section of a route really qualifies as a ‘road’ or not!
The route descriptions are detailed and map references are given where opportunities for uncertainty with route-finding occur. Once you have ridden the routes a couple of times they will become more familiar and you can spend less time with your nose in this book! Like following recipes from a cookery book, interpreting these routes in your own way and indulging in a spot of improvisation will adapt them to your own taste.
Although the routes in this guide incorporate the most up-to-date Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 mapping available at the time of publication, it is recommended that you also carry the relevant OS map sheets. You may also wish to carry a GPS as a further guide to navigation. Should you get lost or want to find railway stations, pubs, car parks or villages that are off the route, they will allow you to see the wider context.
THE SOUTH DOWNS WAY NATIONAL TRAIL
West to East – Winchester to Eastbourne
Climbing Bourne Hill (Day 3; photo: Andy Dodd)
The South Downs Way
| Start | Winchester |
| Finish | Eastbourne |
| Distance | 160km (100miles) |
The 160km (100-mile) SDW route is set out below in three day stages between 46.5km and 61km in length. These stages are intended as a guide that is very much open to adaptation – subject to your preferred way of tackling the route. You might want to take more or less time to complete the route; you might want to do it all in one go over the course of one, two, three or more days or you might prefer to complete stages at different times.
The length of stages you ride is contingent on several factors: your fitness; available time; the time of year, weather and ground conditions; transport links and where you choose to stay (see Appendix A for camping and accommodation). If attempting to complete the route in two days, Amberley is roughly halfway, has good train links, pubs and a campsite at nearby Houghton Farm. You will, however, have the tougher of the two days to come if riding west to east (there is no law against riding east to west, but you will be against the prevailing winds). Riding as far as Truleigh Hill YHA (101.5km) gets you well on the way, with a tough 56.5km to Eastbourne to tackle the following day. A four-day itinerary might be approximately: day 1: Winchester to Queen Elizabeth Country Park (QECP) (next to the A3); day 2: QECP to Amberley; day 3: Amberley to Housedean Farm (on the A27 between Brighton and Lewes); day 4: Housedean Farm to Eastbourne.
There are plenty of pubs, quite a few cafés (listed at the beginning of route descriptions) and sufficient water points (see Appendix B) along or near the SDW. However, make sure you have plenty of water and high-energy snacks with you. Make sure also that you have adequate clothing, tools (including spare inner tubes, a pump and puncture repair kit), maps (or GPS) and a first aid kit. A mobile phone is invaluable in an emergency (see the equipment section above).
The beech trees near Cheesefoot Head (Day 1)
ROUTE 1
South Downs Way: Day One – Winchester to Cocking
| Start | Winchester train station SU 478 300 |
| Finish | Cocking Hilltop car park SU 875 167 |
| Distance | 56.5km (35 miles); 61km (38 miles), via Old Winchester Hill |
| On Road | 16.75km (10½ miles); 16.75km (10½ miles) |
| Off Road | 39.75km (24½ miles); 44.25km (27½ miles) |
| Percent Off Road | 70% |
| Ascent | 1295m (4250ft); via Old Winchester Hill 1370m (4495ft) |
| Grade | hard |
| Time | 4hrs 30mins–5hrs 30mins |
| Pub | Various in Winchester; The Bluebell at Cocking |
| Café | Various in Winchester; QECP café; Moonlight Cottage at Cocking |
Overview
The terrain at the start of the South Downs Way (SDW), particularly between Winchester and the Meon Valley, is considerably gentler than the more hilly country encountered further east, easing the mountain biker in at the beginning of this long distance, off-road epic. This first day’s route is marginally longer than the following day and arguably that bit easier. However, it should not be underestimated. Climbs include the steep (on-road) then steady (off-road) pull up from Chilcomb to Cheesefoot Head near the start; a tough, steep climb from Coombe Cross to Salt Hill; a long, steady ascent through Queen Elizabeth Country Park (QECP); a fairly steep, steady climb through woodland around Tower Hill and a steep ascent on chalk track to Philliswood Down. The variant route includes Old Winchester Hill, which is a stop-start sort of climb and the final 200m are a killer. The route traverses some fine countryside, with great views south to the Solent and the Isle of Wight near the beginning, and north across the Low Weald, especially from Butser Hill (270m) – the highest point on the South Downs. The route follows a combination of well-maintained bridleways, byways and minor roads and conditions are generally excellent, although some farm tracks can get a bit churned up in wet weather. There are several pubs, cafés and water points at intervals along the route (see map). Many sections of the SDW are popular with mountain bikers, walkers, horse riders and other users – slow down and give way.
Directions
1 From Winchester train station head
