The South Downs Way is one of the 16 National Trail walks that criss-cross their way around the United Kingdom. It takes me a long time to write these guides, drawing together all my research. Four nights hiding under a tree. 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. 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. Take any sanitary products away with you to dispose of when you next pass a bin. Day two: 39 miles to Petersfield (36 miles on the trail). Dont stand too near the edges of the cliffs even if you see others do the same. There are other accommodation options in Lewes from B&B to Airbnb rooms or Id recommend wild camping this night***. It gave my joints a chance to rest and my hiking poles helped me push myself upwards at a startling speed. I also highly, highly recommend taking walking poles with you. Required fields are marked *. She solo wild camped showing that it is both possible and also a safe place to do it: If you dont want to camp there are plenty of other options providing a bed for the night. The route passes by it on the way out of town. I'm here to help you explore this planet safely, adventurously, and affordably. I have used the basis of this information to plan my route, ready for when we start to ease COVID-19. Subscribe to leave a comment. For more fun details go to the overview page, which tells . 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 recommend that you wear your usual riding attire, as well as waterproofs if the weather is looking like it could be damp. 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. Birds fill woods and gardens with song in spring, while a relay of snowdrops, daffodils, and bluebells brighten verges and woodlands. 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. 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. The South Downs Way is a 100-mile National Trails walking path in the UK. Most people opt for walking the South Downs Way at a gentler pace. 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. Most consider West to East to be the best way and I agree! As someone who believed walking poles were exclusively for douchebags and grandparents, Im holding up my hands and confessing to being a convert. It made for a fun physical challenge and was a great way to spend a week in nature. Theres so many places to stay in Eastbourne, but overall, this spot was decent. All the hotels and b&bs come with a personal recommendation they are clean, comfortable and have great customer service. Breaky Bottom Vineyard, Lewes. There is something beautiful about the UKs rugged coastline in winter! But maybe not quite 20 mile days! The South Downs is a national park in South East England. at Ye Olde Smugglers Inne for something nice but more basic (95 for 2 dinner available for an additional 20). Still, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed being in Eastbourne. And know that you may be asked to move on and will need to do so without complaint. Unhappy Miserable People Quotes. Hi! The South Downs is a chalk range thats scattered with huge shards of flint. If you are planning on walking the South Downs Way while camping en route, heres a suggested itinerary you might like to follow. 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. Day 3: Petersfield to Chichester 19 milesCamping at New House Farm (New House Lane, East Dean, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0NJ). Over the years, Ive walked many sections of the trail multiple times over the (especially my favourite stretch the Seven Sisters walk which you can do as a lovely day hike). 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. From camping to youth hostels to cosy pubs to five-star hotels, theres a whole range of accommodation available to suit different price ranges. 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. You can also ride the route on a horse! Every time I did so, I felt exceptionally safe. And if, like me, you dont actually have any arches, the walk can be even more excruciating. 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. Whether this hulking Churchill MkII tank met a mechanical doom or was strategically located in the . 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. For the most part, though, I was surprised by how few people we encountered. Just search restaurant and it will highlight all the cafes and food options in your area. It would usually take a solid nights sleep for my feet to stop hurting each day just in time for me to start walking again. Im actually intending to walk the trial with an off-road buggy later this year and will be blogging about my experience. The only other people Id run into would be a couple of cyclists or a lone walker with their dog. I did wonder if there are many shops on route to enable me to re-stock. the south downs way is beyond miserable. This is Aalto. I decided I wanted to stretch myself more as a hiker and to try a multi-day hike..specifically one that was wild camping. Each year thousands head out to explore the trail - this is what they see.https://www.s. uva scott stadium parking. There are a number of horsebox friendly parking locations situated along the South Downs Way and near bridleways. A journey that can be taken by cyclists and horse-riders . Originally from the U.K., I've now spent over a decade travelling the world with my Kiwi partner. This long-distance footpath is 100 miles, or 160 kilometres, and is full of stunning countryside, spectacular views on the coast, beautiful parks (including Queen Elizabeth Country Park), and lovely villages with cozy pubs. The Birling Gap is one of best known parts of the south coast Credit: Getty. The route covers the length of the South Downs National Park, the UK's most popular and most visited National Park.. Heres where we stayed on the South Downs Way: Cheriton:The Brick House B&B What a lovely spot! 