CYCLIST'S GUIDE TO THE SOUTH DOWNS WAY
|
CYCLIST'S GUIDE TO THE SOUTH DOWNS WAY
|
|
General information Planning trip see following useful links general http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/text.asp?PageId=74 trail news eg closures, events etc http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/news.asp?PageId=3 faq http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/faq.asp?PageId=75 code of conduct http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/text.asp?PageId=77 leaflet, has distances etc http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/uploads/SDW_MBG_122009.pdf Following site has useful info on timings, distances, GPS data: http://www.southdownsdouble.net/routeinfo.html Profile, height climbed Many people do not also realise that over the 100 miles, the total of the ascents is approximately 3,555 metres or 11,660 feet, that's over '3X' three times higher than Snowdon (3560) from sea-level ! Below is a profile from west to east. The two dips to 'sea-level' are at River Arun, Amberley and the River Adur. See 'Profile' page for more detail.
Now added to Eastbourne.
So Winchester must be 41 m above sea level ! Highest point on SDW is Ditchling Beacon (248m) , though Butser Hill (270m) is highest point on South Downs, but SDW does not quite go over summit. SDW Route Below, I have tried to show the outline (reddish line) of the route to give an indication of whereabouts it is. It starts outside Winchester, and extends eastwards to Eastbourne. I have cycled all of SDW except a few miles between Devils Dyke and Ditchlng. Note 'elevation profiles' now added for whole of SDW.
MAPS Do you need a map? I like to take a map so I know where I am ! also if take wrong turning. Recently, eg at Gander Down (just east of Cheesffot Head, nr Winchester) group of cyclists and group of walkers did not do the 'dog-leg' in the field'. Harvey's map covers whole of SDW. I have put digital route on Tracklogs website rides. Ordnance Survey Maps: Explorer series 1:25,000, 4 cm: 1km, or approx. 2 1/2 inches: 1 mile. Nr.132: sections 1 & 2; Nr. 133: section 2 (there is only a very short easy stretch on this map, so not essential) Nr. 120: sections 2 to 5; Nr. 121: sections 5 to 8. Nr. 122: section 8.
Where does it start? http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/faq.asp?PageId=7&p=2 The following is extract from the 'nationtrail' website as above. 'At Winchester the terminus is the City Mill, perched over the River Itchen at the boundary of the old city. However for most purposes the statue of King Alfred makes a better landmark and photo opportunity. It's about 100m further west at the bottom of Broadway. Broadway is the eastern and downhill end of Winchester's main street, and is also where the Tourist Information Centre and bus station are located. At Eastbourne the footpath terminus is at the end of the promenade road, where the footpath to Beachy Head leaves the tarmac. The promenade (seafront) road is called "King Edwards Parade" (the B2103) - it becomes Dukes Drive at the sharp bend where the SDW leaves the road. There is a seasonal cafe and very small (usually full) car park at the start/end point of the Trail. To get there from the town centre (bus and railways station etc) just head to the seafront, turn right (west) and keep walking along the road. The SDW starts after about a mile. The bridleway route ends at Paradise Drive. ' Which direction ? eastwards or westwards ? Generally, as prevailing wind is westwards, better to travel eastwards. I have now added a page re traveling westwards. See below. http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/faq.asp?PageId=7&p=2 GATES There lots and lots of gates to open, go through and shut behind you ! See Section Info page ; from memory and map, think about 80 gates between Winchester and Eastbourne Car parks CAR PARKS: There are photos of some in the various Sections. Please email if you find now 'PAY'; also send info re other car parks. Cheesefoot Head, (2mile east of Winchester), FREE; Old Winchester Hill FREE; Butser think FREE; QEP PAY; Buriton FREE (height restrictor), Harting PAY £2 (meter now), Cocking FREE; Bignor FREE, Chantry Post FREE, Washington FREE, Devils Dyke PAY £2; Ditchling PAY £2; Alfriston 4hrs £2, all day £4. Below is a link to a map on Google 'my maps' that I have created showing location of car parks. They are approximate due lack of detail of map, so consult OS map for better placing. Hope helpful any how. BENCHES TO SIT ON: Near HMS Mercury looking to East Meon, (photo); near Buriton Hill (photo); Harting Down; tree trunks Didling. Link below to 'My Google Map' of location of benches (also shows water taps).
PUBS see 'pubs & where to stay' etc pages Milberry, (Section 1) Royal Oak, Hooksway, (just south of SDW near Beacon Hill, Harting.) |
