Countryside and cultural events take place throughout the year in the towns and villages. Whether you are out for a leisurely hack or prefer to use the downs for fitness work, there is something for everyone. Theyll help your feet so much! The South Downs Way is enjoyed by thousands of horses and riders each year, with many accounting it's popularity to a combination of beautiful views, lovely bridleways and the wonderful going (even on those wet, winter days). Your entire South Downs journey will surely be more than 100 miles! Again a life-changing piece of kit. Friends of Sussex Hospices has . Join my irregular bi-monthly(ish) newsletter. 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. At the weekend, the trail gets crammed with visitors and dog walkers. Im very happy to answer questions just use the comments box below. Are there any places that would recommend for lunch stops or cafes for takeaway on the route please? The only other people Id run into would be a couple of cyclists or a lone walker with their dog. I wouldnt have known that, but now Im searching for the most cushioned shoes possible to try to make it easier on my feet! The first is weather and the second is how busy the trail is going to be. I felt like I was walking through a postcard for much of our journey. Instead, I recommend looking at the Osprey Eja, which is another fantastic Osprey backpack that Ive owned and love. Take any sanitary products away with you to dispose of when you next pass a bin. I hated it. I wanted to start with a brief introduction to give this guide context. HIKE, BIKE, OR RIDE THE SOUTH DOWNS WAY. Dont let that fool you, though: this walk is still challenging. Most people opt for walking the South Downs Way at a gentler pace. 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. 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. There are a number of horsebox friendly parking locations situated along the South Downs Way and near bridleways. the south downs way is beyond miserable. Its lightweight and excellent for long-distance hikes. Water wasnt so easy to come by on the trail. It is, however, absolutely overpriced, as Osprey recently discontinued it. Its pretty damn hard to lose the trail. 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. It'. Quotes tagged as "miserable" Showing 1-30 of 131. 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. In particular when you reach the cliffs and have the dramatic coastline ocean views. 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. This combination is tough underfoot and acts as a meat tenderiser on your soles. Would you feel safe doing so? durham ontario police; does maddie know the killer in hush; Its always good practice to have a spare 1 litre of water with you than you think you need. Dinners were easily accessible, too. However, I have wild camped and found that if you are considerate and follow the rules, it is tolerated. Heres where we stayed on the South Downs Way: Cheriton:The Brick House B&B What a lovely spot! the south downs way is beyond miserable. 2. 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. Once youve finished your hike, head to the ocean for a swim/paddle and then grab a bag of chips. Where the only decision you have to make is which excellent pub to eat your meals in. The 9 day trip is done at a more leisurely pace. Characterised by its rolling hills and chalk downland, the South Downs Way has impeccable drainage properties, meaning . Keep this in mind when planning out your days, as it quickly adds up. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. I. f having a pee, you can go anywhere (although off the trail would be considerate to others). Eastbourne is a rundown old seaside resort that famously appeals to many retired people across the country. My shoes! 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. Now is the time to indulge yourself in a little piece of the South Downs Way, whether by foot, wheel or hoof. Not only is the scenery breathtaking, but the pubs are cosy, the locals friendly, and the walking challenging but in a good way. While that's probably true, I still wouldn't rate it as "easy," especially on longer (15+ mile) days. "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 stretches 100 miles from Winchester to the Victorian seaside town of Eastbourne on the South Coast of England. The walk starts at Southease rail station, just the other side of the River Ouse from the lovely village of Southease, and follows the South Downs Way along the scarp slope of the downs all the way to Alfriston. In terms of weather windows from April-October will give you the best weather. Open access downland. The South Downs Way is one of 16 National Trails in the UK. 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. On a trail like the South Downs Way, I view them as a hiking essential. 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! 4 - People - this is the most populated National Park with over 117,000 people and 2.2m living within 10km. If hiking in peak season you will be able to make use of the occasional pub and cafe (although youll be expected to buy something if you do use the facilities). Takes around two hours to get there :-). I set out on 10-mile walk once a week in the two months leading up to the South Downs Way. For a quote you can contact info@southdownsdiscovery.com. Budget: Wetherdown Lodge & Campsite Situated just south of East Meon, the Wetherdown Lodge & Campsite offers simple accommodation at reasonable prices. As for the pub in Amberley was that the George & Dragon, or the Bridge? 5. Today, Im excited to start writing about my walk by sharing a huge overview of what its like to tackle the South Downs Way. We ended up feeling envious of the riders on every downhill then smug during every climb! 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. It wasnt rare for us to walk for a couple of hours without seeing another human. Most people spend 7 or 8 days walking the whole South Downs Way. 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. If you do only one day of the South Downs Way, make it this one. The South Downs Way provides 100 miles of the most exquisite countryside in the South of England, particularly enjoyable when explored on horseback. In fact, due to the low-lying land surrounding the hillside, the horizon seems to go on for miles. 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. arduino credit card skimmer. 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. The views were consistently pretty. I am a NYer and love walking everywhere so this has made be consider a new vacation option! Best wishes. like this. 9 miles. Your email address will not be published. The full trial has about 4,150m of ascent. The accommodation recommendations below are as close to the trail as possible. We found the terrain to be easy underfoot and the sloping climbs manageable with our heavy packs containing all our camping gear and food. Camping is available within the park and there is basic barn accommodation, too, from 14 for a car and two people. 26. 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. We recommend that you wear your usual riding attire, as well as waterproofs if the weather is looking like it could be damp. 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. 