Your email address will not be published. The South Downs Way runs for 100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne. 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! 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!). The South Downs, Truleigh Hill and Eastbourne hostels are on the route, with Brighton yha about 7 miles away. Western Downs: Harting Downs to Treyford Hill. 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! This long-distance trail runs for 100 miles across the breadth of the South Downs from Winchester to Eastbourne. Special Places to visit in the South Downs . Sounds so incredible. 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. I also invested in a new backpack for this walk and I freaking love it! It'. Follow, Or for something really challenging, how about the. You can have a rough plan of how far you want to travel each day but can also just see how the day takes you, stopping when you find a suitable place to pitch your tents or bivvy bags. All the hotels and b&bs come with a personal recommendation they are clean, comfortable and have great customer service. Thats good to hear! To my great surprise, it wasnt my blisters that held me back, but the acute aching in the soles of my feet. Excellent blog Bex, Im looking forward to doing the trail in a couple of weeks time. This is such a wonderful trail through a beautiful part of the country. 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). Once youve finished your hike, head to the ocean for a swim/paddle and then grab a bag of chips. We hop on the train to Eastbourne, and examine the hiking route we'll be taking. Have you done any of the other long walks in Britain to compare to this one? Ah, that makes me so happy to hear! But as anyone who has tried wild camping and a self-contained hike knows, there is some satisfaction to being out in the elements overnight.even if it does mean getting a bit wet! Theres so many places to stay in Eastbourne, but overall, this spot was decent. I marked all the water options on the map and in advance planned how much I needed to fill up at eat spot to keep me going to the next. In terms of difficulty, our guidebook suggested the South Downs Way is one of Britain's easiest National Trails. Your email address will not be published. Walking the South Downs Way. But with some considerations. The trail is 160km long and stretches from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex. TQ032123) which is a wild camping space right on the trail. 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. I also have really flat feet, but I used to run (like a zillion years ago now) so I think I could handle it. While Im focusing on some of the downsides to the South Downs Way, lets talk about mileage. 4 - People - this is the most populated National Park with over 117,000 people and 2.2m living within 10km. Someone who's miserable feels absolutely awful. Hmmm.. you could try just doing a couple of days of the South Downs Way to start with, rather than the entire thing. Social media giants banned even discussion of the idea that Covid was manmade, escaped from a lab. 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. As UK is especially prone to rain Id also add waterproof trousers to this list. Thats part of long-distance hiking though so just embrace the extra wanders into the nearby villages. 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. 8-9 days is a good estimate to walk the entire route at an easy pace. 9 miles. I settled on the South Downs Way because I knew the navigation was easy and there were no major climbs. Take a look at our guide for recommended walks. National Trails are long-distance footpaths, with distances ranging from 79 miles on the Yorkshire Wolds Way to a whopping 2,795 miles[!] Awesome website! Some great tips here for walking the South Downs Way. 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. Wingrove is a beautiful stay but if thats too much out of your price bracket, stay. (I always recommend Osprey backpacks because they come with a lifetime guarantee Osprey will repair or replace any of their backpacks for any reason, even if you bought it back in 1975. Given how many hills this part of the world is home to, it looked like a tough challenge. Day three: 28 miles to Winchester (25 miles on the trail). Horse riding in the South Downs National Park: A guide to horse riding in the South Downs Way National Park and along . One of the best things about the trail is how easy it is to get to the start and finish using public transport. Keep this in mind when planning out your days, as it quickly adds up. Why? We found the terrain to be easy underfoot and the sloping climbs manageable with our heavy packs containing all our camping gear and food. 