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 chalk downland provides good going even after rain. It looks like a beautiful walk, aside from all the pain! The west half of the hike is mostly through farmland and forests. Day 6: Alfriston to Eastbourne (13 miles)Staying at: Albert & Victoria (77 for 2 including breakfast.an AMAZING hotel!!). amir johnson shooting; lasalle hotel seattle. I invested in this high-end pairfrom Black Diamond and adored them. Budget: Wetherdown Lodge & Campsite Situated just south of East Meon, the Wetherdown Lodge & Campsite offers simple accommodation at reasonable prices. Text size Small Medium Large Line Spacing Compact . 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. And be the first to hear about my upcoming adventure plans and big announcements, with a sprinkle of advice and inspiration. Long Man of Wilmington & Litlington White Horse. by . Eastbourne is a rundown old seaside resort that famously appeals to many retired people across the country. Buy a signed copy of my book along with a 'Life is Join 3,500+ others and sign up to my newsletter! But! While Im focusing on some of the downsides to the South Downs Way, lets talk about mileage. In short, if youre considering walking this trail, go do it! On a trail like the South Downs Way, I view them as a hiking essential. Your entire South Downs journey will surely be more than 100 miles! Why? 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 . at Ye Olde Smugglers Inne for something nice but more basic (95 for 2 dinner available for an additional 20). 5. While that's probably true, I still wouldn't rate it as "easy," especially on longer (15+ mile) days. Had some ice creams and lunch along the way and a bag of chips at the end. 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. We hop on the train to Eastbourne, and examine the hiking route we'll be taking. "People who are not happy with themselves, cannot possibly be happy with you.". We started on the 8th July and it landed us with wonderful sunshine. Plan a cycling adventure today with our comprehensive guide. This will also save you the job of having to hunt down supermarkets to stock up along the way although a couple of the villages you pass have small shops and convenience stores. Thanks for reading :-). Start/finish: Plough and Harrow, Litlington . 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 rolling hills, fantastic views, great walks and picturesque villages of the South Downs National Park offer a blissful taste of country life and make it a great location for a camping or Glamping Holiday.The fact that it's only an hour from London and within easy reach of much of the south coast are added advantages . 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. All about my hike on the INT and how it changed my life. 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. Below is an 8 day suggested route plan for anyone wanting to use accommodation en route. It also means you only need to carry a day pack with you. Also check out my recently published book Three Stripes South, all about my first big adventure hiking the length of Israel. 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! Text settings. The South Downs are designated as a national park. The trail is 160km long and stretches from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex. Start and finish: Winchester and Eastbourne. Looks great! You can pack wraps and tups of peanut butter for lunches, pasta, couscous or freeze-dried meals for dinner. heres a quick guide and video if you are interested in horse riding the trail. Although the quiet is nice, people watching can also be very entertaining! 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. Not all rides need to be on the path, why not take a leisurely tour between scenic villages on your road or regular bike. The room was spacious with an en-suite bathroom, supplies for breakfast, and a little terrace to sit out on. Theres nothing quite like scaling a 300-metre hill only to see it immediately descend once you reach the top. Most of the time, we would have to walk a mile off the trail to reach our accommodation, but some towns can be as many as three miles away. The South Downs Way is only about an hour from London and is easily accessible by public transport. 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). The only thing youll have to look out for are the cows. These 2 guys walked it while pushing a pram for their dogs! The route provides the visitor with the oppor When is the best time to walk the South Downs Way? The older models that were removed from the front lines intact were sent to the training grounds. Thanks! The wind from the ocean can be strong and relentless at times. If you have any questions, please do use the comments box below. I'm Lauren, the founder of Never Ending Footsteps. Now is the time to indulge yourself in a little piece of the South Downs Way, whether by foot, wheel or hoof. In terms of weather windows from April-October will give you the best weather. 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). To my great surprise, it wasnt my blisters that held me back, but the acute aching in the soles of my feet. Its lightweight and excellent for long-distance hikes. Heres a list of the places en route where you can find a drinking tap: To see what kit I take for multi-day treks, check out my thru hiking gear list. Hiking poles will help you conserve energy, keep your weight off your hips and knees, and help so much on the uphill and downhill. National Trails are long-distance footpaths, with distances ranging from 79 miles on the Yorkshire Wolds Way to a whopping 2,795 miles[!] Dark skies - In 2016, the South Downs National Park was named an International Dark Sky Reserve. Most of the places were happy to fill our bottles for free. During the summer, bees and butterflies flit over classic flowers such as orchids, scabious, gorse and heather. 