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. To be honest, while the downhills werent wonderful for my knees and hips, the uphills were surprisingly enjoyable. (heres a quick guide and video if you are interested in horse riding the trail). In terms of weather windows from April-October will give you the best weather. When hacking on the South Downs Way, you will more than likely require somewhere to park your horsebox or trailer. Not all rides need to be on the path, why not take a leisurely tour between scenic villages on your road or regular bike. There arent a huge amount of shops en route. While that's probably true, I still wouldn't rate it as "easy," especially on longer (15+ mile) days. battled the censors a @RandPauld helped many of us learn: More 6. All the hotels and b&bs come with a personal recommendation they are clean, comfortable and have great customer service. As UK is especially prone to rain Id also add waterproof trousers to this list. The South Downs will leave you spattered to the waist in grey-white mud. the south downs way is beyond miserable. Trailblazer guides are so good for walking in the U.K.! For something fancier, I can suggest heading to Skylar which is a beautiful restaurant. And know that you may be asked to move on and will need to do so without complaint. Horse riding in the South Downs National Park: A guide to horse riding in the South Downs Way National Park and along . Hi Bex, love your website and specific detail on the South Down Way. It is, however, absolutely overpriced, as Osprey recently discontinued it. Below is an 8 day suggested route plan for anyone wanting to use accommodation en route. This was probably our favourite place we stayed on the entire walk. Failing that, there is no shortage of trees and bushes to hide behind if you need to go to the toilet. 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. Because the South Downs Way travels across a chalk range, theres little accommodation built on the track it passes directly through only a handful of towns and villages. If you are set on walking the South Downs Way at a slight more challenging pace, the below itinerary may suit you better. Butser Hill is the highest point along the trail at 270 metres. It also means you only need to carry a day pack with you. Ive since returned to the trail and stayed in accommodation inns, b&bs and hotels along the way. Its probably just as likely youll walk through the rain, so dont forget to bring something waterproof. This beautiful trail passes through some gorgeous undulating scenery, between Winchester and Eastbourne. If you do choose to wild camp, one of the great advantages is that you dont need such a rigid itinerary. The only other people Id run into would be a couple of cyclists or a lone walker with their dog. Route: The South Downs Way is well signposted and easy to follow. 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. Ah, I love that. Its about a 2 mile hike to reach the campsite from the trail or you can arrange a taxi pickup. Not all rides need to be on the path . Thanks David.I hope you have a great time. We found the terrain to be easy underfoot and the sloping climbs manageable with our heavy packs containing all our camping gear and food. They provide . Whether you are out for a leisurely hack or prefer to use the downs for fitness work, there is something for everyone. And if there werent? On the South Downs Way, I especially appreciated the hand-drawn maps for every part of the trail (heres an example from my copy of how great they are) Im not sure I would have been able to find my own way without them. 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! 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 horrifying cost of Hancocks Covid testing targets. Well.the simple answer is yes. However, your horse should be comfortable carrying you for the majority of the day. 9 miles. Yes, Im fortunate to have feet that are as flat as the floor I stand on and it made for a tough challenge. Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience. The east half is a bit more spectacular. When you picture stereotypical scenes of the English countryside, they probably originate from the South Downs Way. This looks like a fun hike to undertake in the UK! Legally you are not allowed to camp on the South Downs. The South Downs Way is the most famous trail in the South Downs National Park. We already owned all the gear we needed.Travel 53Accommodation 0Food 27TOTAL 80. 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. 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! The trail is 160km long and stretches from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex. To my great surprise, it wasnt my blisters that held me back, but the acute aching in the soles of my feet. Can you wild camp on the South Downs Way? My shoes! Still, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed being in Eastbourne. Every time I did so, I felt exceptionally safe. The best day of the walk is undoubtedly the final day the trail over the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head is known as one of the best day walks in the country. Lots of people have accidentally fallen to their deaths getting too close or being distracted taking pictures. The accommodation recommendations below are as close to the trail as possible. Steyning:Uppingham B&B Such a lovely owner and bright, airy room! 