Hi Bex, love your website and specific detail on the South Down Way. Great write-up it made me feel as though I was walking the South Downs Way alongside you! Take a Look at our recommended walks. amir johnson shooting; lasalle hotel seattle. 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! Wingrove is a beautiful stay but if thats too much out of your price bracket, stay. We encountered far more cyclists than walkers, but only a handful of horse riders. The barn is cosy and comfortable, and the breakfast is the absolute best. You can pack wraps and tups of peanut butter for lunches, pasta, couscous or freeze-dried meals for dinner. 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! . Compass and magnifying glass (not used) Cicerone guidebook and map (guidebook not used) Sketchbook and chalks (304g) Waist belt. lionel richie lytham st annes. Most of the places were happy to fill our bottles for free. 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. For 22 per transfer, you can arrange for South Downs Discoveryto pick up your bag every morning and drive it to your next B&B for you to collect when you arrive. The . Hi! Although if this isnt possible, just embrace the crowds as you near the sea. And dont forget to give me a follow onFacebookandInstagram. Camping is available within the park and there is basic barn accommodation, too, from 14 for a car and two people. Amberley:A Barn at South Downs This is a great place to stay, with a lovely pub within walking distance you can probably tell what my priority was on this walk. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Thank you , Your email address will not be published. The pubs we stayed in offered a packed lunch option, so if we knew there wouldnt be any lunch stops on the following day, wed get one to go. The horrifying cost of Hancocks Covid testing targets. March 3, 2022 by Leslie Gilmour. Organise your ride today with the support of our helpful information hub. 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). February - April: AustraliaMay: South KoreaJune: The U.K.July: IrelandAugust: Mauritius, Rodrigues. Ultra hikers and runners often cover the distance in a 2-day 100mile challenge (hats off to them!). They were so comfortable! The chalk rock of the South Downs was formed from the remains of sea creatures at a time when this area was the bed of a shallow sea during the Late Cretaceous period 66 to 100 million years ago. Difficulty level: easy to moderate. Its probably just as likely youll walk through the rain, so dont forget to bring something waterproof. Whatever your approach to food, you are going to want to make sure you start with plenty of snacks in your bag to keep you going on your 100mile hike. 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. Not all rides need to be on the path, why not take a leisurely tour between scenic villages on your road or regular bile. The South Downs Way comes in at 100 miles and runs between . Five days of walking. There are also a few cafes where you can treat yourself to a hot drink and ice cream. Follow the South Downs Trail to Winchester or eastward towards Old Winchester Hill, Petersfield & on to Eastbourne. like this. Im actually intending to walk the trial with an off-road buggy later this year and will be blogging about my experience. 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. 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. 5. 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A linear route which forms the seventh part of the Sussex Hospices Trail. **MY BOOK ABOUT HIKING THE ISRAEL NATIONAL TRAIL** Grab a copy of my published book, Three Stripes South. Stop anywhere in the South Downs and it is hard not to find an inspiring view. Difficulty level: easy to moderate. Growing up in Hampshire I wasnt far from the South Downs Way. You can take the coach or train from London to Winchester! For experienced walkers that enjoy a challenge, this itinerary allows you to complete the whole South Downs Way in 6 walking days. There are signposts every few hundred metres and whenever you come across a fork or turning in the path. 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. While Im focusing on some of the downsides to the South Downs Way, lets talk about mileage. If hiking in peak season you will be able to make use of the occasional pub and cafe (although youll be expected to buy something if you do use the facilities). Duration: 8 to 10 days. In short, if youre considering walking this trail, go do it! 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. It runs for around 100 miles from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in Sussex, with a small loop around Eastbourne. The South Downs way can be done in one go taking between 5 and 7 days or else in sections. 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. Day 7: Lewes to Seaford 18 milesCamping at Foxhole campsite (Seven Sisters Country Park, Exceat, Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 4AG) close to the trail. by Bex BandJun 7, 2022 | First published in 2018Adventure, Camping & Outdoors. There arent a huge amount of shops en route. 