Backpacking and Wild camping the South downs way A 100 mile trail

The South downs way is a 100 mile long route which follows the chalk hills from Eastbourne to Winchester. The route goes through quaint English villages steeped in history with many local pubs close to the route.
The views are breathtaking with many miles walked on the windy tops but some stretches take you through dense woodlands too.
Some hard climbs and the path can be hard on the feet with the small sharp flinty stones so good footwear is needed.
All in all a lovely walk.
Link to Bill Hambeltons video about this walk:
• South Downs Way 2019

[@Petey_Ouspensky]

Beautiful, Sandy!

[@howardvarley8795]

It was emotional to see the Poppies on Joseph Oestermanns grave,.. there IS decency in ALL of us, its just good to see it shown now and again. Well done for showing it to us, it warmed my heart. PS . Joseph died in 1940 at the height of the Battle of Britain, .. NOT 1948!.

[@davidlever1507]

Nice one Sandy....once again enjoyed your delivery and filming,lovely job...

[@neilrd350]

Lovely video ❤

[@RobR455]

Been to the UK three times... Never had the opportunity to see the countryside via a walk. Thanks so much for sharing your trek with me. So much beautiful countryside to see. Thank you!

[@UnwashedAxe]

I walked the seven sisters many years ago, such a beautiful place!

[@TheRamblingsofBry]

I am one of those that sadly am unable to do this, but I enjoyed every second of this video Sandy. Thankyou. Well done all.

[@IanRM]

Great video but also sad. Unfortunately, due to massive claudication of the Aorta, I can only walk 20 feet - let alone 100 miles. However, as an ex-army officer and Falklands vet, I have previously done my share of walking. I really envied your trip. I would love to do myself. Best of luck, Sandy. Ian Swindon Subscriber.

[@anroadking]

Lovely birdsong and vivid green leaves on this one Sandy.

[@pablomagic1]

Amazing sights and sounds.....brilliant sandy. Thanks for sharing.

[@bilbocrackers3246]

What a journey! Thank you for sharing Sandy

[@samuraichefboy1162]

Currently quarantined and missing the outdoors. As soon as this curfew is lifted I'm either going to walk or cycle South downs. This has really inspired me. Thank you for your video, I've enjoyed many of your outings and have learnt a lot. Time to put some of your teaching into practice. Please keep making the content it's very much appreciated.

[@billhambelton7698]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching our experience sat on the sofa with the family. Happy days indeed. Many thanks to you and Tony for being my walking companions. Hope it won’t be too long before we can do something similar. ATB. Bill.

[@WiltshireMan]

Anytime you want to do a hike Bill just let me know. Always up for an adventure. Really enjoyed it. 100% worth the effort and the company was top notch:) Sandy

[@chrispowell3664]

What a amazing trip Sandy. Thanks for taking us along.

[@boomshanka8743]

Lovely stuff, thanks Sandy.

[@aleencross]

Excellent walk with breath taking sceneries, thanks so much for sharing it!!

[@patrickmoore2031]

Ha, ha, loved when you claimed your spot in the woods.

[@BIG-K]

What a delightful record of a great adventure through stunning countryside. Well done... and thanks for taking us along with you. 👍

[@fatdude8716]

Sandy, thanks for the video !!!!

[@campfire52]

What a great video and what a great crew to take along with you Sandy. It looks like you all had a wonderful and memorable time out there. I am sure that the feet were sore and the body very tired but no doubt worth it all. So nice of you to take the camera with you in order to allow us to see the experience too. Thank you for doing that. Stay healthy, stay safe, and enjoy the outdoors. See you on the next one my friend.

[@DEEBEE-ey2xv]

Hi I'm a collector of the camping equipment so It's good to see what you guys use. I love your videos I only with I was brave enough to do the wild camping but me being a female it's a bit risky, shame really as I feel Iv massively been hold back from doing something that I love. Thank you guys for sharing your experience ❤️

[@stevec-b6214]

id say walking through a city is more risky! have you watched abbi barnes?

[@DEEBEE-ey2xv]

No I haven't watch it. I will look out for it now.

[@stevebettany8778]

A pleasure as always well done that’s quite a walk.

