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Regions - Trip reports, destination advice, recommended routes, etc. => South West England => Topic started by: Estevens90 on 08:49:57, 08/09/19

Title: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: Estevens90 on 08:49:57, 08/09/19
Morning All!


I've decided to complete the South Down Way trail to celebrate my 30th birthday in May 2019.


I'm a seasoned camper and casual stroller. Which means I usually camp with a blow up bed and a full kitchen set up and I enjoy a walk in the country, but I wouldn't consider myself to be a hiker. Therefore, I've decided to complete my hike over 4 or 5 trips, over the course of three months. Potentially finishing the final loop around Eastbourne on my actual birthday at the very end of May. I've chose SDW, as it's easily accessible from London along most of the route.


I plan on starting in February or March, getting a train from London to Winchester, walking to East Meon and camping overnight. The next day I plan to walk on to Petersfield and get the train back to London. This is how I plan on completing the trail, returning back to the station I left from and picking up from where I left the trail. If I follow my plan, I can complete it in 4 trips.


My concern is that the estimated walking time between winchester and East Meon is approx 5/6 hours. I'm concerned this distance is over ambitious for my first leg. I do plan on stopping for lunch and taking my time- I guess my question is, is 6 hours of walking considered much in the hiking world? I plan on squeezing in day trips around Surrey to get a feel for my capabilities and up my fitness in the meantime.

 
I'm really excited to get going! Would love to hear from anyone who's completed or completing this route.- Or in fact anyone who has thoughts on my plan.


Happy Travels!
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 09:13:03, 08/09/19
This link might help. https://thewalkinggardener.com/2016/06/12/the-south-downs-way-day-1-winchester-to-east-meon/ (https://thewalkinggardener.com/2016/06/12/the-south-downs-way-day-1-winchester-to-east-meon/)


The walker mentions 18 miles, plus a further 2 miles to get to the start of the path. The route also seems to be quite undulating, including Beacon Hill and Old Winchester Hill, among others. If this distance is accurate, 5-6 hours seems optimistic. Remember, days will be short in February.


Edited as the 2 Mikes required to get to the start of the walk could be daunting, particularly if the have big feet. :)
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: vghikers on 09:21:37, 08/09/19
Quote
...to celebrate my 30th birthday in May 2019.
May 2020 - you can edit your post.

Quote
...is 6 hours of walking considered much in the hiking world?

These things are all relative to experience and levels of fitness  - or more accurately stamina - but 'no'. From many reports I've read, I would say that 6 hours is about average for day walks of all kinds, either easy country walking or strenuous mountain walking, it seems to fit well with the popular idea of a day out walking. If you think 6 hours might be ambitious, take whatever opportunities you can to walk and walk some more!.

It's very short for seasoned backpackers on a fairly easy waymarked LDP or trail in the summer months, I sometimes walk for up to 12 or even 13 hours.

The SDW is on my books as a possibility, I have it plotted in Memory-Map. The only question is whether the route is worth the travel logistics.

Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: vghikers on 09:31:13, 08/09/19
Quote
...The walker mentions 18 miles, plus a further 2 miles to get to the start of the path.

Wow, just seen this reply, I was taking the 5-6 hours at face value. I've just looked at my plot of the route and it measures 17.6 miles plus about another 1 mile detour from the SDW to East Meon.

I agree, counting the travelling this is pretty ambitious in February.
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: WhitstableDave on 10:51:39, 08/09/19

...Would love to hear from anyone who's completed or completing this route.- Or in fact anyone who has thoughts on my plan.


I haven't walked the South Downs Way, but I live in Kent and do a lot of walking in a similar climate on similar terrain. I don't know you though so all I can do is share some thoughts from my own perspective...

I don't think that 20 miles in February or March would be a problem. My average natural walking speed is 4mph and I don't stop (except to take photos!), so I'd expect 20 miles to take about 5 hours. I prefer to snack on the move and a banana and a couple of flapjacks would do nicely. One 500ml bottle of fluid would be plenty in winter.

But... if there is ice on the ground or paths are muddy and slippery or there's a strong headwind, that would make a very big difference to the time it would take. So would you be committed to setting off on a particular date or can you choose when to go (if the forecast is poor)? I've walked all through the winter months in Kent and can only remember a handful of days in the last few years when the weather made walking difficult - but you can't know for sure how it will be for you.