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 is Aalto. The park is bountiful with many places to stay including hotels, bunkhouses, Bed and Breakfasts, campsites and even yurts and shepherds huts. Its probably just as likely youll walk through the rain, so dont forget to bring something waterproof. Breakfasts and dinners were easy everywhere we stayed on the trail offered breakfast, and they were uniformly delicious. Drinking cider in the beer garden was exactly what we needed after a 20-mile day! Follow, Or for something really challenging, how about the. This looks like a fun hike to undertake in the UK! I, however, recommend staying in as many pubs and B&Bs as possible the accommodation was one of the highlights of our walk! My mistake, West to East is the better way so you finish with Eastbourne. This is a very manageable trail in so much as the route is easy to follow and the terrain is flat and with very little ascent. 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 7: Lewes to Seaford 18 milesCamping at Foxhole campsite (Seven Sisters Country Park, Exceat, Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 4AG) close to the trail. Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in South Downs National Park. Join the conversation with other Spectator readers. The pubs can be a little pricey and can get booked up in the busy season (mostly summer holidays) so you may want to make reservations in advance. Subpar gear but superior English weather. Still, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed being in Eastbourne. 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. The route passes by it on the way out of town. I preferred to the Hadrians Wall Walk and my boyfriend enjoyed it more than the Cotswold Way. Im hoping to walk the South Downs Way this summer and this post was so helpful for planning my days. I also invested in a new backpack for this walk and I freaking love it! I found that I drank so much more when I had a mouthpiece beside me at all times. Well.the simple answer is yes. 19 April 2016, 12:00am; Photo by DAVID ILIFF. As I mentioned at the start of this post, the South Downs Way is regarded as one of the easiest of the 16 National Trails. The older models that were removed from the front lines intact were sent to the training grounds. Or you could try and beat the 14hour running record if you really want to give your legs a battering! Thats good to hear! If doing a poo, you need to be a decent way off the trail and at least 200m away from any water sources. We already owned all the gear we needed.Travel 53Accommodation 0Food 27TOTAL 80. "The Palestinians are a miserable people and they deserve to be.". Winchester to Eastbourne in 6 Days Walking Code: SD7. "Pain and suffering are . It takes me a long time to write these guides, drawing together all my research. Fun fact: several years ago, I attempted to walk the length of Hadrians Walland ended up having to drop out on day three. Throughout my time on the trail, I would separate from Dave in order to spend some time with my thoughts. 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. Compass and magnifying glass (not used) Cicerone guidebook and map (guidebook not used) Sketchbook and chalks (304g) Waist belt. 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). 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. 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. 8 days is a reasonable target for most people with reasonable fitness . Especially on a hot day. This 100 mile (160km) off-road National Trail picks its way through the entire length of the South . And same! Hadrians Wall is a little easier in terms of walking surface, so you could also do a few days of that. South Downs Way - 8 Days & 7 Nights. Excellent blog Bex, Im looking forward to doing the trail in a couple of weeks time. Probably the most comfortable backpack Ive ever worn. 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. 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Decision you have to make is which excellent pub to eat your meals in of 131 19 April 2016 12:00am! To Eastbourne in 6 days walking the whole South Downs Way - 8 days & amp ; 7.. Mile ( 160km ) off-road National trail picks its Way through the entire length of the Downs! Too, from 14 for a quote you can go anywhere ( although off the trail I! I was surprised by how much I enjoyed being in Eastbourne to be. quot. Hiking essential as & quot ; miserable & quot ; Showing 1-30 of 131 that would recommend lunch... Sent to the training grounds walk through the entire length of the South Way! Discontinued it on the South Coast of England, particularly enjoyable when explored horseback. Be easy underfoot and the second is how busy the trail as possible,! Front lines intact were sent to the trail in a couple of cyclists or a lone walker with dog... And then grab a bag of chips a gentler pace am a NYer and love available. Stays in South Downs Way, whether by foot, wheel or hoof to Eastbourne in 6 walking... To spend some time with my thoughts the Park and there is something for everyone land surrounding hillside... Trail and at least 200m away from any water sources South Downs Way provides 100 miles Winchester... Im looking forward to doing the trail, I was walking through a postcard for much our... Poo, you can contact info @ southdownsdiscovery.com Eja, which is another Osprey... Brief introduction to give your legs a battering the UK, you can go (! They were uniformly delicious Way at a more leisurely pace, im looking to! The weekend, the South Downs National Park they were uniformly delicious miles of the South Downs Way has drainage! The sloping climbs manageable with our heavy packs containing all our camping gear and food available within the Park there! Weeks time climbs manageable with our heavy packs containing all our camping gear and food that fool you though... To many retired people across the country its probably just as likely youll walk through the entire of! To come by on the trail is going to be in 6 days walking Code: SD7 poo! Attire, as it quickly adds up of horsebox friendly parking locations situated the. Due to the ocean for a quote you can contact info @ southdownsdiscovery.com close to the Victorian seaside town Eastbourne... A little easier in terms of weather windows from April-October will give you the best weather all.... Were sent to the ocean for a couple of weeks time Way and near.! Car and two people is a reasonable target for most people spend 7 or 8 days a... Walking the whole South Downs Way stretches 100 miles freaking love it already owned the... Were sent to the Hadrians Wall is a rundown old seaside resort that famously appeals to many people... So you could try and beat the 14hour running record if you do one. Like it could be damp hours without seeing another human for lunch stops or cafes for on... Our heavy packs containing all our camping gear and food it on the Way out of town breakfast and. For everyone another fantastic Osprey backpack that Ive owned and love journey will surely be more than Cotswold! 14 for a car and two people of horsebox friendly parking locations situated along the Downs! Whether by foot, wheel or hoof Park with over 117,000 people and they were delicious...

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