South Downs Way 24

Day 1 -July 5th

Off to Winchester on the train and some hard navigation to actually find the start of the South Downs Way. A pleasant walk by a river before heading out of town.

Felt a bit of pressure today as I didn’t start until 12.30.

Once out of the city and over the M3 there were more open views and great walking conditions. However the skies did look a bit turbulent! After the village of Chilcombe and the edge of Cheesefoot Hill the landscape became much more interesting with a large bowl formed probably by glacial movement but now used as a festival site. However it was once used for Eisenhower to talk to American troops.

The predominant crop around here seemed to be oats and they did look very healthy considering the strange climate this summer.

I always like spotting Victorian post boxes. Not sure at that point I really wished to be reminded that I had 98.5 miles to go! Paths were good and well signed as I began to get used to my pack – it’s heaviness when just lifting it is well dissipated once it’s on my back.

The walls and houses are often showing the use of the local building material – flint. I have always enjoyed seeing the ranges of vernacular architecture.

Just after the ‘festival’ bowl was a wonderful avenue – clearly planted and would have been important at a certain time in history.

Up and over Gander Down and then quite a long stretch which was pleasant landscape but not much happening. Met two ladies who caught me up whilst I was trying to decide on the nature of a crop in a farmer’s field. They didn’t know either but one did recommend that the pizza was very good where I was staying the night- always good to have local information!

Beginning to see some good wild flowers – that are not the crop!

New shower proof jacket which started to be tested – luckily sufficient wind to dry it again. Next shower heavier but I managed to shelter under a tree- well nearly. Onward and eventually had to give in to the waterproof.

The SDW website allows 12 miles for the stretch to Exton. I done a little more than that as I hit this tucked away village, the path seemed to have alternatives , ‘temporary route’, lucky as that was where I was going to Meonstoke and my pub for the night. This village looked a little more lively.

I had said I might not arrive until seven but was there earlier but rather bedraggled.

Very comfortable bed, excellent pizza made to order and a very lively Friday night pub- talk of the village fete the next day – some excellent people watching.

I slept very well considering it had been the general election the day before. I had restrained myself and gone to bed at 1.30 and only woke up twice to check results! Not the ideal preparation for a long walk!