Having said all that, in my experience the prevailing wind is from the west so that's a good thing! Also, the ground on the Downs is chalky which means that (on the whole) mud isn't likely to be a problem.

One final thing: I once bought a new pair of hiking boots. I walked around in them a bit and they felt really comfortable. I set off on a 20 mile walk. After 5 miles I was still thinking how comfortable they were. After 8 miles I thought I might be getting blisters. After 12 miles my feet were extremely sore. After 16 miles I was forcing gloves and handkerchief into my boots to try to ease the pain. I suffered the worst blisters I'd ever had, I had bruising on the sides of my feet, and I lost a toenail. The lesson learned was simple: don't set off on a long walk unless you're certain that your boots won't become your enemy!

Hope that helps!  :)

p.s. It's perhaps worth mentioning that I always expect a walk to be about 10% longer than stated/planned, so in reality 20 miles becomes 22 miles for example.
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 12:01:55, 08/09/19
The walk report I linked to showed quite a bit of mud on the Winchester to East Meon section. 4 mph is quite a fast speed to maintain for a whole day’s walking, especially for a beginner and at least part of this route is hilly. In my view it is better to expect the walk to take longer than it actually does rather than the other way around.
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: sussamb on 12:02:57, 08/09/19
Also, the ground on the Downs is chalky which means that (on the whole) mud isn't likely to be a problem.


No, but the chalky trails get very slippery when wet, so sometimes mud would be preferable  O0
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: vghikers on 12:03:50, 08/09/19
Quote
My average natural walking speed is 4mph and I don't stop (except to take photos!), so I'd expect 20 miles to take about 5 hours. I prefer to snack on the move

I suspect that a sustained overall 4mph and not stopping for eating is very far from typical and potentially misleading for the OP.

Quote
The lesson learned was simple: don't set off on a long walk unless you're certain that your boots won't become your enemy

Even better, don't wear heavy clunking boots, especially on easy trails like the SDW  :)
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: Warbler on 14:35:18, 08/09/19
Here is a possible itinerary, based on 4 visits of 2 days each:

Day 1 - Travel from London to Winchester - Walk about 7 miles to Holden Farm camp site near Cheriton.

Day 2 - Walk 16 miles to Queen Elizabeth Country Park on the A3. Catch a bus from here to Petersfield, then train back to London.

Day 3 - Train back to Petersfield and bus back to QE Country Park. Walk about 15 miles to Graffham (I think there is a camp site here).

Day 4 - Walk about 8 miles to Amberley - Train back to London.

Day 5 - Train from London to Amberley - Walk about 15 miles to Truleigh YHA (you can camp here, or sleep in the hostel).

Day 6 - Walk about 15 miles to Housedean Farm camp site on the A27 - Catch a bus from here to Brighton or Lewes, then train back to London.

Day 7 - Train and bus back to Housedean Farm - Walk about 14 miles to Alfriston where there is a camp site.

Day 8 - Walk about 12 miles to the finish at Eastbourne, then train to Brighton for your celebrations  O0.

Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: WhitstableDave on 14:53:27, 08/09/19
I suspect that a sustained overall 4mph and not stopping for eating is very far from typical and potentially misleading for the OP.

Even better, don't wear heavy clunking boots, especially on easy trails like the SDW  :)

Hmm... I did say that I don't know Ellie, but I do know from a previous post that she's 29 and relatively fit and I said my reply would be from my own perspective (which I forgot to mention is as a 66 year old of average height). I made it clear that it was from my perspective because I'm not qualified to judge how how long it might take someone else to walk a certain distance. For instance, on a parallel thread Ellie was told, "It would be at least a 3 hour walk from Petersfield to Meon Springs," (a distance of about 7 miles). But what might take one person more than 3 hours might take another well under 2 hours.

I had no intention of misleading Ellie and I think it would be a simple matter for anyone to calculate their own natural pace. I simply referred to my natural pace because it's the speed I find myself walking at on trails like the SDW when I'm not trying to go fast, slow or sustain it. My suggestion for Ellie is to determine her own natural pace and use it in her calculations - and make an allowance for detours, hills and other factors.

