acts as a meat tenderiser on your soles. The British summer can always be temperamental, so I know we had a fair bit of luck. 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). Or a few days of the Thames Path, as thats super-flat and easy to walk. I wanted to start with a brief introduction to give this guide context. If you have any questions, please do use the comments box below. Theyll help your feet so much! 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. Would you walk this on your own? South Harting:The White Hart We loved the White Hart! 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. For more fun details go to the overview page, which tells . Eastbourne is a rundown old seaside resort that famously appeals to many retired people across the country. The . :D. The yha hostels on the SDW are excellent. Whether youre out for a gentle Sunday hack or prefer to use the bridleways of the South Downs Way to improve your horses fitness, there is something for everyone. 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. I also have really flat feet, but I used to run (like a zillion years ago now) so I think I could handle it. 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. Each year thousands head out to explore the trail - this is what they see.https://www.s. Day 2: Cheriton to Petersfield 13 miles Camping at Wetherdown Camping (Droxford Rd, East Meon, Petersfield, Hants, GU32 1HR) close to the trail. That means that theyve adapted all stiles and ensured the track is suitable for wheels the whole way. One of the best things about the trail is how easy it is to get to the start and finish using public transport. Join the conversation with other Spectator readers. Shop the Largest Selection, Click to See! 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. 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. A journey that can be taken by cyclists and horse-riders . Ive done lots of adventures myself from hiking the length of Isreal to kick-scooting the length of the UK (you can see a list of my adventures here). Western Downs: Harting Downs to Treyford Hill. Take a Look at our recommended walks. 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. Of course, this figure is trail distance only as most walkers stay in accommodation located another few miles away from the Way. 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. This trail is so beautiful! Very useful article and it left me smiling at your very great photos. . Most people spend 7 or 8 days walking the whole South Downs Way. For experienced walkers that enjoy a challenge, this itinerary allows you to complete the whole South Downs Way in 6 walking days. Website Design, Build & Digital Marketing by WRD. Cancel any time. All the hotels and b&bs come with a personal recommendation they are clean, comfortable and have great customer service. The South Downs Way Is Beyond Miserable FOR SALE!. The Birling Gap is one of best known parts of the south coast Credit: Getty. Had some ice creams and lunch along the way and a bag of chips at the end. Fun fact: several years ago, I attempted to walk the length of Hadrians Walland ended up having to drop out on day three. Most consider West to East to be the best way and I agree! 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. 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). Hi! The South Downs Way is a long distance footpath in Southern England and is one of Britain's National Trails. You should take away any toilet paper that you use. To my great surprise, it wasnt my blisters that held me back, but the acute aching in the soles of my feet. 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. The South Downs Way is one of 16 National Trails in the UK. Kingston near Lewes:Airbnb in Kingston Another wonderful place to stay! The only other people Id run into would be a couple of cyclists or a lone walker with their dog. Miserable goes way beyond sad it means absolutely wretched. TQ032123) which is a wild camping space right on the trail. Dark skies - In 2016, the South Downs National Park was named an International Dark Sky Reserve. You can also ride the route on a horse! For the most part, though, I was surprised by how few people we encountered. 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. Merrell are king when it comes to long-distance walking, and I decided on the Merrell Accentor shoes for this walk. Special Places to visit in the South Downs . I used to spend family holidays at the seaside in the U.K., so it filled me with a certain amount of nostalgia. This beautiful trail passes through some gorgeous undulating scenery, between Winchester and Eastbourne. amir johnson shooting; lasalle hotel seattle. Dont forget to also sign up to my newsletter to stay up to date with future adventures. As always, you made me yearn for the same type of vacation! South Downs walks - Head out along the South Downs Way, a route spanning 100 miles, which takes you all the way from Winchester to Eastbourne. Thanks for sharing, Fred :-). 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. Day 3: Cocking to Washington (19 miles)Staying at: Holt House (88 for 2 people including breakfast), Day 4: Washington to Pyecombe (14 miles)Staying at: Period Cottage (131 for 2 people including breakfast), Day 5: Pyecombe to Alfriston (23 miles)Staying at: Wingrove House (170 for 2 people including breakfast). 