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. Join the conversation with other Spectator readers. I'm Lauren and I've been travelling the world on a permanent basis since 2011. Unhappy Miserable People Quotes. Day 3: Petersfield to Chichester 19 milesCamping at New House Farm (New House Lane, East Dean, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0NJ). Would love to get a taste and work up to something a bit longer (and sloppier and filled with those rock shards!) And if there werent? March 3, 2022 by Leslie Gilmour. It was a sudden, three-pronged assault on the senses. - Jason Paul. The South Downs Way is a long distance walking trail that runs for 100 miles across the length of the South Downs. In short, if youre considering walking this trail, go do it! Cancel any time. Peter Owen-Jones takes us into the heart of the UK's newest national park - the South Downs - in a portrait of one of Britain's most iconic landscapes. Quotes tagged as "miserable" Showing 1-30 of 131. Butser Hill is the highest point along the trail at 270 metres. The walk follows the ridge across the chalk downs, passing many of the . Your entire South Downs journey will surely be more than 100 miles! It wasnt rare for us to walk for a couple of hours without seeing another human. Best known for the South Downs Way, this 160km (100 mile) route from Winchester to Eastbourne offers stunning . There is little shelter for long stretches so when it did rain we had no choice but to keep pushing on. I did wonder if there are many shops on route to enable me to re-stock. I walked a walk just to the west, the Clarendon Way from Winchester to Salisbury, over two days earlier this year. Alternatively, hop aboard one of the Breeze up to the Downs buses, a network of three bus services linking Brighton with some of the most popular South Downs destinations close to the city . 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 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. Where the only decision you have to make is which excellent pub to eat your meals in. Mai 2022 . Wingrove is a beautiful stay but if thats too much out of your price bracket, stay. We had two challenging walks, where we racked up 20 and 22 miles, but the rest of our mileage felt comfortable. Of course, theres a hell of a lot of ups and downs on this day, but if youve walked the entire South Downs Way, youll be well and truly used to the undulation by this point. The South Downs Way is one of 16 National Trails in the UK. Prices of hotels have gone up in recent years so you are looking at an average of 50 a night per person for a comfortable bed (full list of recommended accommodation below) although most will include. It made for a fun physical challenge and was a great way to spend a week in nature. They undulate like a grassy spine from Winchester to Eastbourne, encompassing some of the most romantic, accessible walking trails in Britain, a welter of heathlands and peaks, grazing sheep and pounded footpaths.Kissing gates punctuate the chalk hills, the fields beneath the ridges a patchwork of farmland, green or . Countryside and cultural events take place throughout the year in the towns and villages. 2. You can sign up to my newsletter here. 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! Did you see anybody doing it while you were walking? Hi! The 100 miles (160 Km) long South Downs Way National Trail follows the old routes and droveways along the chalk escarpment and ridges of the South Downs. The route provides the visitor with the oppor Geographical location: In the south-west of England. This was partly in preparation for a 1000km trek I was planning, hiking the length of Israel. In terms of weather windows from April-October will give you the best weather. Providing a very different experience! Sneakers Made In China - 110 . The Cicerone South Downs Way guide book is my favourite, although the Trailblazer one is also good. August seems to be full of rain in the U.K. in recent years, so Id recommend aiming for June or July to get the best weather. Required fields are marked *. When riding the South Downs Way, you may wish to stop over at a horse-friendly B&B or find a livery yard for the evening. On one day, I walked the vast majority of the path alone. 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. Google Maps is a great tool to use to plan your food stops each day. Always, always, always size up! Below is an 8 day suggested route plan for anyone wanting to use accommodation en route. Day two: 39 miles to Petersfield (36 miles on the trail). Long Man of Wilmington & Litlington White Horse. what time does marshalls open; allen iverson house gladwyne; tesla front trunk open warning. Walk amongst vibrant yellow fields of corn, along picturesque . The South Downs Way isn't a particularly high-elevation hike, but that doesn't mean there aren't great views. My Kiwi boyfriend was 100% bemused by it. The South Downs Way is a long-distance footpath that winds its way from historic Winchester to Eastbourne in Sussex. 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. Although the quiet is nice, people watching can also be very entertaining! 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. Dark skies - In 2016, the South Downs National Park was named an International Dark Sky Reserve. Compass and magnifying glass (not used) Cicerone guidebook and map (guidebook not used) Sketchbook and chalks (304g) Waist belt. As someone who believed walking poles were exclusively for douchebags and grandparents, Im holding up my hands and confessing to being a convert. 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. Stop anywhere in the South Downs and it is hard not to find an inspiring view. Birds fill woods and gardens with song in spring, while a relay of snowdrops, daffodils, and bluebells brighten verges and woodlands. "The Palestinians are a miserable people and they deserve to be.". I am a NYer and love walking everywhere so this has made be consider a new vacation option! 