For the final stage of the 100-mile SDW, I took the Coastal Route from the downland village of Alfriston, through the Cuckmere valley, across the Seven Sisters Country park with its bright white cliffs, via Birling Gap, up to Beachy Head before leaving the downs, descending into Eastbourne and it’s seafront promenade. A thoroughly enjoyable last twelve miles – a classic!
south downs way
Weekend Walk 31 – Woodingdean to Alfriston (South Downs Way)
A 12 mile hike along the South Downs, from a suburb of Brighton to the village of Alfriston (mispronounced in the video). This section of the trail goes above Kingston, Lewes, Ilford, Rodmell, into Southease with its interesting c12 church. The path then leads across the Ouse Valley past Newhaven back to the downs above Firle and Seaford.
It was a very windy day and my camera’s wind reduction couldn’t cope.
One more stage of the South Downs Way left to walk, to Eastbourne along the river and coast. I hope to do this in the next couple of weeks before the days get too short.
Weekend Walk 20 – Pycombe to Woodingdean
Unlike the WNW-ESE direction of the previous South Downs Way walks, this one took a turn south half way through, roaming over the downs towards the ridge between Brighton and Lewes. The walk took in the Clayton Windmills, Ditchling Beacon, Black Cap hill, across the A27 and railway. I then cut west to get to Woodingdean where it was easy to get back to the car via Brighton.
Weekend Walk 18 – Steyning to Pyecombe
Deep into West Sussex, the 100 mile walk continued on Saturday. From Steyning, back west to pick up the trail then across the Adur valley to Truleigh Hill. Along the ridge past Fulking to Devil’s Dyke, major tourist attraction. Down to Saddlecombe and a last climb over New Timber Hill.
Weekend Walk 17 – Amberley to Steyning (South Downs Way)
The ninth stage of my South Downs Way adventure, picking it up after a break over summer. Up to the downs from Amberley, the half way point, with amazing views to the north and south, to Chanctonbury Ring and the town of Steyning. The path really opened up during this stage as we move past Littlehampton and Worthing, towards Brighton.
Weekend Walk 16 – Duncton to Amberley (South Downs Way)
Today I went up on the South Downs again, reaching the half way point at Amberley in West Sussex. A very warm day. From Littleton Farm south of Duncton, up onto Bignor Hill and across the Arun Valley to Amberley. Found myself in the middle of a cross country run. Poor blighters, sweating up on the hills. I was also sweating up on the hills but at least I didn’t gotta run.
Weekend Walk 13 – Buriton to Elsted (South Downs Way)
The fifth stage of my South Downs Way hike, starting from Buriton in Hampshire, finishing in Elsted, West Sussex. Past the Vandalian Tower, Harting Down, and the second Beacon Hill of the Way, then to Treyford and Elsted in the Rother Valley.
I always feel West Sussex is an ‘odd’ county. I like it but it’s spooky and slightly weird. This tower didn’t help.
Weekend Walk 12 – East Meon to Buriton (South Downs Way)
The fourth stage of my South Downs Way hike, from the village of East Meon up to HMS Mercury, Butser Hill and the Queen Elizabeth Country Park, finishing in Buriton, Hampshire.
Weekend Walk 11 – West Meon to East Meon (South Downs Way)
Here’s the next walk video I made during a very enjoyable hike yesterday. A sunny day with snow. From West Meon along the Meon Trail, up to Old Winchester Hill when the snow came, then into Combe valley and to East Meon.
Weekend Walk 10 – South Downs Way – Cheriton to West Meon
On Saturday I again walked some of the South Downs Way. I left the car at West Meon then took the bus to Cheriton for the starting point. It’s a couple of km from there back to the path, to the west. After crossing the A272, the path slowly rises back onto the downs at Millbarrow. I saw one of the burial mounds up there, near the Milbuty pub. Then it’s great views as I headed east, seeing Hinton Ampner House to the north and the Isle of Wight to the south. From Beacon Hill, there are great views to the north, east and south into the valley. The path then descends into the lush Meon valley to Exton. I then followed the Meon Valley Trail back to West Meon. All in all it took five hours, with 16 miles of the South Downs Way completed now. Here’s a video I made.
Falling Awake 