The South Downs Way- 100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne

Having completed the coast to coast walk last year and battering my feet over almost 200 miles. I was left thinking.. “well, that’s over- what now”?
And whilst my feet were in recovery I thought about the next extended walk. Having researched KZbin I decided on this. Walking The South Downs way.
100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne . You can complete this walk in 3 days if you are that way inclined or you can be sensible and opt for a more leisurely 7+. I completed my walk in 5.5 days. 5 if you round the time down as I didn’t start the walk till just before midday on the first day.and finished just before midday on day 6.
This is shorter in distance from the C2C by 98 miles but seemed to have a little bit of everything. I was keen to see the downs in their glory and experience walking along one of the coastal paths of England. And I wasn’t disappointed! The seven sisters, birling gap, beachy head and beachy head lighthouse were magnificent on the morning I met them. Which was just as well ; as the weather for the trip was atrocious at times. I had my fair share of rain for the entire trip. Which was a stark contrast to last year at this time where I had 14 days of glorious sunshine.
This is not so much a how to walk the South Downs way national trail video. More a glimpse of my experience as well as providing some helpful tips as this walk is well signposted. To the point where you really don’t need a map at all. There are plenty of water stops along the route. And the villages are within a mile or two of the route should you wish to have a substantial meal. Other KZbin videos have come across taps that haven’t been working so to help out I have listed the working taps and stops I found in the video using what 3 words which tell you exactly where they are.
On day 1 the walk took me through chilcomb, cheesefoot head, exton, and my first view of some tumuli which are Bronze Age burial mounds. The walk is littered with them if you are into historical knowledge. All the way to my first camp at the sustainability centre.
From there I walked to Cocking and my second camp at Manor farm. My third day walking through Amberley to Washington and the Washington farm campsite. Day 4 a walk through to Pycombe and out the other side eventually taking a right down to Kingston near Lewis and my camp for the night at Housedean farm campsite. Where I treated myself to a camping pod to get out of the 4 days of rain. Day 5 was a jaunt over to Alfriston. Now it should be noted that if you are a distance person you could complete the walk. As there is only 25 miles left at this point. However I broke it up. So that by the time ( on day 6) I had left Alfriston camp site. I only had 11 miles to do. And that was the best decision as the sun was out for my walk along the chalk cliffs of the seven sisters country park. Eventually reaching my destination in Eastbourne.
This route is a pleasant one. When the weather is glorious it is beautiful. I had tiny glimpses of that between the gaps in the rain. When it does rain…. It rains! So be prepared. Also the ground is some of the most unforgiving on the feet I’ve ever encountered. Whilst mainly flat ; due to the chalk and cobbles etc the ground is very very hard. My ankles do not like me at all. So again be warned! Also that chalk when wet becomes very very slippery. And last but not least. Whilst you are not gaining heights to the extent of kidsty pike for instance in Lake District. In order to get to the top of some of the climbs the gradient goes on and on and on for ages.
Wild camping is an option btw. But I chose not to as the camp sites along the route are very reasonably priced.
I had a blast on this walk. And I urge you to have a go. If you are new to long distance walking then the South Downs is a good enough place to start. And for those more experienced. Whilst a shorter distance; is still challenging enough. The views alone are worth the foot ache!
Filmed on: DJI Osmo pocket, DJI action 2, Gopro hero 8
Music
All tracks on the accompanying videos are courtesy of Epidemic sound. This is a paid subscription catalogue for members. The content is not available outside of a paid subscription.
1- Jakarta - Bonsaye
2- Mumbai- Ooyy
3- Like Mermaids- Roof,Milva
4- Melancholy - Ooyy
5- Into the Blue-Luwaks
6- Wansui- Oliver Michael
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[@debsmostexcellentadventure5353]

I really enjoyed this video,very well done debs xx ......

[@thecowboycamper1195]

@debsmostexcellentadventure5353 :Thanks so much 😊. Really glad you enjoyed the content. Really appreciate the feedback.

[@debsmostexcellentadventure5353]

@@thecowboycamper1195 my pleasure you have a lovely channel debs xx

[@thecowboycamper1195]

@debsmostexcellentadventure5353 thank you🤗

[@debsmostexcellentadventure5353]

@@thecowboycamper1195 have a lovely sunny weekend debs xx

[@thecowboycamper1195]

🤗

[@Tom-xd1cm]

Thank you, loved the video ... 👍

[@thecowboycamper1195]

That’s great to hear. Thank you very much for watching and taking time out to comment.

[@bangyai3194]

Great video. Very well put together and highly watchable. Glad you showed places of historical interest instead of just blasting through with your face buried in the selfie camera like a few others have done. Thanks for sharing .

[@thecowboycamper1195]

@bangyai3194 : really glad you enjoyed this video. Thank you for taking time out to comment. I do try and do things slightly different to other content out there. So really happy that is striking a chord. Thanks again for watching.

[@Jake2009leeds]

Great video and lots of useful information, thanks!

