The Annual South Downs Way Walk
is an organised walk along the full 100 miles of this beautiful National Trail and takes place over nine consecutive days every June.
It is open to everyone and, with coach transport provided each day, is by far the simplest way of completing this linear walk.
Passing one of Andy Goldsworthy's chalk stones on the Annual South Downs Way Walk in June
Although the South Downs Way never rises above a comfortable 700 feet, its one hundred miles of rolling chalk downland
give amazing views of 40 miles or more in every direction and it truly offers some of the best walking in England.
The annual event is, by tradition, a 'supported' rather than 'guided' walk with everyone free to walk at their own pace.
There is, of course, the added security offered by the team of 'Footprints Red Shirts' who will walk with you and always be nearby to help with directions, some simple first aid or just a friendly smile !
So why not join us from 10th - 18th June 2011 for the 32nd year - as we walk the 100 miles from
Eastbourne to Winchester, when the orchids and butterflies are at their very best...
Please install the latest version of Adobe Flash®. Click here to download Flash now.
Chalk Hill Blue by Linda Walls © Orchids by Footprints of Sussex ©
Each of the nine days offers something different, as the trail follows the chalk ridge across southern England
The sections are as follows :-
Eastbourne - Alfriston - Newmarket Inn - Devils Dyke - Washington - Whiteways - Cocking - Q.E. Park - Exton - Winchester
Walking from east to west this is how the days work out :-
There is the dramatic scenery of the famous 'Seven Sisters'on the first day - which traditionally ends with afternoon tea in one of the many teashops in pretty little Alfriston. The route then climbs high over Firle Beacon before crossing the River Ouse with splendid views of Lewes and its castle away to the north.
When we pass through Pyecombe on the next day the church will be open especially for us with afternoon teas and a chance for a quiet break before climbing to the top of Devils Dyke for what John Constabledescribed as :
“One of the greatest landscapes in the world”.
As we cross the River Adur the next day there are fine views of Lancing Collegeand its amazing chapel a little way to the south - and the possibility of popping into Bramberfor a lunchtime snack beneath the imposing ruins of its Norman Castle.
The section past mysterious Chanctonbury Ringleads down to Washington and one of Hilaire Belloc'sfavourite pubs :- The Frankland Arms - where free beer is on offer to all those who've made it this far !
Washington to Whiteways is a relatively short walk so there's plenty of time to relish the views of Parham Houseto the north and Arundel Castleon the southern skyline before crossing the River Arunwhere a short detour off the 'official' route is almost 'de rigueur' in order to visit the splendid tea rooms at Houghton Bridge.
This middle day of the walk finishes at the Hikers Tea Kiosk at Whiteways
where the South Downs Way makes a brief flirtation with the longest inland trail in Britain - The Monarch's Way.
The trail then starts to get a bit more wild & woolly as it crosses Bignor Hill and Tegleaze - the highest part of the walk in Sussex - with virtually no facilities en route going through the quiet 'wooded section' . And so into Hampshire with quite different scenery as we enter the Queen Elizabeth Country Park.
Leaving the delightful park visitor centre we are faced with Butser Hill - the highest point on the whole trail ... and it feels like it ! But the climb is rewarded with great views and a nice rolling path down to the Meon Springs, Trout Fishery where we are always made most welcome with cold drinks and a chance to relax besides their beautiful lakes. It's then just 'up 'n over' Old Winchester Hill to Exton and some well earned refreshment at the Shoe Inn - whose lovely garden runs down to edge of the crystal clear chalk stream. And so to the last day - stunning views from Beacon Hill, a quick coffee at The Milburys, picnic lunch at Cheesefoot Head and down into Winchester... touch the statue of King Alfred and look back on nine glorious days. Time to celebrate ! And we do !
view the next page
|
Site last updated on Wednesday 21st July 2010
|
| 
