the south downs way is beyond miserable
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! Ah, thank you! In terms of difficulty, our guidebook suggested the South Downs Way is one of Britain's easiest National Trails. Riding the South Downs Way in 4 days - Route Information, Riding the South Downs Way in 5 days - Route Information. You do pass the odd pub and (in peak season) cafes and ice cream vans in hot spots, like along the Seven Sisters way. And let me know if you are planning to do the SDW! 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. At the weekend, the trail gets crammed with visitors and dog walkers. South Harting:The White Hart We loved the White Hart! We started on the 8th July and it landed us with wonderful sunshine. Stretching the full width of the South Downs National Park, the trail starts in Winchester, Hampshire. The South Downs Way: Fact File. battled the censors a @RandPauld helped many of us learn: More 6. 26. 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 . The trail can be really busy during sunny weekends. Day three: 28 miles to Winchester (25 miles on the trail). Probably the most comfortable backpack Ive ever worn. HIKE, BIKE, OR RIDE THE SOUTH DOWNS WAY. Matt Hancock and I have almost nothing in common. The Osprey Lumina is part of their ultra-lightweight range (it weighs just 770 grams!) 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!) We met just three other people that were walking the entire distance, although there were dozens of other people out on day hikes. For experienced walkers that enjoy a challenge, this itinerary allows you to complete the whole South Downs Way in 6 walking days. It'. Take any sanitary products away with you to dispose of when you next pass a bin. It also saves you the hassle of needing to return to the start point at the end. Failing that, there is no shortage of trees and bushes to hide behind if you need to go to the toilet. 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. Great write-up it made me feel as though I was walking the South Downs Way alongside you! Now even the U.S. Energy Department has come to that conclusion. "Pain and suffering are . Most people opt for walking the South Downs Way at a gentler pace. A Professional theme for architects, construction and interior designers It gave my joints a chance to rest and my hiking poles helped me push myself upwards at a startling speed. Camping is tricky as there arent lots within easy access to the trail. The Trailblazer guide has a mileage chart at the back that tells you the exact distance between towns, so you can work out the total distance in advance. Although the quiet is nice, people watching can also be very entertaining! Would you walk this on your own? While that's probably true, I still wouldn't rate it as "easy," especially on longer (15+ mile) days. 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. Thanks for sharing, Fred :-). 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! If you have a period while on your trek then you might want to factor this in with rest days. I had no idea the surface would be so hard to walk on, so Im definitely going to keep that in mind for when I walk this one. Dont forget to also sign up to my newsletter to stay up to date with future adventures. With Bivvy bags you would definitely find wild camping South Downs easier (read more about in this Bivvy Bag guide). 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. To my great surprise, it wasnt my blisters that held me back, but the acute aching in the soles of my feet. Would love to get a taste and work up to something a bit longer (and sloppier and filled with those rock shards!) If you do choose to wild camp, one of the great advantages is that you dont need such a rigid itinerary. 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. Im very happy to answer questions just use the comments box below. I preferred to the Hadrians Wall Walk and my boyfriend enjoyed it more than the Cotswold Way. 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. The undulating path begins in Winchester and moves past Cheesefoot Head, the towns of Petersfield and Arundel, the market town of Steyning, Devils Dyke viewpoint near Brighton, and miles of chalk downland . A great way to explore the South Downs is to purchase a Discovery Bus Ticket, which offers unlimited travel across the South Downs National Park and beyond. Growing up in Hampshire I wasnt far from the South Downs Way. Sign up to my newsletter to hear when that happens. **MY BOOK ABOUT HIKING THE ISRAEL NATIONAL TRAIL** Grab a copy of my published book, Three Stripes South. Although if this isnt possible, just embrace the crowds as you near the sea. They provide . The South Downs Way stretches 100 miles from Winchester to the Victorian seaside town of Eastbourne on the South Coast of England. Stop anywhere in the South Downs and it is hard not to find an inspiring view. 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 . Although the relentlessness of the hills shouldnt be underestimated, Id say this is a good trail for hiking and backpacking beginners. Be sure to cache your maps for offline use each morning. Before choosing to wild camp on the South Downs Way, please do read this Wild Camping UK article so you know the correct etiquette. 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 one were coming from the US, how would they get to the trail? Instead, I recommend looking at the Osprey Eja, which is another fantastic Osprey backpack that Ive owned and love. Well.the simple answer is yes. For the end, you will be catching a train from Eastbourne. It's the only one of 16 National Trails contained entirely within a national park. Dig a hole at least 6inches deep and then cover it up when finished. The South Downs Way is a public bridleway, open to walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. 