[@thecowboycamper1195]

Jake2009leeds: Glad it was of use. Thanks for watching.

[@ervinslens]

Brilliant editing my friend, you definitely know how to capture atmosphere.

[@thecowboycamper1195]

That’s very kind of you to say. Thank you. And thank you for taking the time watch and comment.

[@Gez-C]

I’ve just discovered your channel, it’s great to watch your videos, really well edited! I live on the South Downs and love running along them

[@thecowboycamper1195]

Gez Man: Thank you for stumbling across my content. Always nice to hear that the efforts are appreciated. I can’t say I’d be running the South Downs anytime soon! The ground didn’t do my ankles any good at all lol! Thanks again.

[@andrewrawlance6651]

Many thanks for sharing your video with us, shame the weather was not kinder to you. Well done.

[@thecowboycamper1195]

Andrew Rawlance: whilst it rained on me every day (and ridiculous rain at that)! There were moments as you saw when the weather was out of this world. I had an absolute blast doing the walk. And may in the future do it again …. But this time in glorious sunshine! My next long distance walk will be back in Scotland no doubt. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment.

[@stewarthollingsworth200]

What a great video off you south downs way walk ,,not just your walk but the great information you gave us all on the tent pitch prices and local campsites where to stop eat ect ,one off the best videos I have seen,,fantastic bud ,, came back from 220 miles Southwest coastal Path myself last year,,back again in June this year 2024 ,,also I am doing South Downs way in May this year as to try out some gear for my return to South west path ,,once again brilliant video Thanks that’s helpful to my preparation for the South Downs way ,,all the very Best Stewart Devizes Wiltshire,,🏃‍♂️⛺️👍👍

[@thecowboycamper1195]

@stewarthollingsworth200 : Really glad that my Video was of some use to you. I had a blast. Even though the weather wasn’t the greatest. It’s always good when people find some value in my trips. You seem to be a decent walker yourself. The SWC path is something on my list. Not sure if I will get it done this year. But it’s a definite one for me to tick off. Thanks again for watching.And good luck with your trips.

[@seancashin6135]

New subscriber here. Just watched your SDW vid and loved it. Thanks mate. I did the walk many years ago and stopped in b&bs in the villages, mainly because of my penchant for a country pub! Looking forward to the C2C vid next.

[@thecowboycamper1195]

@seancashin6135 : Thanks for watching and thank you for the sub. Really glad you enjoyed the SDW. I hope the C2C is as pleasing. I’m currently editing both my west highland way and Hebridean way trips. So they should be out at some point. Thanks again.

[@bethiakittify]

Excellent vlog, as always. Such a shame you had so much rain, but the beauty of the landscape shone through. Good to see the What Three Words locations throughout. You are inspirational - carry on walking!

[@thecowboycamper1195]

Katy Jordan: such kind words. I do my best and I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Just trying out some new bits with the w3w. So if it is useful I shall carry in with it. Thank you again for watching. I have my NC500 trip waiting to be edited. So hopefully that will be uploaded soon.

[@marobbo1821]

Another top vlog my friend….

[@thecowboycamper1195]

Marobbo 18: I really appreciate the comments. Thank you.

[@callanist]

Really enjoyed this video record of your epic walk along the South Downs - a great shame the weather wasn't more kind, but you made the most. Thank you for sharing your experience & insights, the W3W references were very useful, and your whole outlook refreshing - looking forward to seeing more of your adventures!

[@thecowboycamper1195]

Clive Abraham: thank you for watching and taking time out to comment. Really glad that my account was useful. With regards the weather. Of course I would have loved the same experience as the coast to coast I did. But each walk I do should be different in some way. It was still massively enjoyable. Many more adventures to come! Thanks again. 🤗

[@leegripton5049]

Thanks mate I enjoyed that with a large G n T. Looks like a cracking part of the country

[@thecowboycamper1195]

Cheers Lee. Thanks for your support. It was a great experience…… rain and all!

[@MikeSmith777]

Really dont know why I didn't subscribe after your CtoC video, (rectified that now), came across this, due to my intention of completing this walk in May 2023, and knew that it would be worth watching, it didn't disappoint. Looking forward to watching your future adventures, Atb.

[@thecowboycamper1195]

Mike Smith: Thanks for returning! And thank you for subscribing. It is very much appreciated. I hope the video was of some use of you plan to do this in May. (Good luck on that trip). I am just editing my NC500 trip which should be ready soon. I do plan on doing another long walk around the same time you are on the downs. Thank you once again.

[@mattwu7884]

Walked it last summer. Was supper hot. Some parts of the route are beautiful. However quite a large part of it was just grinding. Love the pink pit stop on the way for a break for coffee. 😄

[@thecowboycamper1195]

@mattwu7884 : glad you had better weather! In truth I loved the whole experience. Who knows?! I might do it again. Thanks for watching.

[@mattwu7884]

@@thecowboycamper1195 I think it was too hot to be honest. Remember it was like 34 something degree and need to walk that for 8 hours +a day. Tried Cleveland way. I did part of it few weeks ago. Way more beautiful.