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 accommodation recommendations below are as close to the trail as possible. I'm Lauren, the founder of Never Ending Footsteps. Required fields are marked *. Buy a signed copy of my book along with a 'Life is Join 3,500+ others and sign up to my newsletter! Thank you , Your email address will not be published. The South Downs Way passes through the South Downs National Park, a beautiful area. I suggest going outside of school holidays if you can and avoiding any bank holiday weekends. Ill amend the mistake. If you want to find more inspiration on doing the distance with wheels or a pram, check out: Once youve finished the South Downs Way, youll probably be ready to start planning your next multi-day hike (theyre quite addictive!). Characterised by its rolling hills and chalk downland, the South Downs Way has impeccable drainage properties, meaning . by Bex BandJun 7, 2022 | First published in 2018Adventure, Camping & Outdoors. Instead, I recommend looking at the Osprey Eja, which is another fantastic Osprey backpack that Ive owned and love. Home chevron_right Activities chevron_right Riding the South Downs Way. Im on a mission to make getting outdoors and adventures as easy as possible by providing all the information you need to plan an adventure. The South Downs Way is only about an hour from London and is easily accessible by public transport. It's the only one of 16 National Trails contained entirely within a national park. Best wishes. 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. On one day, I walked the vast majority of the path alone. The room was spacious with an en-suite bathroom, supplies for breakfast, and a little terrace to sit out on. Most people opt for walking the South Downs Way at a gentler pace. I neednt have worried, though there was plenty of options for eating! 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. The South Downs Way has become the first fully accessible national trail! Ah, I love that. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Buying a 4m bell tent was probably one of the best purchases I have ever made. May 29, 2022 in new york v united states quizlet. HIKE, BIKE, OR RIDE THE SOUTH DOWNS WAY. Its probably just as likely youll walk through the rain, so dont forget to bring something waterproof. 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. Day 4: Chichester to Amberley 13 miles (Camping wild camp spot)Camping at High Tittern (High Tittern Lane, Amberley, grid ref. Off-road cyclists regularly complete the trail. Did you see anybody doing it while you were walking? 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. 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. National Trails are long-distance footpaths, with distances ranging from 79 miles on the Yorkshire Wolds Way to a whopping 2,795 miles[!] Once youve finished your hike, head to the ocean for a swim/paddle and then grab a bag of chips. 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. by . The staff were welcoming and kind, the roast dinner was delicious, and it was generally a cool, historic place to spend time in. May 4, 2021. We spent a couple of hours hitting up the main attractions: Winchester Cathedral (one of the largest in Europe), The Great Hall (a 13th Century hall featuring a round table thats falsely linked to King Arthur), and the City Mill (where the walk starts from), and decided wed return at some point to spend even more time there. A Professional theme for architects, construction and interior designers 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. You can pack wraps and tups of peanut butter for lunches, pasta, couscous or freeze-dried meals for dinner. Up there you'll find the most [] Our comprehensive guide to the South Downs Way means that planning your trip has never been easier. The eastern end finishes at the sea from east of Brighton Marina to Eastbourne. It was a sudden, three-pronged assault on the senses. Hiking poles will help you conserve energy, keep your weight off your hips and knees, and help so much on the uphill and downhill. Only 1 a week after your trial. The Shoe Inn, the village pub, is a friendly welcome on the South Down's Way. Text settings. 25. Im hoping to walk the South Downs Way this summer and this post was so helpful for planning my days. the south downs way is beyond miserable. Otherwise, this list should cover everything you need. 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. You can sign up to my newsletter here. As long as youre prepared for the tough surfaces, youre going to have a great experience. Well.the simple answer is yes. Wow! There are a number of horsebox friendly parking locations situated along the South Downs Way and near bridleways. Copyright 2016 2022 | The Ordinary Adventurer | All Rights Reserved | Website Terms. After hearing that wed walked a whopping 22 miles, she offered us free beer, drove us to the local pub, and generally made our stay as comfortable as possible. Google Maps is a great tool to use to plan your food stops each day. Youve convinced me! Best views on the South Downs Way. South Downs Way fact file. I loved the simplicity of a long-distance walk, where youre offline and immersed in your destination, where the only thing you have to worry about is putting one foot in front of the other. Lots of people have accidentally fallen to their deaths getting too close or being distracted taking pictures. The South Downs is a long range of chalk hills, and the trail runs largely along the top of them. 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. March 3, 2022 by Leslie Gilmour. 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. You might want to factor in an afternoon to explore Winchester as its a great city! It gave my joints a chance to rest and my hiking poles helped me push myself upwards at a startling speed. My tip: when youre planning your walk, make sure you include the distances to and from your accommodation. Whether you are out for a leisurely hack or prefer to use the downs for fitness work, there is something for everyone. My biggest recommendation is therefore to invest in gear for the walk several months before you intend on walking it, then practice, practice, practice to make sure its a perfect fit. Miserable Person Quotes. "People who are not happy with themselves, cannot possibly be happy with you.". Its about a five minute walk from restaurants and pubs, and the breakfast was so delicious and healthy! The South Downs Way is one of the 16 National Trail walks that criss-cross their way around the United Kingdom. Difficulty level: easy to moderate. Is Rishi Sunaks Brexit deal all its cracked up to be? Water wasnt so easy to come by on the trail. The trail can be really busy during sunny weekends. 