South Downs Way

The South Downs Way is easily accessible from both the E and W starting points without using lifts or 'stepping' by car. Trains and buses are frequent from most places to the starts
Being one of the most southerly walks, it is easy to get to, possibly warmer with fewer extremes of weather.
Yes, a good introduction to the trials and tribulations of just anotherr walk.
Please be aware though that, as more so with the longer and higher walks, the solo one-go attempt (104 miles) needs thorough and thoughtful preparation with regard to route, daily distance capability and nightstop/eating facilities. Advice from someone who's done seven, including up (PW) and across .(C2C).
Great in the early summer. Allow about a week.

Having not been on a bike for over a year and 60 in a few months god only knows why over dinner one evening and a conversation about a bike ride on the southdowns 15 years ago ended up with my 12 year old granddaughter and myself deciding we would have a half term ride along the lovely southdowns national trail , several times my granddaughter asked when the downs started as we only ever seemed to go up hill, downhills were complicated but the wheel sized pot holes in the Chalk paths and trenches.
Hills obviously bigger and steeper than 15 years ago . Although we actually had a sore but great time and made memories she can both treasure .

Since I moved to Hampshire from London I have been walking the South Downs Way in small pieces. I also am an Airbnb host so lots of my guests are also on walking holidays. It covers some absolutely breathtaking countryside with wonderful panoramic views and there are plenty of charming villages and pubs along the way. You quite often get sea views but also a great variety of ancient woodland and wildlife. Definitely want my ashes scattered here when I go!

Six medium sized men attempted to walk the South Downs Way in June 2021. The trip was delayed for a year by The Bug.

Day 1: Eastbourne to Falmer (23 miles)
We went the inland route via Jevington to avoid the fatiguing Seven Sisters on day 1. It was still a hilly day but it's a beautiful route. The water taps at Alfriston and Southease were welcome on a hot day. We finished at The Swan Inn Falmer as we were staying in Brighton night 1 where I reside. Even our Ultramarathon-running guestwalker was pretty tired by the end.

Day 2: Ditchling Beacon to Houghton (24 miles)
We cut off the few miles from Housedean Farm round the Eastern edge of Brighton and got a taxi direct to Ditchling Beacon. The church at Pyecombe is a brilliant stop for a bit of history. One of our walkers was struggling with his knee and was jettisoned out the back of our relentless march to Amberley. He was able to find a bus at Steyning then a train from Pulborough to meet us at Amberley. Truleigh Hill Youth Hostel provided the obligatory 11am coffee. Apparently the climb from the river Adur up to Chanctonbury Ring was the biggest climb of the whole walk but it wasn't steep so we were unaware at the time. A few pints at the Bridge Inn at Amberley helped to wash away the day's pain. We had a nice dinner at the George and Dragon up the road and stayed at the lovely Southdowns Bunkhouse.

Day 3: Houghton to Sustainability Centre (28 miles)
This was new territory for me. Our morning coffee was at risk but Cadence Cycle Club got the memo and opened a new branch one hour before our arrival at Upwaltham. We continued to Cocking where we met some more guest walkers. Another of our party was finding the going tough post-Cocking so joined the walking wounded in getting a lift part-way to the accommodation. The rest of us ploughed on and enjoyed the change to the more forested areas at Harting Down and Queen Elizabeth Country Park. We were pretty tired by the time we strolled under the A3 to find Butser Hill, the highest point of the walk awaiting us. A tired trudge to the Sustainability Centre and spirits were low on night 3. The Sustainability Centre is properly in the middle of nowhere so if you're arriving out of hours without a vehicle, bring food or have a taxi booked to a pub. We went to the Bat and Ball at Clanfield.

Day 4: Sustainability Centre to Winchester (19 miles)
The easiest day by far. Much flatter and our shortest day. We made it by 2pm into the charming city of Winchester. The end plaque is slightly bizarrely hidden behind a gate in a
flowerbed at Winchester City Mill.

The route is doable and enjoyable in 4 days if you are happy to walk 9-10 hours per day with only short breaks. We were reasonably fit men aged around 40 and not carrying any camping gear. 4 out of 6 of us managed the whole thing. The number one thing I would suggest is taking care of your feet with blister plasters.

We completed half of this 100 mile walk from Amberley to Eastbourne in late October. The weather was changeable - beautiful skys , rainbows and the inevitable wind and rain. There is not much climbing to be done along the route - normally at the start of the day. The paths are well signposted. There were not many loos on the route so be prepared. Overall a great escape and surprising how few people take advantage of the solitude.