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. You should take away any toilet paper that you use. 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 website is the result of tens of thousands of hours of on-the-ground research by myself and my team of expert travellers. Theyll help your feet so much! Also check out my recently published book Three Stripes South, all about my first big adventure hiking the length of Israel. "Each indulgence in pleasure is an appointment made with misery.". Otherwise, this list should cover everything you need. +44 (0)1323 870280; sevensisters.org.uk. These rocks were subsequently uplifted to form the Weald-Artois Anticline. I preferred to the Hadrians Wall Walk and my boyfriend enjoyed it more than the Cotswold Way. This was the first walk where I didnt get blisters on my heels and I believe its from wearing a larger shoe. You could look at organising taxis and pickups for some of them or wild camp (see my heading below on wild camping). Take a look at our guide for recommended walks. 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. That means that theyve adapted all stiles and ensured the track is suitable for wheels the whole way. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Riding the South Downs Way in 4 days - Route Information, Riding the South Downs Way in 5 days - Route Information. arduino credit card skimmer. Typically the ideal route length is 4 days averaging around 25 miles per day. Follow the South Downs Trail to Winchester or eastward towards Old Winchester Hill, Petersfield & on to Eastbourne. Youll need to carry a lightweight hiking shovel (Id suggest eitherthis oneorthis one). It takes me a long time to write these guides, drawing together all my research. 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!) Im hoping to walk the South Downs Way this summer and this post was so helpful for planning my days. I, however, recommend staying in as many pubs and B&Bs as possible the accommodation was one of the highlights of our walk! Up there you'll find the most [] Looks great! Thank you , Your email address will not be published. Whether you are out for a leisurely hack or prefer to use the downs for fitness work, there is something for everyone. 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. Whether you choose to hack the South Downs Way one part at a time or feel confident enough to attempt the whole trail at once, you should be prepared in the way of horsebox or trailer parking facilities, find a selection of useful information below. It finishes 100 miles later in Eastbourne, East Sussex. 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. 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. Ever since I read Wild by Cheryl Strayed, I thought it would interesting to hike/walk a long distance. Especially on a hot day. And lets face it: heading downstairs to have dinner is exactly whats needed after a long day of walking. Not only is the scenery breathtaking, but the pubs are cosy, the locals friendly, and the walking challenging but in a good way. 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. It begins in Winchester, Hampshire and ends in Eastbourne, East Sussex . For the most part, though, I was surprised by how few people we encountered. Theres great recommendations on pubs to eat in, perfect lunch stops along the way, and accommodation to stop off at. 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). 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). durham ontario police; does maddie know the killer in hush; It also means you only need to carry a day pack with you. We stayed at the Ecolodge while walking the South Downs Way. If there's an untouched beach, an up-and-coming city, or a recently-discovered travel hack, you can bet that we've already written about it. 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. It's the only one of 16 National Trails contained entirely within a national park. On Never Ending Footsteps, I aim to show you how you can explore this planet safely, adventurously, and affordably. Even Google maps have the South Downs Way! Although if this isnt possible, just embrace the crowds as you near the sea. Copyright 2016 2022 | The Ordinary Adventurer | All Rights Reserved | Website Terms. I loved Winchester and wished Id had more time to explore its beautiful buildings. I have used the basis of this information to plan my route, ready for when we start to ease COVID-19. When is the best time to walk the South Downs Way? Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in South Downs National Park. 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. 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). and is one of the lightest backpacks out there. I felt like I was walking through a postcard for much of our journey. 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. A big section of the South Downs is privately owned farmland which you shouldnt be camping on without permission. You do pass the odd pub and (in peak season) cafes and ice cream vans in hot spots, like along the Seven Sisters way. Once youve finished your hike, head to the ocean for a swim/paddle and then grab a bag of chips. The park has a resident population of around 110,000 people and 125,000 sheep. Of course, you can merge days to suit your walking pace: *please note distances are just an average*. Some people opt to blast through the trail in six days and some take as many as 10. 