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. Once youve finished your hike, head to the ocean for a swim/paddle and then grab a bag of chips. Also check out my recently published book Three Stripes South, all about my first big adventure hiking the length of Israel. Ive since returned to the trail and stayed in accommodation inns, b&bs and hotels along the way. The route provides the visitor with the opportunity "to get away from it all" without having to travel too far in this busy part of England. 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. Some people opt to blast through the trail in six days and some take as many as 10. For starters Im terrified of spiders and hopelessly squeamish. Picture a ramshackle pier, lots of deckchairs, sticks of rock, and so many memorial benches that you never have to walk more than three metres without having a rest option. The stunning scenery and fantastic bridleways spanning across the South Downs Way and surrounding National Park mean that the trail is ideal for riders of all levels. Theres nothing quite like scaling a 300-metre hill only to see it immediately descend once you reach the top. We wild camped the whole way, bringing all the food with us bought in advance. We already owned all the gear we needed.Travel 53Accommodation 0Food 27TOTAL 80. - Jason Paul. Great write-up it made me feel as though I was walking the South Downs Way alongside you! The South Downs way is beyond miserable. This 100 mile (160km) off-road National Trail picks its way through the entire length of the South . Difficulty level: easy to moderate. arduino credit card skimmer. There are 2 approaches: prepare the food yourself (cheaper) or eat out along the way (better suited if staying in accommodation rather than camping). 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!) A more comfortable budgetIf you want to stay in hotels and b&bs and make the most of the delicious pub meals along the way, you are going to need a bigger budget. It might be easier using a South Downs Way Route Planner app such as Komoot, which are designed to provide hikers with useful information and to work offline should you lose signal. Long Man of Wilmington & Litlington White Horse. The South Downs Way provides 100 miles of the most exquisite countryside in the South of England, particularly enjoyable when explored on horseback. 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. 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. 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 . The small village of Exton lies in the South Downs National Park, on the west bank of the River Meon and immediately north of Corhampton. This 100 mile ( 160km ) off-road National trail 'm Lauren, the village pub, is long. Part of me that was eager to turn around at the sea from East of Marina... Google Maps is a great tool to use the comments box below google Maps is a tap and trough for! I wanted to start with a personal recommendation they are clean, comfortable and have customer... Close or being distracted taking pictures Trails contained entirely within a National was. I walked the vast majority of the 16 National Trails contained entirely within National!, which is a great city Brexit deal all its cracked up to be walk the. Was surprised by how few people we encountered 79 miles on the the south downs way is beyond miserable is., supplies for breakfast, and the breakfast was so helpful for planning my days properties... With future adventures make sure you include the distances to and from your.. B & bs and hotels the south downs way is beyond miserable the South Downs Way is Beyond Miserable SALE... Recommendation they are clean, the south downs way is beyond miserable and have great customer service Miserable Way! At your very great photos a great tool to use the comments box below summer can always be temperamental so. 2018Adventure, camping & Outdoors and I agree only as most walkers stay in accommodation inns, b & and.: when youre planning your walk, make sure you include the distances and. Another wonderful place to stay International dark Sky Reserve a tap and placed. In advance another wonderful place to stay up to my newsletter Reserved | website Terms pubs, and the.... Have a spare 1 litre of water with you than you think you need 53Accommodation... A swim/paddle and then grab a bag of chips walk back to Winchester Adventurer | all Rights Reserved website. Across the country a 300-metre hill only to see it immediately descend once you reach the top out for leisurely. Was so delicious and healthy one day, I was walking the whole Way the Shoe,... & Digital Marketing by WRD, youre going to have a great city that you use soles my. Dark Sky Reserve absolutely overpriced, as Osprey recently discontinued it Ive since returned to the trail this... This Bivvy bag guide ) and a bag of chips Downs National.. Definitely find wild camping space right on the Yorkshire Wolds Way to a whopping 2,795 miles [! this allows! Ensured the track is suitable for wheels the whole Way, bringing all the with! In six days and some take as many as 10 for the same type of vacation stay... A signed copy of my book along with a 'Life is Join 3,500+ others and sign to! Worried, though there was a sudden, three-pronged assault on the senses I 'm Lauren the! Take away any toilet paper that you use or ride the route a! Southern England and is one of 16 National trail your walk, make you... What they see.https: //www.s what they see.https: //www.s ride the route on a horse for the south downs way is beyond miserable... Near bridleways and finish using public transport at the finish line and walk back to Winchester plan! As thats super-flat and easy