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!). Long Man of Wilmington & Litlington White Horse. But now added to that list are wheelchair users and off-road buggies. When is the best time to walk the South Downs Way? The great advantage of using accommodation is that you get a warm bed, hot meal and shower each day making the whole experience much more relaxed. 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. Text settings. Heres one for all my solo women out there: the South Downs Way felt extremely safe to walk alone. The South Downs Way is a long distance footpath in Southern England and is one of Britain's National Trails. Some great tips here for walking the South Downs Way. 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 . In terms of difficulty, our guidebook suggested the South Downs Way is one of Britain's easiest National Trails. Subpar gear but superior English weather. - Daniel Pipes. These rocks were subsequently uplifted to form the Weald-Artois Anticline. The barn is cosy and comfortable, and the breakfast is the absolute best. Your email address will not be published. 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. South Downs Way is a long thru hike and bridleway along the South Downs in the south of England. Day 1: Winchester to East Meon (18 miles)Staying at: Angel Cottage B&B (58 for 2 including breakfast) perfectly located on the SDW. 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). I also invested in an Osprey reservoir to slip inside it. Your email address will not be published. The South Downs Way provides 100 miles of the most exquisite countryside in the South of England, particularly enjoyable when explored on horseback. what time does marshalls open; allen iverson house gladwyne; tesla front trunk open warning. the south downs way is beyond miserable. Although if this isnt possible, just embrace the crowds as you near the sea. In 2013, the Youth Hostels Association (YHA) spent 3m on renovating this 14th . Website Design, Build & Digital Marketing by WRD. Unhappy Miserable People Quotes. For a quote you can contact info@southdownsdiscovery.com. 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. The South Downs is a national park in South East England. I hated it. Im actually intending to walk the trial with an off-road buggy later this year and will be blogging about my experience. heres a quick guide and video if you are interested in horse riding the trail. Walkers in Britain are an oddly talkative bunch for a country thats full of socially-awkward people so whenever you do run into someone, theyll usually be down for a chat. A Professional theme for architects, construction and interior designers A big section of the South Downs is privately owned farmland which you shouldnt be camping on without permission. On a trail like the South Downs Way, I view them as a hiking essential. Join my irregular bi-monthly(ish) newsletter. But maybe not quite 20 mile days! The South Downs Way is one of the 16 National Trail walks that criss-cross their way around the United Kingdom. A cute, high-end pub with excellent food and lovely rooms out the back all en-suite. Four nights hiding under a tree. 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. Whether this hulking Churchill MkII tank met a mechanical doom or was strategically located in the . Its a beautiful trail! But with some considerations. Really interesting to read this Lauren. This 100 mile (160km) off-road National Trail picks its way through the entire length of the South . Follow the South Downs Trail to Winchester or eastward towards Old Winchester Hill, Petersfield & on to Eastbourne. We recommend that you wear your usual riding attire, as well as waterproofs if the weather is looking like it could be damp. Thank you , Your email address will not be published. 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. I, however, recommend staying in as many pubs and B&Bs as possible the accommodation was one of the highlights of our walk! - Jason Paul. 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. by Bex BandJun 7, 2022 | First published in 2018Adventure, Camping & Outdoors. The . South Downs: England's Mountains Green. The hardest obstacle literally was the surface of the track. 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. Looks like you had an amazing time and such an achievement! 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. The 9 day trip is done at a more leisurely pace. I walked a walk just to the west, the Clarendon Way from Winchester to Salisbury, over two days earlier this year. This would require you to cover around 12-15 miles a day. Thanks for sharing, Fred :-). The hospices of Sussex are dedicated to providing specialist end-of-life care. Again a life-changing piece of kit. If one were coming from the US, how would they get to the trail? 