Legally you are not allowed to camp on the South Downs. "Each indulgence in pleasure is an appointment made with misery.". theo coumbis lds; the south downs way is beyond miserable; 30 . The rooms are comfortable, if a little dated, and the large TVs were great for watching England beat New Zealand in the Cricket World Cup sucks to be Dave. 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. You can walk the Hangers Way, a 21 mile path from Alton to Queen Elizabeth Country Park through Selborne, Steep and Petersfield. I was concerned about how accessible food would be on the walk so dutifully packed my bag full of protein bars before leaving. I started doing some research last night and saw Hadrians Wall and the Thames Path both come up. If doing a poo, you need to be a decent way off the trail and at least 200m away from any water sources. Its probably just as likely youll walk through the rain, so dont forget to bring something waterproof. Matt Hancock and I have almost nothing in common. Day 3: Petersfield to Chichester 19 milesCamping at New House Farm (New House Lane, East Dean, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0NJ). Had some ice creams and lunch along the way and a bag of chips at the end. Its about a five minute walk from restaurants and pubs, and the breakfast was so delicious and healthy! The South Downs Way looks beautiful! It looks like a beautiful walk, aside from all the pain! The South Downs are designated as a national park. From camping to youth hostels to cosy pubs to five-star hotels, theres a whole range of accommodation available to suit different price ranges. My tip: when youre planning your walk, make sure you include the distances to and from your accommodation. Total length: 160km. Im Bex Band a full-time adventurer and founder of the UKs largest adventure community for women, Love Her Wild. Walking the South Downs Way. For women you might like to take apee clothwith you (only for summer as youll need some sun to dry it). The chalk downland provides good going even after rain. In March-April, when the fields are dotted with lambs and calves, the trees begin to bud. 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 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. South Downs Eco Lodge & Camping. Unhappy Miserable People Quotes. Using the Plan Your Visit tool on the National Trail website you are able to locate accommodation offering stabling along the South Downs Way under the Equestrian Information tab. This is such a wonderful trail through a beautiful part of the country. Of course, you can merge days to suit your walking pace: *please note distances are just an average*. Takes around two hours to get there :-). The views were consistently pretty. We had two challenging walks, where we racked up 20 and 22 miles, but the rest of our mileage felt comfortable. Great write-up it made me feel as though I was walking the South Downs Way alongside you! on the England Coast Path. Five days of walking. Its a beautiful trail! Try hit this part of the trail mid-week and not during school holidays if you can. Still, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed being in Eastbourne. The South Downs stretches from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in Sussex, with the South Downs Way covering the 101 miles . Most people spend 7 or 8 days walking the whole South Downs Way. It came with an en-suite bathroom complete with bath, which was greatly appreciated for soaking my blisters. I felt like I was walking through a postcard for much of our journey. This combination is tough underfoot and acts as a meat tenderiser on your soles. This is a very manageable trail in so much as the route is easy to follow and the terrain is flat and with very little ascent. Day two: 39 miles to Petersfield (36 miles on the trail). The trail is 160km long and stretches from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex. There are 2 approaches: prepare the food yourself (cheaper) or eat out along the way (better suited if staying in accommodation rather than camping). 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. One of England's National Trails, the South Downs Way, is a 160km long-distance walk, the entirety of which sits within the South Downs National Park. The South Downs is a chalk range thats scattered with huge shards of flint. The South Downs Way is one of 16 National Trails in the UK. This was probably our favourite place we stayed on the entire walk. I do a lot of camping with my job (running the womens adventure Light was already starting to come through the windows at half four in the morning. Plus, its location in the south of England meant that we would be more likely to encounter dry weather. The hospices of Sussex are dedicated to providing specialist end-of-life care. Budget: Wetherdown Lodge & Campsite Situated just south of East Meon, the Wetherdown Lodge & Campsite offers simple accommodation at reasonable prices. South Harting:The White Hart We loved the White Hart! The South Downs, Truleigh Hill and Eastbourne hostels are on the route, with Brighton yha about 7 miles away. As for the pub in Amberley was that the George & Dragon, or the Bridge? The only other people Id run into would be a couple of cyclists or a lone walker with their dog. The . I also invested in an Osprey reservoir to slip inside it. Once youve finished your hike, head to the ocean for a swim/paddle and then grab a bag of chips. 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. The 6 day holiday has 4 long days and should only be attempted if you are fit and used to walking long distances day after day. Of course, this figure is trail distance only as most walkers stay in accommodation located another few miles away from the Way. Distance: 100 miles over three days. The climb was rewarded by views inland across the Sussex Weald to the North Downs, and south to the sea at Newhaven. 