Trailblazer Guide Books

Worth watching out for.
 - John Cleare

This guidebook This guidebook has not been divided up into rigid daily stages. Instead, it's structured to make it easy for you to plan your own itinerary. The South Downs Way can be tackled in any number of ways, the most challenging of which is to do it all in one go. This requires about one week. Others may prefer to walk it over a series of short breaks, coming back year after year to do a bit more. Some choose to walk only the best bits.

To help you plan your walk the planning map (see opposite the inside back cover) and the table of town and village facilities (pp24-5) give a rundown on the essential information you will need regarding accommodation possibilities and services. Alternatively, you could follow one of the suggested itineraries (see pp26-7) which are based on preferred type of accommodation and walking speed. There is also a list of recommended day and weekend walks (see p28) which cover the best of the path, all of which are well served by public transport. The public transport map is on p39.

Once you have an idea of your approach turn to Part 4 for detailed information on accommodation, places to eat and other services in each village and town on the route. Also in Part 4 you will find route descriptions to accompany the detailed trail maps.

WHICH DIRECTION?

There are many criteria that will determine in which direction to tackle the Way. It always seems a good idea to finish a walk with something that was worth walking towards. With this in mind Winchester is a far more attractive place to finish than Eastbourne. Thus, east to west seems a good choice of direction. However, the scenery improves towards the eastern end and what finer place to conclude the walk than by the sea and on top of the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. Another factor is the prevailing wind which normally comes from the south-west. Having the wind at your back is a great help so this would also suggest starting at Winchester and finishing at Eastbourne.

Although the maps in Part 4 are arranged in a west to east direction, times for walking in both directions are always given so that the book can be used back to front.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

The itineraries on pp26-27 are based on different accommodation types - B&Bs, hostels/camping barns and campsites, with each one divided into three categories of walking speed. They really are only suggestions and all of them can be easily adapted by using the more detailed information on accommodation found in Part 4. Don't forget to add your travelling time from/to your accommodation both before and after the walk.