After mulling over which long-distance path to walk for my 2017 hiking holiday, I decided to revisit my first love, The Ridgeway. I first attempted to walk all of this path in 1981, failed, but then succeeded the following year. And if, as a newbie, I had found both experiences challenging, it also hooked me … Continue reading The Ridgeway
22nd April 2016 (15 miles + 1 mile) The sun absolutely refused to shine today but, given the good weather I'd enjoyed since Winchester, it would be unreasonable to grumble. I grumbled unreasonably. You see, today's walk would lead me along a stretch of the South Downs Way I know very well and I wanted … Continue reading The South Downs Way: Day 5 – Pyecombe to Southease
(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
(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
(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
