South Downs Way

foxy mars · #1 (**permalink**) 19-09-2009, 03:15 PM

Now that my hols have been used up for this year, I'm now in the process of planning for next year. I have a few ideas in mind ie West Highland Way, Pennine Way, Southern Upland Way or maybe back-packing in the Lakes, who knows.

However, whilst looking through my past walks log over the last 20 years, that one walk sprung to mind and that was the South Downs Way and one I did in August 1984, quite a while ago. I would'nt mind having another go and the last time, I did it was using bed and breakfast and youth hostels. But I would like to back-pack it with tent this time, it seems that it is a bit sparse for camping. But I could do a web search for these sites, maybe use some hostels.

I know the South Downs Way is a beautiful walk and I can say I really enjoyed it back in 1984, then the walk terminated at Buriton, near Petersfield. However I'm aware that it does carry on to Winchester, making it a 100 miles.

Anyway, plenty of time to do some research and maybe someone on here, may of done the walk. Any advice would be welcome ie water taps, camp sites, etc.

Foxy

eeyore · #2 (**permalink**) 19-09-2009, 05:30 PM

Hi Foxy - you'll recall from previous threads that i'm the national trails manager for the ridgeway and thames path.

South Downs way is also a National trail and therefore has a National trails team looking after it - their website is here Home - South Downs Way - National Trails

and my colleague National Trails Manager Andy Gattiker and his team can be contacted on the following:

Post : Victorian Barn, Victorian Business Centre, Ford Road, Ford, West Sussex BN18 0EF

Phone:01243 558716

email: sdw@southdowns-aonb.gov.uk

foxy mars · #3 (**permalink**) 20-09-2009, 09:09 AM

For some known reason and I can guess why, that there seemed to be a dearth of camp-sites along the trail of the South Downs Way, esq in the Hampshire Area. So, I've decided to quit the idea of doing this trail and probably will focus on maybe doing the Pennine Way in 2 parts, for this upland trail will give me a much wider scope for wild-camping.

eeyore · #4 (**permalink**) 20-09-2009, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxy mars

For some known reason and I can guess why, that there seemed to be a dearth of camp-sites along the trail of the South Downs Way, esq in the Hampshire Area. So, I've decided to quit the idea of doing this trail and probably will focus on maybe doing the Pennine Way in 2 parts, for this upland trail will give me a much wider scope for wild-camping.

i wouldnt have said a dearth - check the interactive map here Accommodation on the trail - South Downs Way - National Trails there may not be tones but there are certainly enough.

foxy mars · #5 (**permalink**) 22-09-2009, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eeyore

i wouldnt have said a dearth - check the interactive map here Accommodation on the trail - South Downs Way - National Trails there may not be tones but there are certainly enough.

Thanks for the link, I may re-consider the South Downs Way. but doing it hostelling and b&b, this seemed to be a better option.

ChrisJB · #6 (**permalink**) 27-09-2009, 08:45 PM

I vote you do the Southern Upland Way. Having done the PW and C to C, this one always intrigued me. It's long, goes through quiet, little frequented places and I'd like to hear what someone made of it.
An off putting thing though is that large sections of it go through plantations. That would drive me doolally after a while I fear.

Regards, Chris

eeyore · #7 (**permalink**) 27-09-2009, 09:36 PM

just do the ridgeway or thames path - you've tried the rest , now try the best

foxy mars · #8 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

I vote you do the Southern Upland Way. Having done the PW and C to C, this one always intrigued me. It's long, goes through quiet, little frequented places and I'd like to hear what someone made of it.
An off putting thing though is that large sections of it go through plantations. That would drive me doolally after a while I fear.

Regards, Chris

I did think of the Southern Upland Way and it is one one I would love to do, as a Coast to Coast Walk. I did have the guide book and map a few years ago, but alas I gave it to a charity shop. However I may buy another copy which will be up to date, as for plantations, I'm not too sure about going doolally.

ChrisJB · #9 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxy mars

I did think of the Southern Upland Way and it is one one I would love to do, as a Coast to Coast Walk. I did have the guide book and map a few years ago, but alas I gave it to a charity shop. However I may buy another copy which will be up to date, as for plantations, I'm not too sure about going doolally.

I like the sound of this one because not many seem to do it. And having visited the area a little, it struck me as wild country, a bit Pennine or even Howgillian, the sort of terrain I really like. I've always fancied doing Merrick too (the highest hill in the range), though am not sure the S.U.W visits it. I'm not a big fan of downland, it's a bit tame, despite the attraction of good butterflies and nice orchids to ooh and aah over.

Regards, Chris

foxy mars · #10 (**permalink**) 29-09-2009, 02:15 AM

Yes, the South Downs is a bit tame to say the least. But I recall it is really beautiful countryside, I must admit the southerners do have some fine walks down in Sussex.

On the subject of Southern Upland Way, I was looking through a SUW guide book tonight in a well known outdoor chain. I was very tempted to buy it, probably get it tonight and put it down as a xmas present from my Sister.

Well, if I've done the English Coast to Coast, then why not do the Scottish version.