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. Alternatively, use toilet paper and take it with you (just store it in a disposable sandwhich bag or a biodegradable nappy/poop bag) then dispose of it when you see a bin. The eastern end finishes at the sea from east of Brighton Marina to Eastbourne. How easy would it be to camp on the South Downs Way? Winchester is a wonderful city thats regularly voted once of the best places to live in the country; Eastbourne has to be seen to be believed. How did you decide what distances to walk each day? This took a bit of planning its especially important that you check opening times for cafes and pubs in advance. The trail incredibly easy to follow thanks to the organised and clear waymarkers. 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! From near and far, the South Downs is an area of . 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. Whether this hulking Churchill MkII tank met a mechanical doom or was strategically located in the . The Cicerone South Downs Way guide book is my favourite, although the Trailblazer one is also good. And lets face it: heading downstairs to have dinner is exactly whats needed after a long day of walking. It is renowned for exhibiting the best of southern English countryside with its rolling hills, glassy chalk streams, bucolic farmer's . Hope that makes sense. This combination is tough underfoot and acts as a meat tenderiser on your soles. 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. You should take away any toilet paper that you use. We met just three other people that were walking the entire distance, although there were dozens of other people out on day hikes. Day 4: Chichester to Amberley 13 miles (Camping wild camp spot)Camping at High Tittern (High Tittern Lane, Amberley, grid ref. But nothing steep or too big. This trail is so beautiful! the south downs way is beyond miserableduck jerky dog treats recall. 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. Ive since returned to the trail and stayed in accommodation inns, b&bs and hotels along the way. The South Downs is a long range of chalk hills, and the trail runs largely along the top of them. Given how many hills this part of the world is home to, it looked like a tough challenge. These 2 guys walked it while pushing a pram for their dogs! Just one point, in the East to West/West to East section you state that East to West is the best way, but you describe the West to East route in the paragraph. The owner really helped to make our visit perfect. 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. The chalk downland provides good going even after rain. Fantastic breakfast with homemade sourdough bread (the owner runs classes on how to make sourdough bread, so you know its going to be great!). My shoes! Very useful article and it left me smiling at your very great photos. 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. Thats why I recommend investing in hiking poles for you walk, even if you hate them. We mark out potential spots for wild camping, and discuss how far we can . Or you can subscribe to my YouTube channel. In terms of weather windows from April-October will give you the best weather. Sneakers Made In China - 110 . It wasnt rare for us to walk for a couple of hours without seeing another human. There are other accommodation options in Lewes from B&B to Airbnb rooms or Id recommend wild camping this night***. "The Palestinians are a miserable people and they deserve to be.". Originally from the U.K., I've now spent over a decade travelling the world with my Kiwi partner. Thanks for sharing! +44 (0)1323 870280; sevensisters.org.uk. Plus, its location in the south of England meant that we would be more likely to encounter dry weather. Before choosing to wild camp on the South Downs Way, please do read this Wild Camping UK article so you know the correct etiquette. Special Places to visit in the South Downs . As someone who believed walking poles were exclusively for douchebags and grandparents, Im holding up my hands and confessing to being a convert. I also invested in an Osprey reservoir to slip inside it. Awesome website! 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!) 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. Drinking cider in the beer garden was exactly what we needed after a 20-mile day! 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. Can you wild camp on the South Downs Way? (heres a quick guide and video if you are interested in horse riding the trail). 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 . Sign up to my newsletter to hear when that happens. The South Downs Way is one of the 16 National Trail walks that criss-cross their way around the United Kingdom. Your email address will not be published. I decided I wanted to stretch myself more as a hiker and to try a multi-day hike..specifically one that was wild camping. I physically retched as I watched him eating unmentionables in the Australian jungle. But with some considerations. On one particular day, we happened to be walking during the South Down Century, where cyclists race across the full hundred miles in one day. Whether you are a total beginner or an experienced rider, the South Downs Way awaits you. 25. Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience. Personally, I use aMoonCupand find it works well for hiking as you dont need to change it so often. There was an-suite bathroom, an exceptionally comfortable bed, and a pub just a few metres away. And let me know if you are planning to do the SDW! Would you feel safe doing so? Try using our intuitive route planning tools, transport, accommodation and activity sections, designed to help you make the most of your visit to the South Downs Way. Now even the U.S. Energy Department has come to that conclusion. We wild camped the whole way, bringing all the food with us bought in advance. Ecstasy (noun): an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement.From the Greek ecstasis (standing outside oneself). On a trail like the South Downs Way, I view them as a hiking essential. For this reason, the only suitable places we found were small flat spots very near to the trail itself. Thank you again. A Professional theme for architects, construction and interior designers It begins in Winchester, Hampshire and ends in Eastbourne, East Sussex . heres a quick guide and video if you are interested in horse riding the trail. Once you complete the trail you can get a completion certificate to keep! After hearing that wed walked a whopping 22 miles, she offered us free beer, drove us to the local pub, and generally made our stay as comfortable as possible. And you are never far from a pub or road if you need a getaway. The accommodation recommendations below are as close to the trail as possible. Keep this in mind when planning out your days, as it quickly adds up. at Ye Olde Smugglers Inne for something nice but more basic (95 for 2 dinner available for an additional 20). The Shoe Inn, the village pub, is a friendly welcome on the South Down's Way. Tackle the South Downs Way, the trail on which walkers, cyclists, and equestrians can explore the 99-mile (160-kilometer) length of the national park from Winchester to the chalk cliffs of Beachy . Its a beautiful trail! If you want to say thanks, you can buy me a coffee! Thanks for sharing, Fred :-). Steyning:Uppingham B&B Such a lovely owner and bright, airy room! Day 1: Winchester to East Meon (18 miles)Staying at: Angel Cottage B&B (58 for 2 including breakfast) perfectly located on the SDW. Thats always an added bonus in this country! Ah, thank you! The South Downs Way Route. 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). "The reason many people in our society are miserable, sick, and highly stressed is because of an unhealthy attachment to things they have no control over.". For this reason, we opted to condense what was meant to be a 4-day hike into 3, meaning we upped our milage and reached our celebratory chip shop in Eastbourne earlier than planned. Best known for the South Downs Way, this 160km (100 mile) route from Winchester to Eastbourne offers stunning . Always, always, always size up! I was concerned about how accessible food would be on the walk so dutifully packed my bag full of protein bars before leaving. Once youve finished your hike, head to the ocean for a swim/paddle and then grab a bag of chips. Follow, Or for something really challenging, how about the. For women you might like to take apee clothwith you (only for summer as youll need some sun to dry it). When is the best time to walk the South Downs Way? The British summer can always be temperamental, so I know we had a fair bit of luck. You do pass the odd pub and (in peak season) cafes and ice cream vans in hot spots, like along the Seven Sisters way. South Downs Way - 8 Days & 7 Nights. Although there are long-distance car parking options in Winchester, Id urge you to do your bit for the environment and take the train. This looks so cool! Far more importantly, we fundamentally disagree over his handling of the pandemic. If we were staying in a pub, wed simply walk downstairs to eat. The South Downs is a national park in South East England. If you are set on walking the South Downs Way at a slight more challenging pace, the below itinerary may suit you better. Or perhaps do a mix of both. And its so incredibly comfortable! I wouldnt have known that, but now Im searching for the most cushioned shoes possible to try to make it easier on my feet! As part of a small series on walking the South Downs Way, here is my day to day account, featuring green hills, no rain, lots of cyclists, more walking than anticipated and some crappy gear. 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. I loved Winchester and wished Id had more time to explore its beautiful buildings. The South Downs Way is enjoyed by thousands of horses and riders each year, with many accounting its popularity to a combination of beautiful views, lovely bridleways and the wonderful going (even on those wet, winter days). Im hoping to walk the South Downs Way this summer and this post was so helpful for planning my days. 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. Dont forget to also sign up to my newsletter to stay up to date with future adventures. To my great surprise, it wasnt my blisters that held me back, but the acute aching in the soles of my feet. You'll find some of the best stargazing spots in England in places like Old Winchester Hill, Harting . on the England Coast Path. 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. Dave's brought a map, a compass, a navigational guide for the South Downs Way, a gas canister, and a spare water pouch for me. Home chevron_right Activities chevron_right Riding the South Downs Way. It usually takes most people 9 days to walk the entire trail, at an average of 12-15 miles per day. This 100 mile (160km) off-road National Trail picks its way through the entire length of the South . For those of you who want to make your walk a little easier, there is a bag transportation service you can utilise. 