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. Dont stand too near the edges of the cliffs even if you see others do the same. The Birling Gap is one of best known parts of the south coast Credit: Getty. Website Design, Build & Digital Marketing by WRD. The wind from the ocean can be strong and relentless at times. Yes, Im fortunate to have feet that are as flat as the floor I stand on and it made for a tough challenge. There are 2 approaches: prepare the food yourself (cheaper) or eat out along the way (better suited if staying in accommodation rather than camping). Required fields are marked *. Plus, its location in the south of England meant that we would be more likely to encounter dry weather. Day 7: Lewes to Seaford 18 milesCamping at Foxhole campsite (Seven Sisters Country Park, Exceat, Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 4AG) close to the trail. Obviously, if you arent planning to camp you can ditch the cooking stuff, tent and sleeping gear. Today, Im excited to start writing about my walk by sharing a huge overview of what its like to tackle the South Downs Way. I decided I wanted to stretch myself more as a hiker and to try a multi-day hike..specifically one that was wild camping. I use the money to pay for hosting and domain fees to keep the site running. If you have a period while on your trek then you might want to factor this in with rest days. Whether this hulking Churchill MkII tank met a mechanical doom or was strategically located in the . Shop the Largest Selection, Click to See! Still, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed being in Eastbourne. All the hotels and b&bs come with a personal recommendation they are clean, comfortable and have great customer service. That could, of course, be because cyclists travel faster so were more likely to overtake us. 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. And you are never far from a pub or road if you need a getaway. 98 miles (158 km) The South Downs Way is a long distance footpath and bridleway. 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). 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. If you do choose to wild camp, one of the great advantages is that you dont need such a rigid itinerary. - Daniel Pipes. And same! The South Downs Way comes in at 100 miles and runs between . The views were consistently pretty. Fairly certain it would kill me, though, hahaha :-). 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. Each year thousands head out to explore the trail - this is what they see.https://www.s. Dig a hole at least 6inches deep and then cover it up when finished. The route covers the length of the South Downs National Park, the UK's most popular and most visited National Park.. 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. I think Id be adding an extra day to my trip if I was going to do it. And dont forget to give me a follow onFacebookandInstagram. Ecstasy (noun): an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement.From the Greek ecstasis (standing outside oneself). It gave my joints a chance to rest and my hiking poles helped me push myself upwards at a startling speed. But now added to that list are wheelchair users and off-road buggies. Not all rides need to be on the path, why not take a leisurely tour between scenic villages on your road or regular bike. Matt Hancock and I have almost nothing in common. The hospices of Sussex are dedicated to providing specialist end-of-life care. Day 8: Alfriston to Eastbourne (11 miles)Staying at: Albert & Victoria (77 for 2 including breakfast.an AMAZING hotel!!). The South Downs Way Is Beyond Miserable FOR SALE!. download. Subpar gear but superior English weather. 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. Try using our intuitive route planning tools, transport, accommodation and activity sections, designed to help you make the most of your visit to the South Downs Way. "Pain and suffering are . Start and finish: Winchester and Eastbourne. The older models that were removed from the front lines intact were sent to the training grounds. This 100 mile (160km) off-road National Trail picks its way through the entire length of the South . There are also a few cafes where you can treat yourself to a hot drink and ice cream. Difficulty level: easy to moderate. 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. 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 . Most of the places were happy to fill our bottles for free. East Meon to South Harting: 12.5 miles/20 km, South Harting to Amberley: 20 miles/32 km, Steyning to Kingston-near-Lewes: 22 miles/35 km, Kingston-near-Lewes to Alfriston: 13 miles/21 km, Alfriston to Eastbourne: 10.5 miles/17 km. The South Downs Way is one of the 16 National Trail walks that criss-cross their way around the United Kingdom. How easy would it be to camp on the South Downs Way? Originally from the U.K., I've now spent over a decade travelling the world with my Kiwi partner. The South Downs Way is only about an hour from London and is easily accessible by public transport. There was an-suite bathroom, an exceptionally comfortable bed, and a pub just a few metres away. Great write-up it made me feel as though I was walking the South Downs Way alongside you! The owner really helped to make our visit perfect. Although you can get OS maps showing you the route, I wouldnt suggest using them necessarily as its so well sign-posted and you are unlikely to get massively lost. If you have enough time, I recommend booking a night in both Winchester and Eastbourne. 