I honestly have no idea if "not stopping for eating is very far from typical". From my own experience (which is all I can offer), taking a break achieves nothing except making it harder to get moving again. I used to stop for a sandwich and a drink, but I didn't like the feeling of lunch slopping around in my stomach for a while afterwards! My routine now is to eat little and fairly often as I go - and if it's untypical, I don't think it's unnatural.

I also had in mind that we're talking about February or March and, depending on the weather, a lunch break might perhaps not have the same appeal as it would have in the summer.

(Oh, and the boots in question were Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX - neither heavy nor clunking!  :) )
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: Dread on 15:12:47, 08/09/19
Keeping up a pace of 4mph over 20 miles is impressive Dave. I would expect a 20 miler to take all day, eight hours of walking and a couple of 20 minute breaks. Unless I stumble on a pub in which case the break might take longer. I do most of my walking in the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales, I don't know how the SDW compares. Like you said there are too many variables to be accurate but I would set off early and not expect to finish until tea time.
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: ninthace on 15:23:04, 08/09/19
Keeping up a pace of 4mph over 20 miles is impressive Dave. I would expect a 20 miler to take all day, eight hours of walking and a couple of 20 minute breaks. Unless I stumble on a pub in which case the break might take longer. I do most of my walking in the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales, I don't know how the SDW compares. Like you said there are too many variables to be accurate but I would set off early and not expect to finish until tea time.
Motion seconded - I would expect an average walker, if there is such a thing, to take around 8 hours for this walk, plus a fair bit or minus a small bit depending on the going.
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: sussamb on 16:42:51, 08/09/19
I honestly have no idea if "not stopping for eating is very far from typical". From my own experience (which is all I can offer), taking a break achieves nothing except making it harder to get moving again. I used to stop for a sandwich and a drink, but I didn't like the feeling of lunch slopping around in my stomach for a while afterwards! My routine now is to eat little and fairly often as I go - and if it's untypical, I don't think it's unnatural.

Must say that's my routine too, eat on the go ...
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: Estevens90 on 18:20:21, 08/09/19
Wow! Thank you all for your responses.


I can absolutely hold off until March to start, I'm just being excitable and optimistic in hoping to start in Feb.


My plan is to start out walking from around 9a.m and be finished by 5/6p.m. I'm in no massive rush and happy to move at my own pace, (however fast or slow that is) and I will allow for time deviation.


You're all right though, pace is relative to each individual person's fitness and tolerance levels. So I will definitely be putting in some days trips and get to know my capabilities better.


As for lunch, as long as it's not wet, I like to just sit for a few minutes and enjoy the moment.


Thanks Warbler, for your suggested itinerary, I will look more at that.


Can anyone suggest a good map to use, which has the trail path and surrounding areas on please?
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 18:42:05, 08/09/19
There appears to be a Harveys XT40 National Trails Map for the South Downs Way in 1:40,000 resolution.


https://dash4it.co.uk/south-downs-way-national-trail..html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8-7h-eHB5AIVCbDtCh0L1welEAQYBSABEgKigfD_BwE (https://dash4it.co.uk/south-downs-way-national-trail..html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8-7h-eHB5AIVCbDtCh0L1welEAQYBSABEgKigfD_BwE)
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: Slowcoach on 20:47:10, 08/09/19
I have walked the South Downs Way..Eastbourne to Winchester. I also used to belong to the Sussex Downsmen and walked in all areas of the Downs. I think 4 mph is very very ambitious. The route is not easy. Just under 3 mph would be good going taking into account route checking, weather conditions etc etc.
I did the whole route over 3 days but carrying no gear at all ..supplied by car at strategic points...day 1 35 miles, day2 30 miles and day 3 40 miles. These were long days.
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: Dovegirl on 21:30:47, 08/09/19
I plan on squeezing in day trips around Surrey to get a feel for my capabilities and up my fitness in the meantime

I'd suggest you include some hills as the SDW is hilly, eg the coastal section has a series of ascents in quick succession
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: Islandplodder on 10:18:22, 09/09/19

