South Downs Way

 

 

Start 23/07/2012 Eastbourne

Finish 30/07/2012 Winchester

Distance 100miles/161km

I arrived at Alfriston for the second part of the 1000 mile trilogy, staying a couple of nights at the campsite there, and walking the South Downs Way loop to Eastbourne and back in a day without carrying all my kit. I also met up with another mate living in the area. We hadn't seen each other for over fifteen years, but it didn't seem so long ago.

The trail follows old routes and droveways along the chalk escarpment and ridges, and is popular with cyclists, with empty energy gel packets scattered along the way. Water sources are scarce on the trail, something to bear in mind if attempting this walk, especially if you plan to wild camp.

From Winchester, I headed along the Clarendon Way to Salisbury, then turned south, following the Avon Valley Path through Fordingbridge and Ringwood to the seafront at Bournemouth. And then the South West Coast Path...

South Downs Way National TrailSouth Downs Way National TrailSouth Downs Way National TrailSouth Downs Way National TrailSouth Downs Way National TrailSouth Downs Way National TrailSouth Downs Way National TrailSouth Downs Way National TrailSouth Downs Way National TrailSouth Downs Way National TrailSouth Downs Way National TrailSouth Downs Way National Trail

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