[@arcticwolfoutdooradventure5426]

Excellent video. Thoroughly enjoyed that.. almost made be homesick .. Keep up the great videos

[@hikingwithrosy]

Lovely. After a hard week at work watching this is exactly what I need. I live in the South of England not so far from Winchester and love the rolling chalk downlands. Great video. Thanks!

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Rosy. You have some beautiful countryside close by. Sandy

[@PaulBissekerBushcraft]

Well done guys. You had fantastic weather throughout! I would love to do just a short bit of that and a camp. My feet would never last all of it. Thanks Sandy for the guided tour ;)

[@alantippett7602]

Fantastic video, really enjoyed watching.😀👍

[@solway17carlisle]

Beautiful - the walk, filming and relaxed but informative commentary! I'm inspired to have a go at something like this....

[@maggiedoor6093]

Leaving in a few days from Ontario Canada for UK, visiting family in Surrey, Sussex and Kent. We know and love this area so well, planning our South Downs Way journey while we are there ( month trip) I hope we get such good weather. Thanks for your video we were making notes , we also watched Abbie Barnes video of the same trail. I couldn't hear what stove you said you had?

[@WiltshireMan]

My stove was a Click stand with trangia burner. Click stands are made in the USA. Buy one asap. Also look out for the Evernew titanium pot that fits the stand. Very efficient. I also watch Abbies videos. She is great. Sandy

[@mr.nomadic]

Excellent video of the trail sandy ,very enjoyable

[@adamholbrook2281]

Looked like a great trip. Seemed to be much more interesting and scenic than the ridgeway. Happy you had nice weather and good company along the way.

[@thaifoodlover5296]

Sandy, loved your addendum about getting out there and walking. I'm currently having a hard time walking, but hopefully, my neurosurgeon can make a fix next month. Until then, I am living vicariously through you and your friends. Still camping, but very close to the car. Not the best scenario, but what I can do at the moment. Looking forward to August, when I should see some improvement in my mobility. Keep on the trails, they are beautiful.

[@russjones4034]

What a great video. I love the way you give landmarks along the way because I followed your journey using Google Earth. Just subscribed. From South Carolina.

[@darrensmith6999]

Epic video and what beautiful scenery , im from the North of England so its a treat for me to see the other end of our country in such a spectacular way Thank You . All the best . Darren (:

[@collisjeanette1019]

Blimey. You made it look very easy! I'm on the walk now with Shep the dog. The walk up the gravel hill to the Sustainability centre nearly killed me! Beautiful walk. Big hill tomorrow.

[@WiltshireMan]

Well done Jeanette just tke it slow and steady and the miles will slip by.:)

[@RasistSpaceMonkey]

Did the same about 2 weeks ago, fantastic views the whole way. Well done!

[@rialobran]

Beautiful scenery and villages. Congrats on completing that Sandy, great achievement. And congrats to the others for putting up with you for a whole week too, a bigger achievement ;)

[@WiltshireMan]

LOL Yes they deserve a medal. It was a great challenge Si. The scenery really outstanding at times. Sandy

[@FlyingHaggisFilms]

Great effort Sandy, very inspiring route, wonder if someday I might do it. And you kitchen menu's were innovative. Lively filming. Thank you again. Harry

[@TheMendipman]

Brilliant Sandy. I walked from Weston Super Mare to Dover a few years ago and took in a lot of the South Downs way, so it was very nice to see it again. Noel

[@WiltshireMan]

Sounds like you followed a good route Noel. I would be interested to know more of the routes you took to get across the country. That was a long hike:) Sandy

[@TheMendipman]

@@WiltshireMan I'll look up my notes and send you a summary. Noel

[@markdriver7911]

well done .plus another amazing vid .

[@runforfunken]

Good video of your adventure, well done guys.

[@MOOSEDOWNUNDER]

Amazing effort team. Really enjoyed that trip. ATB Moose.