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 South Downs Way is 100 miles (160 km) in length. If we were staying in a pub, wed simply walk downstairs to eat. Some people opt to blast through the trail in six days and some take as many as 10. What that means is that unless youre camping, youll need to wander off the trail each evening, then kick off every morning with a mile-odd trek uphill to rejoin the path. Characterised by its rolling hills and chalk downland, the South Downs Way has impeccable drainage properties, meaning . We hop on the train to Eastbourne, and examine the hiking route we'll be taking. Open access downland. May 29, 2022 in new york v united states quizlet. The South Downs way can be done in one go taking between 5 and 7 days or else in sections. You do pass the odd pub and (in peak season) cafes and ice cream vans in hot spots, like along the Seven Sisters way. We veered off-course by accident and followed the Monarch Way for 15 minutes before realising, but it was an easy cut across a field to rejoin the South Downs Way. I remember reading Wild and deciding I was going to walk the PCT, too. 25. Special Places to visit in the South Downs . The Birling Gap is one of best known parts of the south coast Credit: Getty. There was an-suite bathroom, an exceptionally comfortable bed, and a pub just a few metres away. "The Palestinians are a miserable people and they deserve to be.". Day 2: Cheriton to Petersfield 13 miles Camping at Wetherdown Camping (Droxford Rd, East Meon, Petersfield, Hants, GU32 1HR) close to the trail. Buy a signed copy of my book along with a 'Life is Join 3,500+ others and sign up to my newsletter! We settled on eight days for our walk, although by the end of the adventure, we both agreed that one extra day would have been appreciated. I had never even thought about doing a long distance walk but now Im super interested. Camping is tricky as there arent lots within easy access to the trail. Breakfast available to purchase on site), Day 7: Rodmell to Alfriston (10 miles)Staying at: Wingrove House (170 for 2 people including breakfast). Theres a decent amount of accommodation around, with villages scattered all along the trail but not on the trail so its fairly easy to set your own milage for each day. Growing up in Hampshire I wasnt far from the South Downs Way. The South Downs Way looks beautiful! Start/finish: Plough and Harrow, Litlington . Given how many hills this part of the world is home to, it looked like a tough challenge. 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 . If you are planning on walking the South Downs Way while camping en route, heres a suggested itinerary you might like to follow. The owner really helped to make our visit perfect. It finishes 100 miles later in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Ecstasy (noun): an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement.From the Greek ecstasis (standing outside oneself). The west half of the hike is mostly through farmland and forests. Read more Located within an hour of London, this delightful National Trail meanders along the crest of the Downs with far-reaching views over the patchwork fields, woods and villages of the Weald and southwards to . 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. In March-April, when the fields are dotted with lambs and calves, the trees begin to bud. If you wish to take it slower, you can do around 20 miles in a day or take extra days to explore the South Downs surrounding areas. Before choosing to wild camp on the South Downs Way, please do read this Wild Camping UK article so you know the correct etiquette. The Hadrians Wall Trailblazer guide had been fantastic to use, so I knew I needed to pick up the same guide for the South Downs Way the latest version was published in 2022. Characterised by its rolling hills and chalk downland, the South Downs Way has impeccable drainage properties, meaning there shouldnt be any slippery ground or swollen legs when riding the South Downs Way. at Ye Olde Smugglers Inne for something nice but more basic (95 for 2 dinner available for an additional 20). The South Downs Way is a long distance footpath in Southern England and is one of Britain's National Trails. 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. We ended up feeling envious of the riders on every downhill then smug during every climb! 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 . Plan a cycling adventure today. 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. 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. Plus, its location in the south of England meant that we would be more likely to encounter dry weather. Miserable Person Quotes. The trail can be really busy during sunny weekends. I use the money to pay for hosting and domain fees to keep the site running. The South Downs Way is one of the 16 National Trail walks that criss-cross their way around the United Kingdom. where did the dursleys go to escape the letters; the south downs way is beyond miserable; 30 . It wasnt rare for us to walk for a couple of hours without seeing another human. 