Riding the South Downs Way

Toffee44

Toffee44

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Has anyone ridden the South Downs Way. From Eastbourne to Winchester? or the other way round?

How much was it in terms of places to stop? where did you stop? Would prob just want turnout.
Got any tips or pieces of advice?

Me and my friend are normally happy hackers and have decided that this might be a good aim for us and our horses next summer (im on a hackney x welsh and shes on a Arab).

Any experience or advice would be gratefull :D and if anyone wants to join in your more than welcome.
 
Hi, I have not ridden the SD way all in one go but parts of it as my horse was liveried within hacking distance. I have boxed over to the Eastbourne end which in my opinion is the best end as there are some fantastic long canters and a lot more grass in that direction , compared to where we are (petersfield way) which is a lot more stony. I have probably ridden half of it all together, and from the bits I can remember, there are a few road crossings, some of which are busy roads, a couple of tricky gates etc and the occasional tap if you ned to stop for water. there are usually water troughs as well through some of the downs for sheep and cattle.
 
See FAQ: What about riding the South Downs Way on a horse:

http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/southdowns/faq.asp?PageId=7

The accommodation guide lists places where horse and rider can stay:

http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/southdowns/sites.asp?PageId=40

Free download for accommodation: http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/uploads/SDW_Accommodation_Guide_final_2010.pdf

A list of horse box parking and water points is available on this site under publications/downloads or you can get a printed version from the Trail Officer.
 
Oh holly you are good. :D

Wanna join in, my horses should be in Singleton, west sussex next year and my friend coming up from Kent so you can hitch a ride with her??

Might have to start a South Downs ride fund though :(
 
It's definitely the sort of thing that me and my girl enjoy. This summer we did the Penshurst 20 mile endurance ride, Great Chart Happy Hack (thanks Benson), the Morghew Farm Ride and we've also ridden around Bewl Water and Bedgebury Forest.

Not bad for a couple of oldies :)

How about a H&H trail ride?
 
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