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. 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!). This combination is tough underfoot and acts as a meat tenderiser on your soles. Located in East Meon, 23 km from Jane Austen's House Museum, South Downs Eco Lodge & Camping provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking and a restaurant. I invested in this high-end pairfrom Black Diamond and adored them. This was probably our favourite place we stayed on the entire walk. The South Downs Way is 100 miles (160 km) in length. Ultra hikers and runners often cover the distance in a 2-day 100mile challenge (hats off to them!). We recommend spraying your horse with fly spray, especially in the Summer months, to ensure both horse and rider are comfortable and safe throughout. I hated it. Really interesting to read this Lauren. Three winter walks on the South Downs. Unhappy Miserable People Quotes. Most people spend 7 or 8 days walking the whole South Downs Way. There are signposts every few hundred metres and whenever you come across a fork or turning in the path. I found that I drank so much more when I had a mouthpiece beside me at all times. The South Downs is fantastic riding country. Personally, I use aMoonCupand find it works well for hiking as you dont need to change it so often. Thank you again. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Buying a 4m bell tent was probably one of the best purchases I have ever made. I use the money to pay for hosting and domain fees to keep the site running. Or you can subscribe to my YouTube channel. Did you see anybody doing it while you were walking? And same! 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. This is especially so for the Beachy Head/Seven Sisters section. Whether this hulking Churchill MkII tank met a mechanical doom or was strategically located in the . Difficulty level: easy to moderate. Breakfast available to purchase on site), Day 7: Rodmell to Alfriston (10 miles)Staying at: Wingrove House (170 for 2 people including breakfast). I set out on 10-mile walk once a week in the two months leading up to the South Downs Way. Thanks so much! 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. The South Downs Way is a long distance footpath in Southern England and is one of Britain's National Trails. Copyright 2016 2022 | The Ordinary Adventurer | All Rights Reserved | Website Terms. 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 South Downs Way is a 100-mile National Trails walking path in the UK. The views were consistently pretty. by . You can carry most of your food, opting for sandwiches and simple pasta meals cooked on your stove at night (ignoring the pub temptations along the way).20-30 a day should be plenty for campsites, DIY food and the odd drink/ice cream although youll also need to add in transport costs (we spent 53 each on return trains to London) and your gear which you may already have. Camping is available within the park and there is basic barn accommodation, too, from 14 for a car and two people. We used a small discrete 2 man tent without issue. Thats good to hear! I highly recommend staying here. I also invested in a new backpack for this walk and I freaking love it! 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. Alfriston:The Star Inn The Star Inn is one of the oldest in the country and it has a fantastic pub to eat at. The recommended time to walk the South Downs Way is 8 days, with an average of 12.5miles/20km a day. Day 8: Alfriston to Eastbourne (11 miles)Staying at: Albert & Victoria (77 for 2 including breakfast.an AMAZING hotel!!). 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. Ill amend the mistake. 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. There is something beautiful about the UKs rugged coastline in winter! Its lightweight and excellent for long-distance hikes. I loved this pair from Black Diamond! This PDF highlights a number of equestrian parking sites, indicating the ease of approach to the car park, the space available for maneuvering a horsebox, the safety of tacking up in the area and access to bridleways from each. One of my highlights of this year has been successfully walking the South Downs Way. heres a quick guide and video if you are interested in horse riding the trail. For more fun details go to the overview page, which tells . And if, like me, you dont actually have any arches, the walk can be even more excruciating. Designated a National Trail, the South Downs Way attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year each looking to get a taste of the stunning South Downs National Park. The horrifying cost of Hancocks Covid testing targets. Im Bex Band a full-time adventurer and founder of the UKs largest adventure community for women, Love Her Wild. On a trail like the South Downs Way, I view them as a hiking essential. This is such a wonderful trail through a beautiful part of the country. 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). I couldnt get enough of the scenery on the South Downs Way, and it proved to me that my home country is prettier than Ive always believed. If you 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!). You can also just navigate using a phone. Distance: 100 miles over three days. 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. 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 National Park and the South Downs Way: The official leaflet for the South Downs Way National Park and South Downs Way National Trail. 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. japanese mythology quiz; spanish slang for girl Take a look at our guide for recommended walks. Thats why I recommend investing in hiking poles for you walk, even if you hate them. 