[@tonypatey5669]

Sandy, you are an inspiration to me. Watching you take short and long walks have made me work harder and to try to walk with my crutches further. I may have to use them permanently but they help me get from A to B. You have some great trails to hike. I like the small towns you come across and the stories they have to tell. So very cool indeed. Thanks for sharing. Tony

[@abefrohman1759]

Wonderful adventure 👍😎

[@WalksWithOlly]

Great to see your shared journey along the South Downs Way, Sandy. Wild camping all the way. I was reading comments from people online somewhere who advise against wild camping along this trail, with the frequency of farms close by... But it appears as though you were not once disturbed, discovered or asked to move on! I'll be walking this trail myself in another week (from west to east) and have found it hard to plot the logistics of using proper campsites... Those close to the trail offer very few pitches or don't operate on a weekday, meaning I have at least two days ahead of me where I'll have to divert for one hour away from the trail and repeat that as a return journey the next morning. Always looking forward to your next and all the best.

[@WiltshireMan]

Plenty of wild camping options provided you adhere to the wildcampers code, set up late, leave early and leave no trace and you should be fine. If discovered always be respectful and move on. Goodluck with your walk

[@nigem6611]

Took me back to when I did the the walk over 20 years ago in a heat wave!

[@tadpoles10]

Well done guys, so fortunate with the weather, a great walk. atb t ..

[@themotorbikecamper5990]

Wow ever so Inspiring you three guys. It's always a great pleasure to watch your videos sandy takes me back to when I was a child without a care in the world. Thank you 😎

[@davebuts1921]

What a lovely pub crawl ops sorry walk. Looks like you all had a great time.

[@doubled5037]

Thanks for sharing

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

Sandy, it was lovely watching you on FB and then to see you trip. Paracamping trip with Paranoob next.

[@WiltshireMan]

Not if it's going to be thermally:) Had a great walk with Tony and Bill. We dubbed Tony the "Sarge" as he gave us our orders.. Military background! Anyway it was a good regime we had going and was measured in the outcome. A successful walk:) Sandy

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

@@WiltshireMan Ask Tony about the Sarge joke. Not one to repeat on here.

[@Papboer]

Greetings from Melbourne. Thank you for this great presentation. I enjoyed it very much. Last year I came to Britian to walk parts of the South West Coast around Penzance and to walk the Two Moors Way from Ivybridge to Lynmouth. I absolutely loved it! Trail walking is much different here in Australia with greater distances between towns. I plan to return to England in to walk the pilgrimage route from Bury St Edmund to Walsingham.

[@WiltshireMan]

Wonderful! you have already done some great walks by the sound of things

[@waltjacob3776]

Absolutely stunning 😲 I know the South Downs well even though I’ve never lived there. All my relatives live down that way and spent a lot of my childhood down that way. Does the beginning of the walk start at princes park end. Great video, might see you one one of your walks as I walk the Marlborough downs regularly. Take it easy 👍

[@MB-lf8rm]

Dear God, please preserve this beautiful country for Britain's children and their children, for posterity.

[@benhikescamps]

Really enjoyed this Sandy. Great video and company. Feeling inspired. I’ve camped at odd spots in the SDW but never walked it in it’s entirety. Thinking about it for 2023. Thanks again - Ben 👍

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Ben, it is a lovely walk

[@TimmyBobinson]

Hi Sandy. Was the Lanshan 2 guy able to find pitches easily, with the large footprint that it has? Thanks.

[@EpicLEGOmaster]

Hey Sandy! A couple of mates and I are walking this next week for something to do during lockdown. Cheers for the inspiration, a lovely video.

[@martinbennett9578]

During..LOL, Brilliant.

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Thanks, Sandy...great trip. I watched Abbie Barnes do this route last year, so it was nice to re-visit it again from your perspective. Cheers!

[@adelarsen9776]

Thank you for sharing a great experience. I really enjoyed the whole video. Top shelf. Cheers and Happy Days :-)

[@stephenszalay]

Fabulous. Planning this for springtime 2021

[@SimonOutdoors]

Great video, enjoyed the whole trip. Thanks for sharing it :)

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Simon

[@SimonOutdoors]

@@WiltshireMan no problem Sandy

[@fepowson]

Superb effort Sandy & friends, enjoyed the views & video, thank you. Good wishes.........Les

[@johninch1054]

I'm planning to do this walk. Great video thank you

[@happyhermit2022]

That was really excellent thank you. I live in Spain now with no possibility of returning..South Downs was my home turf and so good to see it again. Fantastic

[@mickspain330]