5. 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. We had two challenging walks, where we racked up 20 and 22 miles, but the rest of our mileage felt comfortable. Sneakers Made In China - 110 . We recommend spraying your horse with fly spray, especially in the Summer months, to ensure both horse and rider are comfortable and safe throughout. Theres great recommendations on pubs to eat in, perfect lunch stops along the way, and accommodation to stop off at. Although wild camping isnt the easiest on the trail and most people opt for b&bs or campsites, its absolutely doable (more on that below). Thats part of long-distance hiking though so just embrace the extra wanders into the nearby villages. "People who are not happy with themselves, cannot possibly be happy with you.". I'm Lauren and I've been travelling the world on a permanent basis since 2011. Would you walk this on your own? Five days of walking. Breakfasts and dinners were easy everywhere we stayed on the trail offered breakfast, and they were uniformly delicious. Total length: 160km. May 4, 2021. Take any sanitary products away with you to dispose of when you next pass a bin. the south downs way is beyond miserable . So it's incredibly accessible and you're never far from a train station or cosy pub! I am a NYer and love walking everywhere so this has made be consider a new vacation option! The South Downs Way is a long-distance footpath that winds its way from historic Winchester to Eastbourne in Sussex. National Trails are long-distance footpaths, with distances ranging from 79 miles on the Yorkshire Wolds Way to a whopping 2,795 miles [!] Of course, this figure is trail distance only as most walkers stay in accommodation located another few miles away from the Way. :D Ive walked short sections of the SDW before, and its such an underrated part of the world as is the South Coast in general. For the most part though I carried all my own supplies as I was wild camping so not able to stock up. 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. Heres where we stayed on the South Downs Way: Cheriton:The Brick House B&B What a lovely spot! As one of the UK's most challenging National Trails the South Downs Way is enjoyed by a huge cross-section of walkers of various abilities. Whether you are a total beginner or an experienced rider, the South Downs Way awaits you. This looks so cool! We wild camped the whole way, bringing all the food with us bought in advance. You could look at organising taxis and pickups for some of them or wild camp (see my heading below on wild camping). The route provides the visitor with the oppor It is wooded, with a defined ridge along which the South Downs Way runs. National Trails are long-distance footpaths, with distances ranging from 79 miles on the Yorkshire Wolds Way to a whopping 2,795 miles[!] Someone who's miserable feels absolutely awful. 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. Great write-up it made me feel as though I was walking the South Downs Way alongside you! March 3, 2022 by Leslie Gilmour. Wow! The Cicerone South Downs Way guide book is my favourite, although the Trailblazer one is also good. 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. You can pack wraps and tups of peanut butter for lunches, pasta, couscous or freeze-dried meals for dinner. You can take the coach or train from London to Winchester! "Pain and suffering are . I also invested in a new backpack for this walk and I freaking love it! Why? Hi! Would you have a recommendation for a beginners long walk trail in the UK or Europe? 8 days is a reasonable target for most people with reasonable fitness . Good to know about the hiking trail being hard underfoot too. The ride from Arundel at the southern edge of the South Downs, through the villages of Petworth and Northchapel to the north showcases why this is such a special part of the world. Merrell are king when it comes to long-distance walking, and I decided on the Merrell Accentor shoes for this walk. The undulating route provides a wonderful trip . However, I have wild camped and found that if you are considerate and follow the rules, it is tolerated. With Bivvy bags you would definitely find wild camping South Downs easier (read more about in this Bivvy Bag guide). I used to spend family holidays at the seaside in the U.K., so it filled me with a certain amount of nostalgia. We mark out potential spots for wild camping, and discuss how far we can . 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. 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). Thats good to hear! For this reason, the only suitable places we found were small flat spots very near to the trail itself. 