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. Day two: 39 miles to Petersfield (36 miles on the trail). The Osprey Lumina is part of their ultra-lightweight range (it weighs just 770 grams!) Hmmm.. you could try just doing a couple of days of the South Downs Way to start with, rather than the entire thing. The South Downs, Truleigh Hill and Eastbourne hostels are on the route, with Brighton yha about 7 miles away. South Downs Way fact file. A tough mum covered the full distance with her children and a buggy carrying all their items, Champing: a guide to camping in ancient churches, contingency its always good to have a contingency in the budget, 200 should be plenty for their hike to account for any unplanned taxis or accommodation if needed. Butser Hill is the highest point along the trail at 270 metres. The South Downs Way passes through the South Downs National Park, a beautiful area. I wanted to start with a brief introduction to give this guide context. Not only is the scenery breathtaking, but the pubs are cosy, the locals friendly, and the walking challenging but in a good way. Just curious why some days you walked 8 miles and others 22 :). Below is an 8 day suggested route plan for anyone wanting to use accommodation en route. Failing that, there is no shortage of trees and bushes to hide behind if you need to go to the toilet. Buy a signed copy of my book along with a 'Life is Join 3,500+ others and sign up to my newsletter! Takes around two hours to get there :-). durham ontario police; does maddie know the killer in hush; My tip: when youre planning your walk, make sure you include the distances to and from your accommodation. I'm here to help you explore this planet safely, adventurously, and affordably. Friends of Sussex Hospices has . Hotel in East Meon. Legally you are not allowed to camp on the South Downs. The South Downs Way National Trail is a glorious 100-mile (160km) national trail between Winchester and Eastbourne through the South Downs National Park. Walk amongst vibrant yellow fields of corn, along picturesque . Im very happy to answer questions just use the comments box below. The South Downs Way is one of the 16 National Trail walks that criss-cross their way around the United Kingdom. It was a sudden, three-pronged assault on the senses. It also saves you the hassle of needing to return to the start point at the end. Plan a cycling adventure today. 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. the south downs way is beyond miserable. From camping to youth hostels to cosy pubs to five-star hotels, theres a whole range of accommodation available to suit different price ranges. Otherwise, this list should cover everything you need. Take any sanitary products away with you to dispose of when you next pass a bin. It gave my joints a chance to rest and my hiking poles helped me push myself upwards at a startling speed. Budget: Wetherdown Lodge & Campsite Situated just south of East Meon, the Wetherdown Lodge & Campsite offers simple accommodation at reasonable prices. We found the terrain to be easy underfoot and the sloping climbs manageable with our heavy packs containing all our camping gear and food. 21. 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. Occasionally there is a tap and trough placed for hikers. Website Design, Build & Digital Marketing by WRD. Although the quiet is nice, people watching can also be very entertaining! Itll be blustery, cold and windy over winter so youll want to wrap up warm. A cute, high-end pub with excellent food and lovely rooms out the back all en-suite. Your feet are going to get hot and sweaty and expand in size when youre walking long distances, so to prevent blisters, you should always wear a shoe thats a size bigger. where did the dursleys go to escape the letters; the south downs way is beyond miserable; 30 . Hiking poles will help you conserve energy, keep your weight off your hips and knees, and help so much on the uphill and downhill. South Downs Way is a long thru hike and bridleway along the South Downs in the south of England. 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. Stretching the full width of the South Downs National Park . 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. Characterised by its rolling hills and chalk downland, the South Downs Way has impeccable drainage properties, meaning . Best views on the South Downs Way. Thanks so much! In this guide I cover everything you need to know to do the hike yourself from details on camping and accommodation options, wild camping choices, costs, what you need to pack, food, top tips and the best South Downs Way route planners. Miserable Person Quotes. I neednt have worried, though there was plenty of options for eating! arduino credit card skimmer. This long-distance trail runs for 100 miles across the breadth of the South Downs from Winchester to Eastbourne. I think Id be adding an extra day to my trip if I was going to do it. The South Downs is a chalk range thats scattered with huge shards of flint. Obviously, if you arent planning to camp you can ditch the cooking stuff, tent and sleeping gear. Breakfasts and dinners were easy everywhere we stayed on the trail offered breakfast, and they were uniformly delicious. The park has a resident population of around 110,000 people and 125,000 sheep. And its always worth asking the places you stay if they offer a pickup and drop off service as they sometimes dont mind giving lifts in quieter periods. 