You will have noticed that there is every kind of walker contributing to this forum.  There are ex-servicemen who regard 20 miles over rough ground as a day in the office and mere mortals who like to go for a stroll.  There is also a difference between what you can do and what you enjoy doing.
I can do 20 mile days, and I can walk at 4 miles an hour and I can walk without much in the way of stops, but as my user name suggests that is not my preferred option.  If I was doing the SDW  in spring I would want to take time to see what flowers were out.  Sometimes there are views that you have to stop and enjoy rather than seeing out of the corner of your eye as you power along. Especially on long distance walks I am doing it partly to get a feel of the area.
Part of training for your first LDW is finding out which kind of walker you are.
Having said that, my first LDW was the Dales Way in about 1972, just after the book came out.  We did absolutely no training, we wildly overestimated our abilities, the 2nd day was an agony of stiff muscles, we had far too much stuff and still I loved every minute, and went back to do another one the following summer, still with no training and far too much stuff.  The only thing we changed was remembering the pain of day 2 we made it a short day.
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: Slowcoach on 12:44:52, 09/09/19
The SDW has a lot to offer as you go. Churches, pretty villages, historic sites, country pubs, so it is wortwhile building time intp your schedule that allows you to make the most of it.
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: gunwharfman on 12:47:11, 09/09/19
The only disappointment for me on the SDW was finding more than once that a pub was down to the side of the way, often not on it!
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: Warbler on 15:44:03, 09/09/19
Some valid points from Islandplodder and Slowcoach.

I just had a thought about camping along the route. I walked the last 70 miles of SDW (Cocking to Eastbourne) in April this year. I think it was the second week in April. Most, if not all of the campsites I stayed at had only just opened that week after shutting down for the winter. So, as SDW is not really conducive to wild camping, you may need to have a re-think about when you start this walk. You could ring around the sites beforehand to clarify this.

Regarding maps, the route is very well waymarked, and it would be difficult to wander too far off route. Therefore, in my opinion, the Harveys trail map would be more than adequate.
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: ninthace on 16:33:12, 09/09/19
There is a downloadable gpx file of the route on http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/the-south-downs-way-walking-route (http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/the-south-downs-way-walking-route)


You can import this into ViewRanger or the OS Mapping app.
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: Stube on 21:17:12, 09/09/19
Some comments on various posts

I've walked the SDW twice - once each way - and I think that a 7-8 day schedule is about right. The route is deceptively hilly, and most services are down the steep scarp slope to the north.
It is a bridleway throughout and horses and cyclists are an addional hazard.

Very few campsites are open before Easter and the Queen Elizabeth Country Park bus service only runs on Sundays in high summer. It is basically an hourly service and stops about 6pm.

The route is dry - the Meon is the only fresh water river you cross - the rest are all seawater contaminated. However there is a good collection of water taps.

The National trails website documents the water taps and most (but not all) of the campsites.

https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/south-downs-way/plan

A-Z maps adventure series do a booklet of the SDW at 1:25K.It includes a gazatteer and a services directory. It's cheaper than the Harvey's strip map, but not waterproof.

The Trailblazers guide is excellent and includes various suggested itineraries.



Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: IanyZen on 21:55:08, 09/09/19
Hi,
I live in Brighton and am often found wandering along the South Downs Way with my dog.
In all my walks, with backpack & camping gear (10-14kg) it takes me about 25 mins to walk a mile, including rest for snacks, photos and chatting. I can walk faster if necessary, but I don't like to be in too much of a rush.

I have walked it in stages, camping and staying in B&Bs and travelling from Brighton then back after a walk.

The walk from Winchester train station to the SDW start shouldn't be seen as an extra hike - it's a beautiful 'city' to walk through, and it's downhill if I remember
I got the train from Brighton and walked from Winchester to Meon Springs where there is a camp site right on the path, so a detour off the path at East Meon is not necessary.
I did this a long time ago - it was actually a trial walk with my pack and camping gear, my first with my dog to see how things went.
I carried way too much and I was not that fit, but still managed to get to Meon Springs in good time.

I then walked to South Harting, which is down off the escarpment, but not too far. I stayed in a B&B and ate in a pub.
I then did a half day walk to Cocking and got the bus to Chichester and train back to Brighton.

I found the walk easy going and chatted to lots of folk on the way. The SDW has great wide, flat paths where you can walk and admire the views without having to concentrate on the path.