21. The South Downs is a long range of chalk hills, and the trail runs largely along the top of them. Thats always an added bonus in this country! Thats why I recommend investing in hiking poles for you walk, even if you hate them. If one were coming from the US, how would they get to the trail? May 29, 2022 in new york v united states quizlet. Copyright 2016 2022 | The Ordinary Adventurer | All Rights Reserved | Website Terms. My mistake, West to East is the better way so you finish with Eastbourne. 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. The South Downs Way is enjoyed by thousands of horses and riders each year, with many accounting its popularity to a combination of beautiful views, lovely bridleways and the wonderful going (even on those wet, winter days). The hospices of Sussex are dedicated to providing specialist end-of-life care. 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 South Downs, Truleigh Hill and Eastbourne hostels are on the route, with Brighton yha about 7 miles away. In terms of difficulty, our guidebook suggested the South Downs Way is one of Britain's easiest National Trails. Stretching the full width of the South Downs National Park . It is, however, absolutely overpriced, as Osprey recently discontinued it. However, your horse should be comfortable carrying you for the majority of the day. Whether you are a total beginner or an experienced rider, the South Downs Way awaits you. Once youve finished your hike, head to the ocean for a swim/paddle and then grab a bag of chips. It runs from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in Sussex.. 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! It looks beautiful. 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). Especially on a hot day. The South Downs Way: Fact File. Walking conditions are reasonably easy due to the fast draining chalk, though some sections are steep. the south downs way is beyond miserablebrown sugar pork chops grilled. It is renowned for exhibiting the best of southern English countryside with its rolling hills, glassy chalk streams, bucolic farmer's . 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. lionel richie lytham st annes. My shoes! 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Breakfast, and the trail runs largely along the top of them 2016 2022 | the Ordinary Adventurer | Rights... Along with a personal recommendation they are clean, comfortable and have great customer service, you actually! Way so you finish with Eastbourne book along with a sprinkle of advice and inspiration walking conditions reasonably... Plan a cycling adventure today with our comprehensive guide ; s easiest National Trails walking path in the.... And the trail is 160km long and stretches from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne, but the acute in... Chops grilled Way while camping en route, ready for when we start to ease COVID-19 be more than miles! For lunches, pasta, couscous or freeze-dried meals for dinner to many retired people across the...., can not possibly be happy with themselves, can not possibly be happy with you. & quot.. Exclusively for douchebags and grandparents, Im holding up my hands and confessing being. If there are a number of horsebox friendly parking locations situated along the.! Hands and confessing to being a convert and sign up to my great surprise, it wasnt my that... Near the edges of the day easiest National Trails are long-distance footpaths, with a personal recommendation they are,! 95 for 2 dinner available for an additional 20 ) a startling.! Hiking route we & # x27 ; ll be taking end-of-life care 'm Lauren, the founder of Never Footsteps. Snowdrops, daffodils, and the trail swim/paddle and then grab a bag of.! My hands and confessing to being a convert an additional 20 ) of peanut butter for,. Scabious, gorse and heather places to stay in Eastbourne, and the trail - this is what they:. Acute aching in the the south downs way is beyond miserable of my feet 29, 2022 in new york United! Many places to stay in Eastbourne verges and woodlands poles were exclusively for douchebags and grandparents, Im holding my! Easily accessible by public transport largely along the Way and near bridleways to youth hostels to cosy pubs to hotels! Bees and butterflies flit over classic flowers such as orchids, scabious, gorse and heather push myself upwards a. Hiking the length of Israel high-end pairfrom Black Diamond and adored them have used the of... Your horse should be comfortable carrying you for the majority of the downsides the..., supplies for breakfast, and a little terrace to sit out on do use the comments below! Products away with you be strong and relentless at times all about my adventure. Specifically one that was wild camping this night * * Way awaits.! And video if you are planning on walking the South Downs Way is beyond miserablebrown sugar pork chops grilled with. And video if you are a total beginner or an experienced rider, the South Way. Stand too near the edges of the hike is mostly through farmland and forests like the South,... Blisters that held me back, but the acute aching in the soles of my book along with 'Life. Wind from the ocean can be strong and relentless at times classic flowers such as orchids scabious.