After not being able to hike for most of 2020, I promptly decided to walk a National Trail not far from London. I walked the 100 mile South Downs Way in less than 5 days in late Summer and although it didn’t include the dramatic views of granite mountainscapes and blue alpine lakes I was craving, I enjoyed the comfortable hilly walk through South England.
The entire trip was improvised: I brought with me a pile of awkward gear, as most of my equipment was waiting for me in another country. The nights were cold and the ground hard, but the days were warm and sunny. I wild camped along the way and didn’t visit one pub.
Scroll down for blog posts on planning, gear and the hike itself.
Plus my first ever hiking video!
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Start date + point: 11 September 2020, Winchester
Finish date + point: 15 September 2020, Eastbourne
Total distance walked: 162 km / 101 mi
Total days: 5 (the first and last were half days)
Average distance per day: 32.5 km / 20.2 mi
Longest day: Day two – 57.2 km / 35.5 mi, when I failed to find a camp spot
Resupplies: 1, in Upper Beeding
Best trail feature: Water taps!
Scariest animal on trail: Cows
Cutest animal on trail: A fluffy caterpillar
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BEFORE THE HIKE
South Downs Way : Planning a 100 Mile Walk
GEAR
The Worst Gear List for Stealth Camping on the South Downs Way
DAY TO DAY BLOG
Five Days of Solo Wild Camping on the South Downs Way
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VIDEO
The South Downs Way is the first hike where I filmed myself and edited the footage into a little video. You can watch it here or head to my YouTube channel. Be nice! Filming is awkward. Watching myself even more so.
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