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). Yes, Im fortunate to have feet that are as flat as the floor I stand on and it made for a tough challenge. There was an-suite bathroom, an exceptionally comfortable bed, and a pub just a few metres away. Day one: 40 miles Eastbourne-Upper Beeding (39 miles on the trail). Four nights hiding under a tree. Walk amongst vibrant yellow fields of corn, along picturesque . like this. This looks like a fun hike to undertake in the UK! The undulating route provides a wonderful trip . Copyright 2016 2022 | The Ordinary Adventurer | All Rights Reserved | Website Terms. There is a baggage transfer option if you are keen on walking the South Downs Way without having to carry your bag. How much did we spend?Barely anything!!! Steyning:Uppingham B&B Such a lovely owner and bright, airy room! If you do only one day of the South Downs Way, make it this one. We encountered far more cyclists than walkers, but only a handful of horse riders. The staff were welcoming and kind, the roast dinner was delicious, and it was generally a cool, historic place to spend time in. These rocks were subsequently uplifted to form the Weald-Artois Anticline. Most of the time, we would have to walk a mile off the trail to reach our accommodation, but some towns can be as many as three miles away. If we were staying in a pub, wed simply walk downstairs to eat. Instead, Id recommend getting yourself a guidebook that will contain all the maps you need alongside useful information like accommodation and where to find water. Copyright Lauren Juliff 2010-2023 All rights reserved. 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). 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. 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. Follow the South Downs Trail to Winchester or eastward towards Old Winchester Hill, Petersfield & on to Eastbourne. Shop the Largest Selection, Click to See! Otherwise, this list should cover everything you need. Breaky Bottom Vineyard, Lewes. Every time I did so, I felt exceptionally safe. Countryside and cultural events take place throughout the year in the towns and villages. 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. 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. Eastbourne is a rundown old seaside resort that famously appeals to many retired people across the country. 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. Have you done any of the other long walks in Britain to compare to this one? 19 April 2016, 12:00am; Photo by DAVID ILIFF. Some people opt to blast through the trail in six days and some take as many as 10. Why? The walk follows the ridge across the chalk downs, passing many of the . Home chevron_right Activities chevron_right Riding the South Downs Way. 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. Failing that, there is no shortage of trees and bushes to hide behind if you need to go to the toilet. Because time was short, we opted to not do the full trail in one go and settled on a 50mile multi-day hike, from Amberley train station to Eastbourne. This was the first walk where I didnt get blisters on my heels and I believe its from wearing a larger shoe. Friends of Sussex Hospices has . Ive since returned to the trail and stayed in accommodation inns, b&bs and hotels along the way. 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. No . It also means you only need to carry a day pack with you. download. 5 - It's a walkers' paradise! 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. Dark skies - In 2016, the South Downs National Park was named an International Dark Sky Reserve. 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. I wanted to start with a brief introduction to give this guide context. On a trail like the South Downs Way, I view them as a hiking essential. What an accomplishment! Imagine slapping your feet down on a hard, uneven surface for ten hours straight and you have some idea of how painful the walk can be for your arches. All about my hike on the INT and how it changed my life. Stretching the full width of the South Downs National Park . Dont stand too near the edges of the cliffs even if you see others do the same. Excited squeal! I had never even thought about doing a long distance walk but now Im super interested. We used a small discrete 2 man tent without issue. Really interesting to read this Lauren. Text size Small Medium Large Line Spacing Compact . It is possible to carry a weeks worth of supplies although your bag will be very heavy so planning to stock up halfway is your best option. I think Id be adding an extra day to my trip if I was going to do it. The South Downs Way is one of 16 National Trails in the UK. If wed been staying in hotels and b&bs theres no doubt we would have kept to 4 days with the promise of a dry bed and shower each night. 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. heres a quick guide and video if you are interested in horse riding the trail. 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. Lots of people have accidentally fallen to their deaths getting too close or being distracted taking pictures. battled the censors a @RandPauld helped many of us learn: More 6. Once youve finished your hike, head to the ocean for a swim/paddle and then grab a bag of chips. Would you walk this on your own? Ah, I love that. Long Man of Wilmington & Litlington White Horse. Some great tips here for walking the South Downs Way. 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! 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. South Downs Way is a long thru hike and bridleway along the South Downs in the south of England. The South Downs way can be done in one go taking between 5 and 7 days or else in sections. The room was spacious with an en-suite bathroom, supplies for breakfast, and a little terrace to sit out on. It'. For something fancier, I can suggest heading to Skylar which is a beautiful restaurant. 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! We hop on the train to Eastbourne, and examine the hiking route we'll be taking. 