Hiking The South Downs Way - Tips and advice.

My tips from what I learned hiking the South Downs Way recently, mainly advice on - Food, water, camping and footwear.

[@graemer3657]

Thanks for the video - comes across as really honest, like your other videos.

[@gw01walker]

Hi Am looking to do this walk in a few weeks in early march 2023. Had to leave you a comment after seeing your video and then going through a number of your other vids, GREAT! I really liked your approach, the way you present and of course the content. Obviously I've now subscribed so looking forward seeing new stuff from you. Keep it up!

[@jamesoutdoors.6450]

Thank you, enjoy the hike.

[@threeblokesgo...]

Good tips. Thanks for the upload. New subscriber here! I did the SDW last year. There's a rather long vid about it on my channel. You're absolutely right about the water taps too. Often there'll be at least 1 or 2 that aren't working so don't rely on them. I would add that you can use a water filter in a cow trough in a pinch BUT ideally one where you can access the ball cock to trigger the running water rather than the stagnant stuff. The cow trough at Chanctonbury Ring is always a good reliable one for that when the official SDW tap at Washington is broken - which it was for us when we did it last June.

[@sebwilson8325]

Thanks for the info regarding the taps

[@Deadushka99]

This is helpful. Thank you.

[@ProcyonAlpha]

Thanks for advice, planning on doing in June this year. The pot noodle is a good tip!

[@jamesroche2082]

Great review, honest information. Most channels put out propoganda to boost their likes etc. But it is refreshing to see a straight forward no nonsense take. Well done

[@jamesoutdoors.6450]

Thank you, I don't do videos for hits or links, just to help with what I experienced on the hike.

[@TimmyBobinson]

@JAMES What size pack would you recommend to carry everything you need for the trip? (food diversions if required.) How many days food did you carry at the start of the journey? Thanks.

[@neovo903]

Would you say the hills in the SDW comparable to Bannau Brycheiniog?

[@franholder5211]

Thank you for the video, priceless advice! Do you think it would be feasible to wild camp in a hammock? Looks like there’s not a lot of tree cover but thought I’d ask someone who’s actually been there 😅

[@jamesoutdoors.6450]

Thank you, no not much in the way of trees so I would recommend a light mattress.

[@RogerHolden]

What do you look for in a good wild camping spot on the SDW? Well hidden? how far off the path?

[@TimmyBobinson]

Food / energy estimates. For each hour you are hiking, you will need approximately 300Kcals in addition to your "base metabolic rate" this is how much energy you need if you were to lay on the couch all day. There are many calculators online to find your BMR. (~15Kcals per pound of body weight) Most adult men will need 3000-3500Kcals for each day. Those dehydrated meals are usually 350-450Kcals each. Do the math.

[@mphunty]

Great series of vids! how does the difficulty compare to the Two Moors Way? Just completed the Two Moors so looking for the next adventure. Looks like you have the same issue with the chest strap coming detached on the Osprey as I have had.

[@jamesoutdoors.6450]

Hi Mark. It's no more challenging than the two moors way so you should be fine, make sure you stock up with supplies though. Ye, its impossible to get that chest clip back on!

[@thomaspal1]

Did you book the camp sites online? Do have site names for them please

[@jamesoutdoors.6450]

Ye online, first site was the sustainability centre and the second was Littleton farm.