A walk along the South Downs Way during late September 2007, through the counties of East Sussex, West Sussex and into Hampshire. Starting at Eastbourne the route mostly follows the northern escarpment of the South Downs for 100 miles to Winchester.
It was a short final stage heading from Exton to Winchester, just 13 miles and thankfully the rain had stopped.
By the time I had got to South Harting the best of the day had seemed to have gone. The northerly wind had dropped but the rain had started. Walking on chalk with a light drizzle falling meant it became very slippery underfoot – those almost polished chalk paths that had been easy [...]
The Downs by now had lost some of their steep escarpments, and had become more wooded – thankfully providing some shelter from the north wind which was still blowing strongly. I was also glad that I had brought my hat along with me today.
The Arun Valley is the last of the 3 main rivers that are crossed along the South Downs Way. The views from the top of Highdown and Amberley Mount are superb.
It was the third day of 18 miles of walking, my legs were just about getting into a stride and I hoped not to repeat the mistake of yesterday to walk several miles further. Having diverted to the south I had missed out on the view to the north from Devil’s Dyke yesterday – [...]
It was unfortunate but I had forgotten my original map, but a new one was procured in Lewes and I was able to set off in glorious ignorance to the mistake that would cost me more than the £7 for a new map.
The views north from the top of the South Downs near Alfriston were outstanding…
I had read the book, studied the map, and planned to spend 6 days to walk the 100 miles from Eastbourne to Winchester along the South Downs Way. I was set to go…
and 