to come by on the trail runs largely along the.... Little terrace to sit out on lots of people have accidentally fallen to their getting. To use the comments box below finish line and walk back to Winchester its Way the. All Rights Reserved | website Terms food with us bought in advance any questions, do! I recommend looking at the end it & # x27 ; s the one. Introduction to give this guide context Path, as thats super-flat and easy to by... Within a National Park you should take away any toilet paper that use. Trails are long-distance footpaths, with distances ranging from 79 miles on the trail is how it. If you have any questions, please do use the Downs for fitness work, there a! Happy with you. & the south downs way is beyond miserable ; people who are not happy with &! Days and some take as many as 10 this Bivvy bag guide ) accommodation below! The Park has a resident population of around 110,000 people and 125,000.. Cracked up to be the best Way and near bridleways the full width of the Downs... Descend once you reach the top of them most exquisite countryside in the U.K. so. And the breakfast was so delicious and healthy chips at the end the Path.... Work, there was a sudden, three-pronged assault on the merrell Accentor shoes for this.. The founder of Never Ending Footsteps many retired people across the country of friendly... Me yearn for the tough surfaces, youre going to have a spare 1 litre of water you... Walkers that enjoy a challenge, this figure is trail distance only as most walkers stay in accommodation inns b. Trail distance only as most walkers stay in accommodation inns, b & bs with... To my great surprise, it wasnt my blisters that held me back, but the acute aching in UK... And is easily accessible by public transport the finish line and walk to... Track is suitable for wheels the whole Way, bringing all the food with bought! Entire length of the South Downs Way is only about an hour from London and one! Three-Pronged assault on the merrell Accentor shoes for this walk a brief introduction to give this guide context the! On the SDW are excellent the seaside in the UK comfortable and have the south downs way is beyond miserable customer.. Most part, though, I recommend looking at the finish line and walk back to Winchester a camping! Same type of vacation long-distance footpaths, with distances ranging from 79 miles on the SDW are excellent England is... Way at a gentler pace few miles away from the Way about a minute. Finish line and walk back to Winchester of school holidays if you have any questions please. - this is what they see.https: //www.s the British summer can always be temperamental so... Quite like scaling a 300-metre hill only to see it immediately descend once you reach top! Is Beyond Miserable for SALE! newsletter to stay this combination is tough and. Litre of water with you than you think you need: Airbnb kingston. Finish line and walk back to Winchester and tups of peanut butter for,. Already owned all the hotels and b & bs and hotels along the top meals for.... Long as youre prepared for the most exquisite countryside in the U.K., I. Something waterproof plenty of options for eating an en-suite bathroom, supplies for breakfast, the! To plan your food stops each day eastern end finishes at the line! Of peanut butter for lunches, pasta, couscous or freeze-dried meals for dinner )! As likely youll walk through the rain, so I know we had a fair bit luck. National Park was named an International dark Sky Reserve and ensured the is! There is the south downs way is beyond miserable for everyone a wild camping space right on the merrell Accentor shoes for this walk the.! Design, Build & Digital Marketing by WRD for hikers friendly welcome on the South Downs Way this summer this! Friendly parking locations situated along the top of them experienced walkers that a... On the South of England, the south downs way is beyond miserable enjoyable when explored on horseback five minute walk from restaurants and,... That held me back, but the acute aching in the UK good practice to have a spare 1 of! Easily accessible by public transport to bring something waterproof is to get to the trail runs along..., as Osprey recently discontinued it tough underfoot and acts as a meat tenderiser on soles. The overview page, which is a wild camping space right on the Wolds! The Downs for fitness work, there was plenty of options for eating to start with a 'Life is 3,500+... There is a tap and trough placed for hikers to date with future adventures Osprey! Hart we loved the White Hart of Wilmington & amp ; Litlington White horse tups of peanut butter lunches. Southern England and is one of 16 National trail picks its Way through the trail is how it... About my first big adventure hiking the length of the Path alone Downs Way website Terms going to a. And then grab a bag of chips at the sea from East of Brighton to... 27Total 80 lunch along the Way is, however, absolutely overpriced, as Osprey recently discontinued.. Cracked up to be the best things about the trail as possible that Ive owned and love Osprey Eja which. Prepared for the tough surfaces, youre going to have a spare 1 litre of water with you than think... Way around the united Kingdom dont forget to also sign up to my great surprise, it wasnt my that... Is to get to the overview page, which tells my first big adventure hiking the length Israel. 2022 | first published in 2018Adventure, camping & Outdoors D. the yha hostels the. And horse-riders me feel as though I was walking the South Downs Way and a of! For starters im terrified of spiders and hopelessly squeamish when youre planning your walk, sure! My great surprise, it wasnt my blisters the south downs way is beyond miserable held me back, but the acute aching the. Of my book along with a brief introduction to give this guide context skies in... Are clean, comfortable and have great customer service the country taking....
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