Great video Sandy, good to see the 3 of you doing the walk, I did it a few years ago with my grandson he was 9 at the time he is now 19, we did it over 7 days I think it was, took it easy and really enjoyed it, your video brought back some good memories, thanks for sharing it👍

[@PackBoots]

Awesome video. A walk I’m planning to do this year. What time of year did you film this? You where definitely spoilt with the weather. 👍

[@WiltshireMan]

I walked this route in the month of May, June can be very mixed with hot weather and thunder storms. July/ August can be very hot and dusty, watch out for the sun. Best months to walk this year will be late September/ October

[@BorderRambler]

Well done guys, showing the British landscape at its best .. Some beautiful areas that you passed along the way. atb Dave.

[@affalaffaa]

Finished this walk a month ago, the other way around, and great to see another view of it. My first long distance walk and I'm hooked. Coast to coast planned for the summer. Weather was a bit more hazey for me though, still nice and didn't rain but I couldn't see Brighton like you did. Did I catch a hint that you watch Darwin as well? He seems to know his stuff. Thanks for the upload as I don't film a lot myself.

[@WiltshireMan]

LOL Yes I do watch Darwin:) Goodluck with your coast to coast. Sandy

[@jackwaller2636]

Can you wild camp? Such a great video im only 17 and thinking of taking this as a challenge but from Winchester to Eastbourne 😁

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes you can wildcamp just bear in mind that wildcamping is illegal so practice the wildcampers code, pitch late, leave early and leave no trace. Camp in a discreet location and you should be fine. If discovered and asked to leave then be polite, pack up and move on

[@Jamal_Tyrone]

19:25 Ambient Remix of Smack My Bitch Up kicks in!

[@thomascrowhurst6540]

Good morning. Weirdly enough I was intending to do the south downs way that week, from Winchester to Eastbourne :-) sadly events conspired against me. Hopefully soon ;-) Did you plan your camping spots before you left? Heard its tricky finding spots. Anyways, another wonderful video video Sandy, thanks for sharing all of your marvellous adventures 👍. Enjoy the weekend, Tom.

[@mountains_and_moors]

Great achievement Sandy. Stunning surroundings. Wish I could have joined you but not sure I’m up for the 100 miles. Well done to Bill & Tony too. ATB Ant 👍🏻😉

[@WiltshireMan]

Ant, you need to walk a national trail from start to finish. You select the trail and I will join you. Maybe try and get Real Bry to join us too:)

[@billhambelton7698]

Didn’t think I would cope Ant, most I’d done before was a 16 miles without pack. We were up at dawn, struck camp and walking by 0600. Miles soon whizzed by.

[@TimmyBobinson]

Question Sandy: Are trail runners ok for the entire trip, or 1/2 boots, or a full boot would you recommend? Thank you.

[@WiltshireMan]

As the trails are getting dryer now I would go for the lighter footware option, also finding pitches for Lanshan 2 sized tent should present too much of an issue

[@RaimoLehtinen]

Very interesting ,good work👍👍👍

[@jeffcotton3172]

Really enjoyed that - thanks so much!

[@runthepeaks]

Great video! Was the camp spot at 23:30 mins between Storrington and Amberley, approximately? I recognise the spot and as a strange coincidence, may have seen you guys setting up whilst walking the trail! I recall a few weeks back walking past a small group setting up there. I walk that part of the trail regularly and only occasionally see anyone pitched up there. It's a good spot, though, off the trail and next to a small wooded area. For being so close to the trail, it's quite secluded.

[@WiltshireMan]

Just found your comment. It could have been us I'm not sure exactly where we were camped but all the spots we chose were great. Enjoyed this walk

[@dixxie420]

Sandy,you make some lovely videos, a pleasure to watch , Thank you :)

[@KentSurvival]

A fantastic journey Sandy, love it!

[@mooseyrambling5838]

Hi Sandy, cracking video and walk well done to one and all, Chanctonbury ring is an iron age hill fort, I have spent many a night up there wild camping with friends. Never came across any ghost, goolies or witches mind you! A really beautiful place to spend the night, even if you do need to keep an eye open for Caesar's lost legion, " or so they say"! If you look directly south you will another hill fort called Cissbury ring just north of Worthing, also another lovely place for a wild camp. All the very best to you and your wondering buddy's. Great video.

