(21st April 2016 – 20 miles) Yesterday had been a long, tiring day's walk but today would hardly be any easier. Once again I had twenty miles to conquer and once again I was marching against the clock. I'd arranged a 5pm rendezvous with my partner Jim at Pyecombe - from where he'd pick me … Continue reading The South Downs Way: Day 4 – Amberley to Pyecombe
National trail
The South Downs Way: Day 3 – South Harting to Amberley
(20th April 2016 - 20 miles + 4 additional miles) Today was my longest and toughest on the SDW and, as I'd also arranged an early supper date with my sister, I was marching against the clock too. I woke early, packed, demolished a grand breakfast, paid my bill, pulled on my Meindl boots and … Continue reading The South Downs Way: Day 3 – South Harting to Amberley
The South Downs Way: Day 2 – East Meon to South Harting
(19th April 2016 - 12 miles) After my disappointment at last night's food, I charged downstairs for some serious, no-nonsense feeding ... and this time I wasn't disappointed. The full English was generous; actually quite superb. and my liking for the 'Ye Olde George Inn' notched up two points. With a full stomach, at last, … Continue reading The South Downs Way: Day 2 – East Meon to South Harting
The South Downs Way: Day 1 – Winchester to East Meon
(18th April 2016 - 18 miles + 2 miles from my home to path's start) At 5.45am, I was repeat yawning and standing at my local railway station. I'd been awake since 4, the 100-mile train journey to Winchester would take a maddening three hours and, on arrival, I'd face an 18-mile walk. It was … Continue reading The South Downs Way: Day 1 – Winchester to East Meon
The South Downs Way
The South Downs Way is one of fifteen National Trails in England and Wales, and the one I know best. From long association, it is a personal favourite and, whilst it can't compete with the rugged beauty of say, The Cumbria Way or Hadrian's Wall Path, I think it is one of the finest paths … Continue reading The South Downs Way
The Walking Gardener 