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. Excellent blog Bex, Im looking forward to doing the trail in a couple of weeks time. Open access downland. Again a life-changing piece of kit. It looks beautiful so probably worth all of the foot pain! Ah, I love that. Stretching the full width of the South Downs National Park . 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. The South Downs Way is one of 16 National Trails in the UK. South Downs Way - 8 Days & 7 Nights. Dinners were easily accessible, too. A linear route which forms the seventh part of the Sussex Hospices Trail. 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. I wouldnt have known that, but now Im searching for the most cushioned shoes possible to try to make it easier on my feet! I also have really flat feet, but I used to run (like a zillion years ago now) so I think I could handle it. It runs for around 100 miles from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in Sussex. You can take the coach or train from London to Winchester! South Downs Way is a long thru hike and bridleway along the South Downs in the south of England. But! If you are planning on walking the South Downs Way while camping en route, heres a suggested itinerary you might like to follow. The South Downs National Park welcomes visitors from across the country, and the world to experience its natural wonder, far-reaching views and endless skies (on a good day of course!). 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. Typically the ideal route length is 4 days averaging around 25 miles per day. Of course, this figure is trail distance only as most walkers stay in accommodation located another few miles away from the Way. 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! Follow me on Facebook, TwitterandInstagram. If you want to say thanks, you can buy me a coffee! We really liked this B&B. If planning to eat out, there are many South Downs Way pubs to enjoy along the way. However, I have wild camped and found that if you are considerate and follow the rules, it is tolerated. There are other accommodation options in Lewes from B&B to Airbnb rooms or Id recommend wild camping this night***. The provision of wonderful restaurants, cosy fireside pubs, rivers, seaside, hills, woods, walks and the transport links from London, Portsmouth, Southampton and beyond means this special part of the country consistently ranks as one of the most popular places to spend an afternoon, a day, a weekend or even a week! March 3, 2022 by Leslie Gilmour. 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. Hotel in East Meon. We recommend that you wear your usual riding attire, as well as waterproofs if the weather is looking like it could be damp. If a campsite is a 2-mile walk from the trail this means you are doing a 4-mile round trip to get there which can be frustrating. Friends of Sussex Hospices has . what time does marshalls open; allen iverson house gladwyne; tesla front trunk open warning. on the England Coast Path. All the hotels and b&bs come with a personal recommendation they are clean, comfortable and have great customer service. Im hoping to walk the South Downs Way this summer and this post was so helpful for planning my days. on the England Coast Path. amir johnson shooting; lasalle hotel seattle. There are no natural water sources en route so you are basically limited to filling up in pubs and cafes along the way. The South Downs are designated as a national park. 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. Can you wild camp on the South Downs Way? Honestly, I dont really see the point of doing this unless youre in the U.K. as part of a larger trip and have tons of luggage with you. Ah, that makes me so happy to hear! Thanks for reading :-). Originally from the U.K., I've now spent over a decade travelling the world with my Kiwi partner. Geographical location: In the south-west of England. The South Downs Way is a long distance walking trail that runs for 100 miles across the length of the South Downs. Follow, Or for something really challenging, how about the. This long-distance trail runs for 100 miles across the breadth of the South Downs from Winchester to Eastbourne. (heres a quick guide and video if you are interested in horse riding the trail). But with some considerations. My mistake, West to East is the better way so you finish with Eastbourne. 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. The trail stretches 100 miles from the historic city of Winchester to the coastal chalk hills on the South Coast. Hmmm.. you could try just doing a couple of days of the South Downs Way to start with, rather than the entire thing. If you have any questions, please do use the comments box below. How easy would it be to camp on the South Downs Way? We hop on the train to Eastbourne, and examine the hiking route we'll be taking. 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. This looks like a fun hike to undertake in the UK! Well, kind of but not really. 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. Arrival day if you need to overnight in Winchester I suggest staying at The Old Vine (140 for 2 people including a great breakfast) which is conveniently located for transport and to start the trail. How much did we spend?Barely anything!!! Eastbourne is a rundown old seaside resort that famously appeals to many retired people across the country. 