I would take a few trips to Box Hill, near Dorking to practice walking up and down hills.
Also think about the cost of travelling back to London (and time) - it may not be much different to paying for a camp site or B&B in one of the many beautiful villages on and around the Downs. YHAs at Truleigh Hill & Southease are excellent.
There are lots of places on the way to get snacks in cafes, say in Queen Elizabeth Country Park, fresh home made ice cream nr Cocking and pubs on route. You won't go hungry or thirsty.  There are a few water taps as well in the later stages - Botolphs (A283), Truleigh Hill, Saddlescombe Farm (superb cafe here too), Horsedean Farm (A27), Southease YHA, toilet at Cuckmere Haven.
Good luck
Ian


 
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: Estevens90 on 08:49:42, 10/09/19
Thank you all so much for sharing your wonderful reviews and advice.


I'm more excited and determined to get going in the spring!


I've done my research on the campsites I intend in staying on to ensure that they're open through March  O0


Ian, my reason for travelling to and from London is that I have four small children, so as much as I would love to dedicate a week to walking and stay in lovely b&b's etc, I just don't have the luxury! So I will be splitting the route into day trips, potentially a couple of two nights, depending on what I can get away with.


I don't live far from box hill, in fact it's one of my favourite places to go from being a child. It's my happy place. On bad days, find me at box hill with a brood of noisy children.


I start a new job next week, which allows me three whole days a week to myself, so I am looking forward to getting out into the country for a couple of hours a week. Cant wait to share photos with you all!
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 23:16:48, 10/09/19
As an aside, if you believe that the South Downs Way is in South West England, may I direct to another thread on navigation courses? ;D


Perhaps we need a South or South East board as well, or rename this one, as the whole of Scotland manages with a single board?
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: Estevens90 on 08:55:51, 11/09/19
I'm a londoner, Mike.


Anything south and slightly west of Croydon is South west to me. ;D
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: Slowcoach on 09:16:45, 11/09/19
I hope your trip works out well. Let us know how you get on. Enjoy the Downs, they are fabulous.
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: Estevens90 on 09:31:28, 11/09/19
While I'm here, can anyone recommend a good walking (or running) app, with location and distance tracker?
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: WhitstableDave on 09:33:43, 11/09/19
As an aside, if you believe that the South Downs Way is in South West England, may I direct to another thread on navigation courses? ;D

Perhaps we need a South or South East board as well, or rename this one, as the whole of Scotland manages with a single board?

I think a South East board is a good idea. The South East Region of England (which doesn't include London) is England's most populous region and it's also more populous than either Scotland or Wales. It's famous for its wonderful countryside and has two national parks: the South Downs and the New Forest.

Yet here the entire region is part of the Rest of England. I think that might reflect the notion that walking is what people go somewhere else to do - a holiday activity - rather than it being something to enjoy anywhere. Just a thought...
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: Dovegirl on 09:51:06, 11/09/19
I think a South East board is a good idea. The South East Region of England (which doesn't include London) is England's most populous region and it's also more populous than either Scotland or Wales. It's famous for its wonderful countryside and has two national parks: the South Downs and the New Forest.

Yet here the entire region is part of the Rest of England. I think that might reflect the notion that walking is what people go somewhere else to do - a holiday activity - rather than it being something to enjoy anywhere. Just a thought...

+1   

The South East also has several AONBs, two national trails and with a third, the England Coast Path, in the making, and a wide variety of landscapes.


Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: Dovegirl on 09:52:26, 11/09/19
While I'm here, can anyone recommend a good walking (or running) app, with location and distance tracker?
I use Viewranger, which I find very good
Title: Re: South Downs Way 2020
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 21:44:15, 11/09/19
I think a South East board is a good idea. The South East Region of England (which doesn't include London) is England's most populous region and it's also more populous than either Scotland or Wales. It's famous for its wonderful countryside and has two national parks: the South Downs and the New Forest.

Yet here the entire region is part of the Rest of England. I think that might reflect the notion that walking is what people go somewhere else to do - a holiday activity - rather than it being something to enjoy anywhere. Just a thought...
There are great walks in that area. I am originally from Southampton and have often walked in the New Forest. The Wayfarer’s Walk, Test Way, Itchen Way, Forest of Bere and the Meon Valley are all worth walking, as is the Isle of Wight.