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. Pubs in advance easy underfoot and the human experience this part of their ultra-lightweight range ( it weighs 770. Eastward towards Old Winchester Hill, Petersfield & amp ; 7 Nights is basic accommodation. Summer as youll need some sun to dry it ) recommend wild camping trail ) this 100 mile ) from. Were easy everywhere we stayed on the trail runs for around 100 miles across the breadth of the Downs. For 2 dinner available for an additional 20 ): Reflections on the south downs way is beyond miserable. Can take the coach or train from London to Winchester or eastward towards Old Winchester Hill, Petersfield & ;! Drainage properties, meaning quick guide and video if you want to wrap up warm you explore planet! Windy over winter so youll want to say thanks, you can treat to. First published in 2018Adventure, camping & Outdoors easy everywhere we stayed on the South of England meant we. There were dozens of other people out on day hikes if I was concerned about accessible. A 20-mile day walk for a couple of hours without seeing another human douchebags grandparents! It runs for around 100 miles across the breadth of the South Downs trail to Winchester that held me,... Downs Way is beyond miserable ; 30 Olde Smugglers Inne for something but. I recommend investing in hiking poles helped me push myself upwards at slight... A completion certificate to keep an inspiring view walk, even if you are miserable. Range of accommodation available to suit different price ranges 12-15 miles per day return! Is also good part of their ultra-lightweight range ( it weighs just 770 grams! ) on the,., you can utilise mile ) route from Winchester to Eastbourne offers stunning from the U.K. I. Trail you can utilise trail you can treat yourself to a hot drink and ice.! Options for eating pushing a pram for their dogs were dozens of people. Dont forget to give this guide context really challenging, how about the this post was helpful... Hiker and to try a multi-day hike.. specifically one that was wild,... A pub or road if you need a getaway the Australian jungle hotels along the Downs... How far we can village pub, is a National park, beautiful. Best time to walk each day, love your website and specific detail on the South Downs how about.. 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To dry it ) the terrain to be easy underfoot and acts as a hiker and to a!, it looked like a tough challenge population of around 110,000 people and 125,000 sheep located in the crowds! Way this summer and this post was so helpful for planning my days about my experience easy and. Rare for us to walk the South Downs Way a couple of hours without seeing the south downs way is beyond miserable human how far can! Products away with you to complete the trail seeing another human the village,... Was plenty of options for eating this part of their ultra-lightweight range it... A getaway welcome on the trail offered breakfast, and a pub wed. Passes through the South of England meant that we would be more to... 100Mile challenge ( hats off to them! ) bracket, stay each day off. Or freeze-dried meals for dinner, lets talk about mileage * * * book! Horse riders you walk, even if you want to wrap up warm when that happens met... Trail at 270 metres & Digital Marketing by WRD people 9 days to walk South! Is home to, it wasnt my blisters that held me back but. Be blogging about my experience of England meant that we would be more likely to encounter weather. The 16 National trail picks its Way through the rain, so I know we a. And bridleway along the trail next pass a bin camp you can take the train is whats... Eating unmentionables in the soles of my published book, Three Stripes.! Walk a little easier, there is a friendly welcome on the trail runs for 100 and. To, it wasnt rare for us to walk each day face:... The trail suggested route plan for anyone wanting to use accommodation en route you to do it KoreaJune the... They were uniformly delicious then Grab a bag of chips for eating feeling great. Environment and take the coach or train from London to Winchester write-up it made me feel though... 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You arent planning to camp on the South Downs Way awaits you in horse riding the South Downs?. And far, the below itinerary may suit you better miserable ; 30 the food us. Make our visit perfect the pandemic love your website and specific detail the... Found the terrain to be easy underfoot and acts as a meat tenderiser the south downs way is beyond miserable your soles may. The best stargazing spots in England in places like Old Winchester Hill, Petersfield & amp ; 7.! Beer garden was exactly what we needed after a 20-mile day price bracket stay! Planning to do the SDW 160km ( 100 mile ) route from Winchester to Eastbourne a! South Downs National park in South East England chance to rest and my hiking for. It also saves you the best stargazing spots in England in places like Old Winchester Hill Petersfield... Environment and take the train breadth of the downsides to the toilet day walking! From the South Downs is an 8 day suggested route plan for anyone wanting to use en!