The Way is 100 miles long in total.
We began walking the South Downs Way at Easter 2010. We started from Winchester on Good Friday, and arrived at Amberley at the end of Easter Monday. We used Bed & Breakfast accommodation; carrying our own clothes and so on. We bought packed lunches from B&Bs, and ate out all the time. We aimed to walk 15 miles per day (including getting to and from the B&B).
From Amberley, the rest of the walk was done in odd days, returning to our home in Brighton each night, until we reached Falmer. From Falmer, we walked to Alfriston where we staid the night, before going on to Eastbourne. We arrived at Eastbourne (completing the path) on Sunday 1 August.
There are more photos in our photo gallery.
Day 1: Winchester to Exton
We left our car at our first B&B, and the host, Mrs. Hall (from Corhampton Lane Farm) gave us a lift to Winchester. We left our car at Corhampton Lane Farm until the end of our holiday.
We started from Winchester Cathedral at about 9:00. The weather was a bit grim the first day; coats and over-trousers were essential. We arrived at Exton at about 3:00pm.
We stayed at Corhampton Lane Farm - www.corhamptonlanefarm.co.uk. The host, Mrs Hall, was very helpful to us; booked our meal at the local pub and gave us a lift there.
We ate at “The Shoe” PH www.theshoeinn.moonfruit.com. They served a good choice of food in the evening.
Day 2: Exton to Buriton
Breakfast at Corhampton Lane was excellent, so was the packed lunch.
We left the farm-house at 9:00. Today's walk was hampered by floods; we had to back-track and use the disused railway running from Corhampton to get on the Way. The Way now begins to rise on to the downs proper, the views were more spectacular, but the wind was colder. Once again, we needed the layers. We arrived at Buriton at about 3:00pm.
We stayed at “The Master Robert Inn”. Our room there did not have a shower, only a bath. They did not serve food in the evening,
We ate in the bar of “The Five Bells”. We were lucky to get in there, they were very busy. The bar had a lot of dogs in there belonging to the customers. If that's a problem, you would be better booking your meal in advance so you can get in to the lounge restaurant.
Day 3: Buriton to Cocking
We did not start walking until 9:30, but still arrived at Cocking about 3:20.
We stayed at Moonlight Cottage tea-room, www.moonlightcottage.co.uk. They were excellent, and very helpful. The rooms were great. They will provide evening meal, but you have to book in advance. These people are also about to open a new B&B house, www.malthousecocking.co.uk.
We ate at “The Bluebell” www.thebluebell.biz. It was quite smart, and a bit expensive, We were not really dressed for it. Food and service was excellent.
Day 4: Cocking to Amberley
“Moonlight Cottage” provided an excellent breakfast, and really good sandwiches.
We left Cocking at 9:30. Today was the best day's walking; there were a few more hills, but lots of views. Once again, the wind made you wrap up well. We were at Amberley about 3:30.
From Amberley, we had arranged a lift back to Corhampton to collect our car.
Day 5: Amberley to Steyning
We had no need for B&Bs today, we used the car and went home at the end of the day. We left Amberley at 10:30, and arrived at Dacre Garndens (on the A283) at 3:30. It was an easy day's walk; but it was cold and windy when we were on the more exposed sections of the path.
There were good views of Worthing, Brighton, Shoreham and the sea to the south, and also good views of Sussex to the North.
Day 6: Steyning to Falmer
There was no need to use the car, and no need to find a bed & breakfast for this day. Brighton & Hove Buses run excellent services in the area; there are stops at Steyning, Devil's Dyke, Ditchling Beacon and Falmer. The Number 2 took us to Steyning, there's a stop at Dacre Gardens where the South Downs Way crosses the A283. Then, at the other end of the day, there is a stop (Housedean Farm) where the Way crosses the A27, the Number 29 took us back to Brighton.
There are also a few pubs on the route; Devil's Dyke, and The Plough at Pyecombe.
We had 2 goes at this day's walk; the weather was so grim the first time we felt it deserved another go. We were not disappointed, it is one of the most enjoyable stretches of the way, with spectacular views all the time.
Day 7: Falmer to Alfriston
The number 29 bus took us back to Housedean Farm. From there, we crossed the road and up on to the downs. It was quite a windy day, and we were sometimes in the cloud. However, it was still warm enough to be in a T shirt. As we walked down in to Alfriston it was noticably warmer and more pleasant in the shelter from the wind.Most places would not accept us for only one night, so we staid at the Frog Firle youth hostel just south of the village. The hostel was excellent accommodation, and provide breakfast and a packed lunch for the next day.
Evening meal was at the Plough & Harrow in Littlington. They served a wide choice of excellent food, and were really friendly.
Day 8: Alfriston to Eastbourne
This was the shortest day's walk. We chose to use the southern option; (cyclists and horse riders have to take the northern path). There are excellent views of Seven Sisters, Birling Gap, Beachy Head and then Eastbourne during the day. This proved to be one of the best day's walking for views and so on. The wind was quite strong, but it was still warm.
From Eastbourne we caught the train home.
Conclusion
The packed lunches provided by Bed & Breakfast places were really good; much better than trying to use cafés and so on as you go.
You obviously need to book accommodation in advance; but you would also be advised to book your evening meals. Ask the B&Bs when you book, they are always happy to advise.
Find more information on the path here:
Updated: 19 August 2010