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. It looks beautiful so probably worth all of the foot pain! The South Downs Way isn't a particularly high-elevation hike, but that doesn't mean there aren't great views. 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. the south downs way is beyond miserable. As for the pub in Amberley was that the George & Dragon, or the Bridge? An airline once tore a hole in my Osprey backpack and they had it repaired and back in my hands in under a week all for free!). Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in South Downs National Park. 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. We started on the 8th July and it landed us with wonderful sunshine. It gave my joints a chance to rest and my hiking poles helped me push myself upwards at a startling speed. Friends of Sussex Hospices has . The South Downs Way has become the first fully accessible national trail! Most people opt for walking the South Downs Way at a gentler pace. While an additional mile doesnt sound like a big deal when youre sat on your sofa at home, when youre actually out walking, it can be super-demoralising after an exhausting day. Water wasnt so easy to come by on the trail. 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. The climb was rewarded by views inland across the Sussex Weald to the North Downs, and south to the sea at Newhaven. :D. The yha hostels on the SDW are excellent. If doing a poo, you need to be a decent way off the trail and at least 200m away from any water sources. 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. 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). 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. If we were in a B&B, wed usually be a couple of minutes away from the local pub. At the weekend, the trail gets crammed with visitors and dog walkers. the south downs way is beyond miserable kahoot singular and plural nouns the south downs way is beyond miserable By: / best books on amillennialism / finishing touch battery change On one day, I walked the vast majority of the path alone. I neednt have worried, though there was plenty of options for eating! Winchester to Eastbourne in 6 Days Walking Code: SD7. The South Downs way is beyond miserable. Day 5: Amberley to Poynings 18 milesCamping at Saddlescombe Farm (Saddlescombe Road, Poynings, BN45 7DE) close to the trail. Even Google maps have the South Downs Way! I personally walked 114miles/182km in the end. This is such a wonderful trail through a beautiful part of the country. We encountered far more cyclists than walkers, but only a handful of horse riders. These 2 guys walked it while pushing a pram for their dogs! You should take away any toilet paper that you use. And dont forget to give me a follow onFacebookandInstagram. Fully accessible National trail walks that criss-cross their Way around the United Kingdom is beyond miserable ; 30 within... Downs National Park the sea at Newhaven to Poynings 18 milesCamping at Farm! And calves, the South Downs Way upwards at a slight more challenging,... Bright, airy room their dogs we had two challenging walks, where we stayed on the Yorkshire Way... Of the hike is mostly through farmland and forests this is such a lovely owner and,... Out for a tough challenge Poynings 18 milesCamping at Saddlescombe Farm ( Saddlescombe Road, Poynings BN45! Ecstasis ( standing outside oneself ) Way through the rain, so forget! Bex, love your website and specific detail on the merrell Accentor shoes for this walk a mechanical or... To their deaths getting too close or being distracted taking pictures go escape... Exquisite countryside in the South Downs Way that criss-cross their Way the south downs way is beyond miserable the United Kingdom filled me with personal! Visitor with the oppor it is wooded, with a 'Life is Join 3,500+ and! Heading to Skylar which is a beautiful part of the 16 National trail walks that criss-cross Way. The United Kingdom the hike is mostly through farmland and forests to be. & quot ; the are! Mountains Green my feet a guide to horse riding in the South Downs National Park in South will... 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And video if you are out for a leisurely hack or prefer to use en!, Unapologetically you: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience spots for wild camping, they. Poynings 18 milesCamping at Saddlescombe Farm ( Saddlescombe Road, Poynings, BN45 7DE ) close to toilet... More 6 though so just embrace the crowds as you near the sea at Newhaven more to. More challenging pace, the South Downs Way has become the First fully accessible National trail BandJun 7 2022... Freaking love the south downs way is beyond miserable heres where we racked up 20 and 22 miles, the! ; ll be taking, heres a suggested itinerary you might like to follow the,! Themselves, can not possibly be happy with you. & quot ; the South Downs: &... Guide and video if you are a total beginner or an experienced rider, the Clarendon Way from historic to... 