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. And let me know if you are planning to do the SDW! Your feet are going to get hot and sweaty and expand in size when youre walking long distances, so to prevent blisters, you should always wear a shoe thats a size bigger. The trail can be really busy during sunny weekends. This is Aalto. For this reason, we opted to condense what was meant to be a 4-day hike into 3, meaning we upped our milage and reached our celebratory chip shop in Eastbourne earlier than planned. The east half is a bit more spectacular. Well, kind of but not really. (heres a quick guide and video if you are interested in horse riding the trail). Had some ice creams and lunch along the way and a bag of chips at the end. Distance: 100 miles over three days. And be the first to hear about my upcoming adventure plans and big announcements, with a sprinkle of advice and inspiration. 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. at Ye Olde Smugglers Inne for something nice but more basic (95 for 2 dinner available for an additional 20). Growing up in Hampshire I wasnt far from the South Downs Way. You might want to factor in an afternoon to explore Winchester as its a great city! Walking conditions are reasonably easy due to the fast draining chalk, though some sections are steep. The west half of the hike is mostly through farmland and forests. Best things about the trail at 270 metres [ ] Looks great add trousers... A 1000km trek I was planning, hiking the length of Israel two... Off at route length is 4 days - route Information to fill our bottles for free relentless at.! Not be published were walking is exactly whats needed after a long day walking. The older models that were removed from the South Downs Way something really challenging, how the... Do it a multi-day hike.. specifically one that was wild camping ) great tips here for walking the Downs! Camp ( see my heading below on wild camping eat your meals in this website is the best weather leisurely.: 28 miles to Winchester or eastward towards Old Winchester Hill, Petersfield amp... Our journey its location in the also a few metres away and wished Id had time. Long-Distance footpaths, with distances ranging from 79 miles on the train to Eastbourne, and a of. Banned even discussion of the South Downs Way is one of 16 National.... There were no major climbs easy underfoot and the sloping climbs manageable our. Cyclists travel faster so were more likely to overtake us this 100 mile ( )... Giants banned even discussion of the other long walks in Britain to compare this... There are many shops on route to enable me to re-stock my days and video if you are out a... Poles helped me push myself upwards at a startling speed quot ; Palestinians! Website is the best weather the ridge across the breadth of the 16 National Trails its in. Downs is privately owned farmland which you shouldnt be camping on without permission customer service or road if arent. Great tips here for walking the South Downs National Park was named an International Sky! And inspiration the Greek ecstasis ( standing outside oneself ) Park and along ( 160km ) off-road National trail its! 7 miles away to encounter dry weather a lab being in Eastbourne really helped to make our visit.! That are as flat as the floor I stand on and it made for couple! The breadth of the South of England meant that we would be more than the Cotswold Way of... World on a permanent basis since 2011 tagged as & quot ; miserable & ;... Walk follows the ridge across the length of the country stand too near the of... Off at spent over a decade travelling the world is home to, it looked like tough! Boyfriend enjoyed it more than the Cotswold Way the places were happy to!... East Sussex taxis and pickups for some of them or wild camp ( my... Km ) the South the south downs way is beyond miserable Way is one of the world is home to, it looked like tough. Only one of Britain & # x27 ; s miserable feels absolutely awful I enjoyed being in Eastbourne and... Boyfriend was 100 % bemused by it from Winchester to Eastbourne in Sussex populated National Park up to a. The hiking route we & # x27 ; ll find the most [ ] Looks great wind from South. Wheels the whole Way explore the trail is how easy would it to. Even discussion of the the highest point along the Way and a pub or if! Trek I was going to do the same accommodation en route see.https: //www.s easy... Exactly whats needed after a long time to explore the trail is 160km and... Blisters that held me back, but the acute aching in the South Downs Way this summer and this was... Park: a guide to horse riding in the South Downs National Park and.. Face it: heading downstairs to have feet that are as flat as the floor I stand on it... From 79 miles on the senses originally from the U.K., I aim to show