[@Makinen386]

Loved it guys and taken inspiration

[@WyeExplorer]

I liked what Paul was doing for the British heart Foundation. His name Sandy wasn't lost on me and neither was the cause given my Paul died of a coronary. It's good to see them out there. You met a couple along the way. Good going. Mark

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Mark. Yes Paul Arthur was an interesting fellow. I hope he raises lots of money for this good cause . There are some good folk out there for sure. Sandy

[@WyeExplorer]

@@WiltshireMan A pleasure Sandy. Yes, let's hope he does well. There is still that connection with my bro. I'm not expecting you to understand - these are the things I see......as well as good folk. Peace!

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Hey Sandy, I wish I'd known you were doing this as I live only a few miles from the Peacehaven section of the SD trail, I'd have joined you for a section 👍

[@waynehiggs6529]

Beautiful scenery and the video work was great. I enjoyed watching that walk, what an awesome amount of trails and tracks you have traversing the country side. Congratulations on completing the journey with your friends, it looks as if you had a great time. Cheers from Australia

[@jbradshaw4236]

I wish I would have known sandy I would have met you on my local trail and cached some food and drink as a treat for you. I hope you enjoyed my county. My personal area is between Washington and Harting Hill.. The best part of the trail IMHO.

[@neilcole3406]

Inspired, thank you

[@youcanadventure2]

Tea, cake and good company what a great way to spend a week, not to mention beer and pub grub. Thanks fella, I have added this to my list of walks for next year.

[@desrynne2720]

I felt a bit worried for the chap using the tarp .Im just glad you had good weather .I did the Southdowns way with my brother a few years back .Thanks, great memories but don't remember all those pubs

[@Dustypilgrim1]

I dunno Sandy . You young buggers get all the fun ...

[@GraysOutdoors]

Hi Sandy, great to meet you on the trail. Only regret was that I didn’t interview you and your mates. Great video How was the water situation Southbound after Amberley? Graham

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Gray, it was good to meet you. Next time you can interview me:) Have you got any other long distance routes you would like to walk?

[@GraysOutdoors]

Cheers. I need to finish the SDW in the next few weeks and am very eager to do a hike to a bothy👍

[@richardfoster5851]

Thank you again sandy ,when are we going to see the boxer? And camp.🏕🏍🏍😀👍

[@crazyjcdb]

Great vid Sandy, thanks.

[@damianjones7554]

A good long hike there Sandy, and I'm sure speaking as a guy from Sussex a pleasure every step. Congratulations 😊👍

[@jameshanson1235]

Awesome walk Sandy.

[@MB-lf8rm]

I love this video. Thank you, Sandy, for taking us along on this adventure.

[@HikingWithMartin]

This was great, how much food and how much water should be carried?

[@jdhiker5576]

Brilliant guys❤💪

[@englishwoodsman]

Why am i not getting told about your uploads i have the bell on ???

[@Bexxy]

Well Done Sandy, Tony and Bill! Amazing! One day I would like to do this. 😁

[@Andyb2379]

Fantastic Sandy. It’s great to hear & see that you enjoyed the Sussex, Hampshire landscape. There are some true hidden gems here 😉. And no Sandy I’m not a lover of cows as I often get chased for some reason. 😂. Amazing achievement! Maybe one day I’ll have a crack at it myself. All the best - Andy

[@WiltshireMan]

LOL Bill told us about your aversions to cows. I reckon they must love you if they chase you:)

[@billhambelton7698]

EnglishAndy Come on Andy, put October in your diary and come with me on the West Highland Way.

[@vincefeton1432]

Great video looks like a great trip. Fancy having a go myself

[@kevandrewsoutdoors]

Could you please tell me what web site has the map of water stops on this route as I'm planning to walk it many thanks

[@WiltshireMan]

I will try and put Bill onto this for you as he is the one who found the taps but in all fairness there are so many sources of water and taps that you will not struggle.

[@billhambelton7698]

nationaltrail.co.uk pull up the leaflet section for the South Downs Way and the water stops have a pdf.

[@kevandrewsoutdoors]

@@billhambelton7698 thank you very much this will be a great help