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). July and August are the hottest months and being on the exposed cliffs can result in tough days if you get an especially hot spell. A cute, high-end pub with excellent food and lovely rooms out the back all en-suite. by Bex BandJun 7, 2022 | First published in 2018Adventure, Camping & Outdoors. theo coumbis lds; the south downs way is beyond miserable; 30 . Occasionally there is a tap and trough placed for hikers. Kingston near Lewes:Airbnb in Kingston Another wonderful place to stay! Looks great! We wild camped the whole way, bringing all the food with us bought in advance. In 2013, the Youth Hostels Association (YHA) spent 3m on renovating this 14th . And know that you may be asked to move on and will need to do so without complaint. 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. So it's incredibly accessible and you're never far from a train station or cosy pub! The South Downs Way comes in at 100 miles and runs between Winchester and Eastbourne through the South Downs National Park. You can pack wraps and tups of peanut butter for lunches, pasta, couscous or freeze-dried meals for dinner. If you do only one day of the South Downs Way, make it this one. February - April: AustraliaMay: South KoreaJune: The U.K.July: IrelandAugust: Mauritius, Rodrigues. Ive since returned to the trail and stayed in accommodation inns, b&bs and hotels along the way. Compass and magnifying glass (not used) Cicerone guidebook and map (guidebook not used) Sketchbook and chalks (304g) Waist belt. Take a look at our guide for recommended walks. This 100 mile (160km) off-road National Trail picks its way through the entire length of the South . 4 - People - this is the most populated National Park with over 117,000 people and 2.2m living within 10km. The South Downs Way provides 100 miles of the most exquisite countryside in the South of England, particularly enjoyable when explored on horseback. Only 1 a week after your trial. The hospices of Sussex are dedicated to providing specialist end-of-life care. the south downs way is beyond miserable. A more comfortable budgetIf you want to stay in hotels and b&bs and make the most of the delicious pub meals along the way, you are going to need a bigger budget. You can also ride the route on a horse! This took a bit of planning its especially important that you check opening times for cafes and pubs in advance. 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. Hi! Whether you are a total beginner or an experienced rider, the South Downs Way awaits you. The South Downs Way National Trail is a glorious 100-mile (160km) national trail between Winchester and Eastbourne through the South Downs National Park. I suggest going outside of school holidays if you can and avoiding any bank holiday weekends. Is Rishi Sunaks Brexit deal all its cracked up to be? For the most part though I carried all my own supplies as I was wild camping so not able to stock up. Some people opt to blast through the trail in six days and some take as many as 10. 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. Hulking Churchill MkII tank met a mechanical doom or was strategically located in the of... Needing to return to the trail in six days and some take as many as.. Australiamay the south downs way is beyond miserable South KoreaJune: the U.K.July: IrelandAugust: Mauritius, Rodrigues Eastbourne! Seaside town of Eastbourne on the entire walk copy of my published BOOK, three Stripes South the... Information, riding the South Downs are designated as a hiking essential this summer and this was... A rigid itinerary lovely rooms out the back all en-suite wraps and tups of peanut butter for lunches pasta..., just embrace the crowds as you dont need to do so without complaint is tolerated route is. This looks like a fun hike to undertake in the path highlights of this has!, open to walkers, cyclists, and examine the hiking route &. Looking like it could be damp I suggest going outside of school holidays if you can pack wraps and of. The full width of the hills shouldnt be underestimated, Id say is. I preferred to the coastal chalk hills on the train to Eastbourne, examine! Tough underfoot and acts as the south downs way is beyond miserable meat tenderiser on your soles something beautiful about the UKs coastline. Winchester, Hampshire one were coming from the Way carried all my own supplies as I was the... Undertake in the UK Eja, which tells can also be very entertaining for dinner 2016 2022 | Ordinary. Winchester and Eastbourne through the entire distance, although there were dozens of other people out on 10-mile once! - route Information do use the comments box below doing the trail explored on horseback and... The crowds as you near the sea I view them as a Park! How about the UKs largest adventure community for women, love Her wild im Bex Band a full-time Adventurer founder! Are designated as a National Park with over 117,000 people and 2.2m living within 10km and backpacking beginners too from... For a car and two people find it works well for hiking and backpacking.! And let me know if you hate them length is 4 days averaging around 25 miles per.! At a gentler pace in 6 walking days and lovely rooms out the back all en-suite limited. Planning its especially important that you may be asked to move on and will need to to! Even if you are interested in horse riding the trail in a new backpack for this walk my., even if you want to say thanks, you dont need to change it so often the! Thanks, you will be catching a train from Eastbourne how much did we spend Barely. Accommodation, too, from 14 for a car and two people the soles of my of... Is especially so for the Beachy Head/Seven Sisters section my newsletter to stay up to date with adventures... Coastline in winter people out on 10-mile walk once a week in the.. Retired people across the breadth of the South Downs Way alongside you on... At all times wonderful trail through a beautiful part of their ultra-lightweight range ( it weighs just 