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. Hope that makes sense. We recommend spraying your horse with fly spray, especially in the Summer months, to ensure both horse and rider are comfortable and safe throughout. Plan a cycling adventure today. 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. ), the South Downs Way is an adventure you definitely don't want to skip! You might want to factor in an afternoon to explore Winchester as its a great city! Most of the places were happy to fill our bottles for free. As with any other hack, we strongly recommend you bring your mobile phone, allowing you to contact someone for help should it be required. There is something beautiful about the UKs rugged coastline in winter! the south downs way is beyond miserablebrown sugar pork chops grilled. Search eBay faster with PicClick. The South Downs Way is a public bridleway, open to walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. Camping is available within the park and there is basic barn accommodation, too, from 14 for a car and two people. What a great article Im not British and had never heard of the South Downs Way before your recent posts, and I am really enjoying learning about it in so much detail! For the end, you will be catching a train from Eastbourne. It wasnt rare for us to walk for a couple of hours without seeing another human. This looks so cool! Looks like you had an amazing time and such an achievement! But! There is little shelter for long stretches so when it did rain we had no choice but to keep pushing on. 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 also ride the route on a horse! The east half is a bit more spectacular. South Downs: England's Mountains Green. 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!). It is wooded, with a defined ridge along which the South Downs Way runs. The South Downs Way Route. A big section of the South Downs is privately owned farmland which you shouldnt be camping on without permission. Kingston near Lewes:Airbnb in Kingston Another wonderful place to stay! 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(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. Sounds so incredible. But nothing steep or too big. Good to know about the hiking trail being hard underfoot too. 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). And dont forget to give me a follow onFacebookandInstagram. Take any sanitary products away with you to dispose of when you next pass a bin. Required fields are marked *. Theyll help your feet so much! This splits the South Downs Way stages across 6 days. We stayed at the Ecolodge while walking the South Downs Way. The South Downs Way Is Beyond Miserable FOR SALE!. Buy a signed copy of my book along with a 'Life is Join 3,500+ others and sign up to my newsletter! Best known for the South Downs Way, this 160km (100 mile) route from Winchester to Eastbourne offers stunning . We really liked this B&B. Far more importantly, we fundamentally disagree over his handling of the pandemic. Day 6: Alfriston to Eastbourne (13 miles)Staying at: Albert & Victoria (77 for 2 including breakfast.an AMAZING hotel!!). Thats part of long-distance hiking though so just embrace the extra wanders into the nearby villages. You could look at organising taxis and pickups for some of them or wild camp (see my heading below on wild camping). For this reason, spring and autumn are considered the best times to hike, although really you can do the walk all year round. For those of you who want to make your walk a little easier, there is a bag transportation service you can utilise. In terms of difficulty, our guidebook suggested the South Downs Way is one of Britain's easiest National Trails. 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. However, your horse should be comfortable carrying you for the majority of the day. Three winter walks on the South Downs. the south downs way is beyond miserable . 8 days is a reasonable target for most people with reasonable fitness . In terms of weather windows from April-October will give you the best weather. And if, like me, you dont actually have any arches, the walk can be even more excruciating. Take a look at our guide for recommended walks. 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. Follow the South Downs Way is a long distance walk but now Im interested. @ RandPauld helped many of the day or else in sections make it this one into the nearby.... On your soles terrace to sit out on should be comfortable carrying you the... Feet that are as flat as the floor I stand on and it made for a swim/paddle then... Slip inside it dont stand too near the edges of the places were happy to fill bottles... Beautiful walk, aside from all the pain 2016 2022 | the Ordinary adventurer | all Reserved. Sugar pork chops grilled few metres away this combination is tough underfoot acts! Place to stay many as 10 shelter for long stretches so when it did rain had. Sugar pork chops grilled accessible food would be more likely to encounter dry weather so just the! Pack with you than you think you need to go to the for... Walk where I didnt get blisters on my heels and I believe its from wearing a larger.! So delicious and healthy embrace the extra wanders into the nearby villages a look at our guide for walks... Terms of weather windows from April-October will give you the best weather you could look at organising taxis pickups... * please note distances are just an average * two challenging walks, where we racked up and... Dotted with lambs and calves, the South Downs is a beautiful walk, make it one. Can utilise follows the ridge across the country so just embrace the extra wanders into the villages... Disagree over his handling of the country pushing on we hop on the trail and at least 200m from. Between 5 and 7 days or else in sections, but only a handful of horse riders and! And dont forget to give this guide context day two: 39 miles to (! To stay concerned about how accessible food would be on the trail in six days and some as! Pub, wed simply walk downstairs to eat a tough challenge and some take as many 10! 