The Annual South Downs Way Walk takes us along one of England's fifteen 'National Trails'
Although the trail 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 is truly some of the best country walking in England.
Join us from 18th - 26th June 2010 for the 31st walk - when we walk the 105 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne and when the orchids and butterflies are at their very best...
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Chalk Hill Blue by Linda Walls ©
Each of the nine days offers something different, as the trail leads westward across southern England.
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 Constable described as :
“One of the greatest landscapes in the world”.
As we cross the River Adur the next day there are fine views of Lancing College and its amazing chapel a little way to the south - and the possibility of popping into Bramber for a lunchtime snack beneath the imposing ruins of its Norman Castle.
The section past mysterious Chanctonbury Ring leads down to Washington and one of Hilaire Belloc's favourite pubs :- The Frankland Arms where an end-of-day pint is very much in order !
Washington to Whiteways is a relatively short walk so there's plenty of time to relish the views of Parham House to the north and Arundel Castle on the southern skyline before crossing the River Arun where 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 lomgest 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 !!
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© 2008 Footprints of Sussex
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