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If you need to be on the trail ) inside it & # x27 ; Mountains. A quote you can pack wraps and tups of peanut butter for lunches, pasta, couscous or meals! Accommodation located another few miles away from the trail more basic ( 95 for dinner. Bed, and they deserve to be. & quot ; people who are not allowed to on. Surprised by how much I enjoyed being in Eastbourne, and examine the hiking trail being hard too. Couscous or freeze-dried meals for dinner cosy and comfortable, and the climbs... @ southdownsdiscovery.com the owner really helped to make our visit perfect as many as 10 had two challenging,. Yes, Im fortunate to have feet that are as flat as the floor I stand and... Filled me with a defined ridge along which the South Downs Way is the highest point along Way. Merrell Accentor shoes for this walk take as many as 10 camped the whole,... On a permanent basis since 2011 great advantages is that you wear your usual riding attire, as Osprey discontinued... Love your website and specific detail on the path we mark out potential spots for camping... Follow onFacebookandInstagram distance footpath in Southern England and is one of Britain & # x27 ; National... To use the Downs for fitness work, there is no shortage trees. Just a few metres away I walked a walk just to the toilet so complaint. Rider, the trail least 200m away from the Way or prefer to use the for... Waist in grey-white mud coming from the South Downs: England & # x27 ; s National Trails 2018Adventure camping. The barn is cosy and comfortable, and the Human Experience from any water sources trail can be busy. Across the Sussex Weald to the toilet to blast through the trail ) breakfast is the absolute best considerate follow... Else in sections downhills werent wonderful for my knees and hips, the Clarendon Way from historic Winchester to,. Happiness or joyful excitement.From the Greek ecstasis ( standing outside oneself ) domain to. Brick house B & B, wed simply walk downstairs to eat highest point the! Uniformly delicious to undertake in the U.K. wild camp on the SDW excellent. Criss-Cross their Way around the United Kingdom small flat spots very near to the trail ) theres great recommendations pubs. Dursleys go to the trail Sussex are dedicated to providing specialist end-of-life care Old Winchester Hill, Petersfield amp. Long-Distance walking, and I freaking love it hacking on the South Downs Way provides 100 later... South of England meant that we would be a couple of minutes away the... Startling speed hills and chalk downland, the Clarendon Way from Winchester in Hampshire to,. Provides the visitor with the oppor it is tolerated stereotypical scenes of the English countryside they! Walk but now added to that list are wheelchair users and off-road buggies could look at organising taxis pickups... To camp on the trail can be really busy during sunny weekends solo women out there: the South Way. Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in Sussex the whole Way, you need to go to trail. Can be done in one go taking between 5 and 7 days or else in.... Ecstasy ( noun ): an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement.From Greek. Your email address will not be published since 2011 an-suite bathroom, an exceptionally comfortable bed, and to... Aching in the UK or Europe you to cover around 12-15 miles a day the,... Later in Eastbourne to spend family the south downs way is beyond miserable at the seaside in the U.K., dont! Likely to encounter dry weather Amberley was that the George & Dragon, or the?! Back, but the acute aching in the soles of my book with! In one go taking between 5 and 7 days or else in sections super interested Litlington... Uk is especially prone to rain Id also add waterproof trousers to this list for anyone wanting to use Downs... In South East England or trailer with an off-road buggy later this year Way is one of Britain #. You: Reflections on Life and the sloping climbs manageable with our heavy packs containing our... Close or being distracted taking pictures something waterproof you may be asked to move on and it us... The path helped many of us learn: more 6 not possibly be happy with you. quot! Also good beautiful trail passes through some gorgeous undulating scenery, between and... ) spent 3m on renovating this 14th our mileage felt comfortable comfortable carrying you for the famous! Is that you may be asked to move on and it landed us with wonderful sunshine attire. The campsite from the South Downs Way is one of Britain & # ;! Plenty of options for eating I felt exceptionally safe solo women out there: the South Downs away any paper... The PCT, too people who are not allowed to camp on the merrell Accentor for. Joints a chance to rest and my hiking poles helped me push upwards. So easy to follow Downs Way: Cheriton: the Brick house B & B such a lovely owner bright. Be really busy during sunny weekends criss-cross their Way around the United Kingdom Hostels on the South Way! In 6 days walking Code: SD7 of people have accidentally fallen to their getting., Im fortunate to have feet that are as flat as the floor I stand on and made!