[@thecowboycamper1195]

@mattwu7884 : I shall try the Cleveland way in the future. I’m just editing my west highland way and Hebridean way vids. Both great walks.

[@MarionDawe]

Thanks for telling us the path conditions under foot....very usefull..hardly anyone does that.

[@thecowboycamper1195]

@MarionDawe Thank you for watching and taking time out to comment. Really appreciated. I try to be as helpful as I can when I’m out doing these walks. So I’m really happy that you have got some use from the content.

[@grahamparsons2642]

Very well done, loved this video. Im doing the South Downs on 22nd May and you have aided my conquest.

[@thecowboycamper1195]

Graham Parsons: Glad you liked the video. Really happy it’s helped you in some way. Hope you have glorious time on the walk. Let me know how it goes!

[@TheWalkingKev]

Great video as usual. Looks a good trail this one with lots of facilities along the way. Shame the weather was pretty grim at times, but that heightens the good days.

[@thecowboycamper1195]

@TheWalkingKev : In all honesty. I actually loved this walk. Despite my protestations! It’s one I’d do again. I’m currently uploading my West Highland Way at the moment. But it’s taking some time. Spookily enough I was actually watching your channel a few days ago. I’ve subscribed.

[@TheWalkingKev]

@@thecowboycamper1195 random! I was going to ask what walks you were currently editing. I've got a bit of a project burning away in the background, but it's going to take until mid next year to complete. I'd like to do more long hikes.

[@thecowboycamper1195]

@TheWalkingKev : west highland way which right now is 50% uploaded. And in the next few weeks I hope to have edited my Hebridean way walk. That one was epic!

[@TheWalkingKev]

@@thecowboycamper1195 sounds good I look forward to watching them.

[@tomsco7]

Brilliant video mate

[@thecowboycamper1195]

That’s very kind of you to say! Thank you very much for watching and taking the time to make contact. Really appreciated.

[@stuartb9194]

I just finished the trail, lucky to have had better weather though. Great video, something a bit different and calm vibe 👍

[@thecowboycamper1195]

@stuartb9194. Thanks for watching. And thank you for you comments. Congrats on completing your walk. I will soon be putting out my West highland way walk. Haven’t got round to editing yet! I’m going to attempt the Hebridean way in a couple of weeks so should be epic.

[@melaniegarden3416]

Beautifully done! Really nice. Heading out in a few weeks to complete this!

[@thecowboycamper1195]

Melanie Garden: Really glad you enjoyed it thank you. Hope you have better weather than I did. But even if you don’t. Make sure you enjoy the experience.

[@MsCheesemonster13]

Your videos are absolutely stunning - real works of art. I’m so glad I stumbled across your channel 😅

[@thecowboycamper1195]

MsCheesemonster13: very kind of you to say. Really pleased you are enjoying the videos.

[@kamon830]

Just finished the south downs walk over a few weekends and enjoyed your video you captured all the good bits , its a great walk i have done a coast to coast myself a little bit different to yours east to west from Ramsgate along the pilgrims way to Winchester then onto Salisbury, Stonehenge , Glastonbury , Mendip way , Western Super mare , i did this over sections and one you might enjoy ....

[@thecowboycamper1195]

Kamon830: congratulations on completing your walk. Doing a section walk is a good way of doing it. It’s something I may think about on some of the longer trips I have in mind. I’ve not thought about the pilgrims way. So that’s something I will look at. Thank-you for the idea. And thanks for watching and commenting.

[@kamon830]

@@thecowboycamper1195 Thank you and the same to you . There are some great walks and hills on the pilgrims way , North downs is part of it similar to the south but different views lots of history along the way . i shall watch a few more of your vids .

[@thecowboycamper1195]

@@kamon830 then I shall add it to my list of to do's

[@sinbadwilmot417]

Nice video! I am in the process of walking this in stages, sadly I don't get enough time to do a through hike at the moment. I recommend the Cotswold Way, Ridgeway and Hadrian's wall path too. And if you make it to my neck of the woods, the Wicklow Way.

[@thecowboycamper1195]

@sinbadwilmot417 : Thank you for your recommendations. I do plan to do the Cotswolds way at some point this year. Along with some other projects. Doing a walk in stages is a good thing to do. Especially if time is an issue. Cheers for watching and taking time to comment.

[@damien2655]

Hi how long did it take from Winchester to Exton

[@thecowboycamper1195]

@damien2655 : I honestly cant remember. However I walk at a pace of 3mph at my quickest. The distance to Exton I believe is about 10-11miles so it would have taken me around 4hrs to 4.5hrs with stops. It all depends on what your personal pace is.

[@steveparkinson8887]

When u put info on screen, maybe keep it there a wee bit longer, loved ur vid but a bit too fast at times, all the best

[@thecowboycamper1195]

@steveparkinson8887 thanks for the comments. All taken on board and fully appreciated. These videos are a learning process for me as I’m self taught. Really happy to hear any critique that will make the content better. Glad you enjoyed it.