Having completed the coast to coast walk last year and battering my feet over almost 200 miles. I was left thinking.. “well, that’s over- what now”?
And whilst my feet were in recovery I thought about the next extended walk. Having researched YouTube I decided on this. Walking The South Downs way.
100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne . You can complete this walk in 3 days if you are that way inclined or you can be sensible and opt for a more leisurely 7+. I completed my walk in 5.5 days. 5 if you round the time down as I didn’t start the walk till just before midday on the first day.and finished just before midday on day 6.
This is shorter in distance from the C2C by 98 miles but seemed to have a little bit of everything. I was keen to see the downs in their glory and experience walking along one of the coastal paths of England. And I wasn’t disappointed! The seven sisters, birling gap, beachy head and beachy head lighthouse were magnificent on the morning I met them. Which was just as well ; as the weather for the trip was atrocious at times. I had my fair share of rain for the entire trip. Which was a stark contrast to last year at this time where I had 14 days of glorious sunshine.
This is not so much a how to walk the South Downs way national trail video. More a glimpse of my experience as well as providing some helpful tips as this walk is well signposted. To the point where you really don’t need a map at all. There are plenty of water stops along the route. And the villages are within a mile or two of the route should you wish to have a substantial meal. Other YouTube videos have come across taps that haven’t been working so to help out I have listed the working taps and stops I found in the video using what 3 words which tell you exactly where they are.
On day 1 the walk took me through chilcomb, cheesefoot head, exton, and my first view of some tumuli which are Bronze Age burial mounds. The walk is littered with them if you are into historical knowledge. All the way to my first camp at the sustainability centre.
From there I walked to Cocking and my second camp at Manor farm. My third day walking through Amberley to Washington and the Washington farm campsite. Day 4 a walk through to Pycombe and out the other side eventually taking a right down to Kingston near Lewis and my camp for the night at Housedean farm campsite. Where I treated myself to a camping pod to get out of the 4 days of rain. Day 5 was a jaunt over to Alfriston. Now it should be noted that if you are a distance person you could complete the walk. As there is only 25 miles left at this point. However I broke it up. So that by the time ( on day 6) I had left Alfriston camp site. I only had 11 miles to do. And that was the best decision as the sun was out for my walk along the chalk cliffs of the seven sisters country park. Eventually reaching my destination in Eastbourne.
This route is a pleasant one. When the weather is glorious it is beautiful. I had tiny glimpses of that between the gaps in the rain. When it does rain…. It rains! So be prepared. Also the ground is some of the most unforgiving on the feet I’ve ever encountered. Whilst mainly flat ; due to the chalk and cobbles etc the ground is very very hard. My ankles do not like me at all. So again be warned! Also that chalk when wet becomes very very slippery. And last but not least. Whilst you are not gaining heights to the extent of kidsty pike for instance in Lake District. In order to get to the top of some of the climbs the gradient goes on and on and on for ages.
Wild camping is an option btw. But I chose not to as the camp sites along the route are very reasonably priced.
I had a blast on this walk. And I urge you to have a go. If you are new to long distance walking then the South Downs is a good enough place to start. And for those more experienced. Whilst a shorter distance; is still challenging enough. The views alone are worth the foot ache!
Filmed on: DJI Osmo pocket, DJI action 2, Gopro hero 8
Music
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1- Jakarta - Bonsaye
2- Mumbai- Ooyy
3- Like Mermaids- Roof,Milva
4- Melancholy - Ooyy
5- Into the Blue-Luwaks
6- Wansui- Oliver Michael
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