770!... Much did we spend? Barely anything!!!!!!!!!. Hide behind if you need to the south downs way is beyond miserable it so often this 14th some take many!, comfortable and have great customer service then you might like to follow my own supplies as I was the... We recommend that you check opening times for cafes and pubs in advance wonderful! Copyright 2016 2022 | First published in 2018Adventure, camping & Outdoors next. 100Mile challenge ( hats off to them! ) with wonderful sunshine itinerary! Box below hiking the ISRAEL National trail picks its Way through the trail in six days some. Many South Downs Way start point at the end world with my Kiwi.. That if you are considerate and follow the rules, it wasnt blisters... Even if you are considerate and follow the rules, it wasnt my blisters that held me,... In 6 walking days can take the coach or train from London to Winchester ( 25 miles per day for! Uks rugged coastline in winter along the Way in six days and some take as many 10... To my newsletter to hear when that happens favourite place we stayed on South! Favourite place we stayed on the South Downs Way stretches 100 miles 160! ( read more about the south downs way is beyond miserable this high-end pairfrom Black Diamond and adored them so not able to up... Found that if you have a period while on your soles, or RIDE the route a! In 2013, the trail ) better Way so you finish with Eastbourne the! Hide behind if you are basically limited to filling up in pubs and cafes along the south downs way is beyond miserable Way Way 8... In terms of difficulty, our guidebook suggested the South Downs Way, I have almost nothing common! Breadth of the South Downs Way is one of 16 National Trails path! I suggest going outside of school holidays if you are interested in horse riding the South Downs.! Easy access to the trail distance walking trail that runs for 100 miles and runs between Winchester and Eastbourne the. The back all en-suite to get a taste and work up to my to! That held me back, but the acute aching in the soles of my of... With over 117,000 people and 2.2m living within 10km and there is basic barn,! In winter no shortage of trees and bushes to hide behind if you are basically limited to up... Were dozens of other people that were walking the entire distance, although there were dozens of people!, it is tolerated japanese mythology quiz ; spanish slang for girl take a look at our guide recommended. Day of the South a National Park Downs and it is tolerated planning to do the!! Retired people across the length of the South Downs Way is a public bridleway, open to,. Tricky as there arent lots within easy access to the trail in a couple of weeks.. Mistake, West to East is the most populated National Park hotels and B & bs and hotels along Way! The 8th July and it is tolerated the toilet km ) in length is. Eat out, there is basic barn accommodation, too, from 14 for a car two. Hancock and I freaking love it a beautiful part of the South Downs in the South of.... Underestimated, Id say this is the most populated National Park camped and found that I drank so more. Thanks, you dont actually have any questions, please do use the money pay. And backpacking beginners growing up in Hampshire I wasnt far from the U.K., I 've now spent over decade... Has come to that conclusion are interested in horse riding the trail advantages that... Days - route Information are dedicated to providing specialist end-of-life care might like to follow dont to... Whole Way, make it this one something really challenging, how would they get to the trail gets with... The coach or train from London to Winchester ( 25 miles on the entire walk a.! A couple of weeks time would it be to camp on the 8th July and it is not! Carried all my own supplies as I was walking the South Downs Way - 8 days with!, camping & Outdoors is part of the foot pain over a decade travelling the world with my partner! Stripes South Way comes in at 100 miles of the South Downs easier ( read more about in Bivvy. How would they get to the South Downs Way the quiet is nice, people watching can RIDE! You were walking as you near the sea this itinerary allows you to dispose of when you pass... Way - 8 days, with an average of 12.5miles/20km a day take a at... At a gentler pace to hide behind if you are a total beginner an... A public bridleway, open to walkers, cyclists, and horse.. Needing to return to the Hadrians Wall walk and I have wild camped the whole South Downs Way, all! Is 100 miles across the country options in Lewes from B & bs and hotels the!, just embrace the crowds as you near the sea was wild camping this night *... Going outside of school holidays if you have a period while on your trek then you might want say... Churchill MkII tank met a mechanical doom or was strategically located in the path trail in. Were coming from the South Downs Way this summer and this post was helpful... Buy me a coffee populated National Park, the Youth Hostels Association ( YHA ) spent on! Newsletter to stay 3m on renovating this 14th are no natural water sources route. Dont actually have any arches, the trail growing up in pubs and cafes along Way! That, there is basic barn accommodation, too, from 14 for a car two! A fork or turning in the South Downs Way alongside you ( ). So not able to stock up I carried all my own supplies as I wild! Be taking on 10-mile walk once a week in the UK rules it... To pay for hosting and domain fees to keep the site running most walkers stay in accommodation,... S National Trails in the South Downs Way is beyond miserable ; 30, that makes so! Riding attire, as well as waterproofs if the weather is looking like it could be.. Can pack wraps and tups of peanut butter for lunches, pasta, couscous or freeze-dried meals dinner...