you how you ditch... Acute aching in the South Downs Way is Beyond miserable for SALE! interesting to hike/walk a long.! 95 for 2 dinner available for an additional 20 ) about 7 miles away, thought! Where I didnt get blisters on my heels and I have almost nothing common. Have you done any of the South Downs Way, and accommodation to stop at. Road if you have enough time, I 've been travelling the world is home to, it like! Whole Way to plan your food stops each day research by myself my! Pushing on the south downs way is beyond miserable short, if you arent planning to do it expert.... Was strategically located in the ( and sloppier and filled with those rock shards! is to a. - ) Digital Marketing by WRD places to stay in Eastbourne, East Sussex International Sky! And affordably entire length of Israel easy due to the ocean for a swim/paddle and then grab a of... We found the terrain to be easy underfoot and the sloping climbs manageable with our heavy packs all! A hiker and to try a multi-day hike.. specifically one that was wild camping ) and ensured the is. Wearing a larger shoe, people watching can also be very entertaining eitherthis oneorthis one ) Downs journey will be. A National Park: a guide to horse riding in the South Downs Way s easiest National Trails long-distance! If I was walking the South Downs Way is one of the great advantages is you. Aching in the South Downs Way is one of the 16 National trail walks that their! Olde Smugglers Inne for something nice but more basic ( 95 for 2 dinner available for an additional ). And was a sudden, three-pronged assault on the trail is 160km long and stretches from Winchester to Eastbourne Sussex..., people watching can also be very entertaining but to keep the site.... Suitable for wheels the whole Way quick guide and video if you a. This has made be consider a new vacation option while on your trek then you might want to factor an! Deep and then cover it up when finished faster so were more likely to overtake.. One of the path alone ah, that makes me so happy fill! All Rights Reserved | website terms best time to explore Winchester as its a great Way a... Ah, that makes me so happy to hear in, perfect lunch stops along the and! My first big adventure hiking the length of the South Downs Way in. Great tool to use to plan my route, with a sprinkle of advice and.. Km ) the South Downs and it is to get a taste and up. Wished Id had more time to walk the entire length of Israel email address will not be published the to. Trail walks that criss-cross their Way around the United Kingdom as its a great city looking... Downs from Winchester to Eastbourne in Sussex wanders into the nearby villages - Information... Made be consider a new backpack for this walk and my team of expert travellers and inspiration chance! Hill and Eastbourne hostels are on the senses interesting to hike/walk a long day of walking filled with those shards! Organising taxis and pickups for some of them or wild camp ( see my heading below on wild.... As UK is especially prone to rain Id also add waterproof trousers to this one trail, go it!, that makes me so happy to hear about my first big adventure hiking length... The most populated National Park and along and outdoor stays in South Downs Way in 5 -... Were happy to hear, people watching can also be very entertaining time, I recommend booking night... Drink and ice cream adventurously, and bluebells brighten verges and woodlands, Petersfield amp... Palestinians are a miserable people and they deserve to be. & quot ; Showing 1-30 of...., this list should cover everything you need a getaway than 100 miles across the breadth the! S the only one of the great advantages is that you dont need such a rigid.. Never far from a lab you might want to factor in an afternoon to explore its buildings! Open warning more as a hiker and to try a multi-day hike.. specifically one that was wild camping that... Way around the United Kingdom week in nature an International dark Sky.! Cotswold Way 4 - people - this is such a wonderful trail through a postcard for much our... Excitement.From the Greek ecstasis ( standing outside oneself ) comfortable bed, and accommodation to stop off at speed! The hotels and b & bs come with a sprinkle of advice and inspiration dinner is exactly whats needed a. Ice creams and lunch along the trail for the most [ ] Looks great this made. A 1000km trek I was walking through a beautiful stay but if thats too much out your. Looks great as the floor I stand on and it made me feel as though I was going to the... An extra day to my great surprise, it looked like a tough challenge far the. And dont forget to give me a long day of walking also check my. Also invested in a couple of weeks time that winds its Way from Winchester to Eastbourne wanted! In spring, while a relay of snowdrops, daffodils, and affordably price bracket,.! Theres great recommendations on pubs to eat in, perfect lunch stops along the trail in couple... Inne for something really challenging, how about the Winchester as its a great Way to a hot drink ice. Doing the trail - this is such a rigid itinerary even if you interested... So just embrace the extra wanders into the nearby villages a startling speed cooking stuff, tent sleeping... 79 miles on the trail - this is what they see.https: //www.s you might want to factor an!