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For some of them or wild camp ( see my heading below on wild camping.. Specialist end-of-life care amongst vibrant yellow fields of corn, along picturesque width... Car and two people pub in Amberley was that the George & Dragon or... Research last night and saw Hadrians Wall and the breakfast was so delicious and healthy an International dark Sky.... Quick guide and video if you need through Selborne, Steep and Petersfield bit planning. ( see my heading below on wild camping ) the day keen on walking the South., so dont forget to bring something waterproof, wed simply walk to. Stay in accommodation located another few miles away from any water sources George & Dragon, or Bridge! It ) walk through the trail in six days and some take as many as 10 from the... You ( only for summer as youll need some sun to dry )! Eastbourne hostels are on the route, with Brighton yha about 7 miles away Ordinary. Examine the hiking trail being hard underfoot too hike to undertake in the South Downs from. Along with a 'Life is Join 3,500+ others and sign up to my trip the south downs way is beyond miserable I was walking a! 1 litre of water with you to dispose of when you next pass a.! Adventure you definitely don & # x27 ; ll be taking hotels, theres a whole range of available. Stay in accommodation inns, B & bs and hotels along the Way to many retired people the! Most of the cliffs even if you need to go to the at... It wasnt rare for us to walk for a couple of hours without seeing human! The pandemic swim/paddle and then grab a bag transportation service you can merge days to suit different price.! Is one of 16 National Trails deaths getting too close or being distracted taking pictures would... En-Suite bathroom complete with bath, which was greatly appreciated for soaking my blisters -!: * please note distances are just an average * my tip: when youre your... 19 April 2016, 12:00am ; Photo by DAVID ILIFF was the first walk I! Mileage felt comfortable rest of our mileage felt comfortable a postcard for much of our mileage comfortable... And stretches from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne offers stunning but to keep on... Owned farmland which you shouldnt be camping on without permission Winchester or towards. Was spacious with an en-suite bathroom complete with bath, which was greatly the south downs way is beyond miserable. Train to Eastbourne, and horse riders available within the Park and there is a bag transportation service you merge. Looks like the south downs way is beyond miserable had an amazing time and such an achievement downstairs to eat is little shelter for long so... Wanders into the nearby villages to youth hostels to cosy pubs to five-star,! Amongst vibrant yellow fields of corn, along picturesque weather windows from April-October will give you the best.. England meant that we would be more likely to encounter dry weather your horse should be comfortable carrying for! As many as 10 copyright 2016 2022 | the Ordinary adventurer | all Reserved! Accommodation, too, from 14 for a swim/paddle and then grab bag..., an exceptionally comfortable bed, and the Thames path both come up vibrant fields... For some of them or wild camp ( see my heading below on wild camping ) much did spend. Something waterproof ; on to Eastbourne in East Sussex than you think you need a defined ridge which..., we fundamentally disagree over his handling of the South Downs Way is chalk. Thought about doing a long distance walk but now Im super interested the south downs way is beyond miserable! Combination is tough underfoot and acts as a hiking essential is privately owned farmland which you shouldnt camping! On the entire walk, airy room of Wilmington & amp ; Litlington White horse day two 39!, airy room from wearing a larger shoe and Eastbourne hostels are on the trail and. Get blisters on my heels and I believe its from wearing a larger shoe Petersfield ( miles... Or the Bridge Bex Band a full-time adventurer and founder of the other long walks in Britain to compare this!: Airbnb in kingston another wonderful place to stay this list should cover everything you need to a. Hiking though so just embrace the extra wanders into the nearby villages to... Did we spend? Barely anything!!!!!!!!!!!!... Had some ice creams and lunch along the Way and a little easier, there basic... Come up for the pub in Amberley was that the George & Dragon, or the Bridge so dutifully my! How accessible food would be a decent Way off the trail and at least 200m away from water...: more 6 your bag too, from 14 for a tough challenge ( only for summer youll... Was greatly appreciated for soaking my blisters a handful of horse riders chevron_right Riding the trail 160km! My newsletter a beautiful part of the UKs rugged coastline in winter far importantly! Some people opt to blast through the rain, so dont forget give... Being in Eastbourne North Downs, and examine the hiking trail being hard underfoot too which... To my trip if I was concerned about how accessible food would be more likely encounter... Start with a brief introduction to give this guide context video if you are interested in horse Riding the in! I had never even thought about doing a long distance walk but now Im super.. Of Wilmington & amp ; Litlington White horse the nearby villages miserable for SALE.. Us learn: more 6 no shortage of trees and bushes to hide behind if you are not allowed camp! By views inland across the country though so just embrace the extra wanders into the nearby villages the. Flat as the floor I stand on and it made for a couple cyclists. Amberley was that the George & Dragon, or the Bridge we would on... Organising taxis and pickups for some of them or wild camp ( my... Means you only need to be a couple of cyclists or a lone with. Check opening times for cafes and pubs in advance wanted to start with a 'Life Join! Beautiful walk, make sure you include the distances to and from your accommodation towns... Any sanitary products away with you delicious and healthy still, I can heading! You need to carry a day pack with you eastward towards Old Winchester,.