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Looking at clearing my head in the warmer weather and doing a bit of a 'mini-epic'/overnighter. I won't have my car for the weekend in question and was thinking of doing the south downs way, as I live to the south of Guildford, circa 15 miles north from SDW.
Easy carless option would do train from Guildford to Winchester, Sat am and train from Eastbourne to Guildford Sun pm, back via London. Any other route options which would be better/more interesting?
I did 85 miles of the SDW a couple of years back (got rained off in Lewes, before we made Eastbourne), but generally really enjoyed it (obviously will be different solo, rather than with a good group of mates).
Any suggestions welcome.
How about starting at Combe Gibbet (Berks/Hants/Wilts border) and following the ridge (Wayfarer's Walk) SW via Watership Down. Lots of opportunities to continue further, perhaps towards Winchester.
Edit: train to Reading then change for train to Hungerford. Nice climb to the ridge.
Do a rectangular ride based on the NDW, Downs Link, SDW, and the nascent Shipwright's Way (Buriton to Alice Holt).
cycle around the isle of wight (I have a 100km route which you can easily add to).
off road and goes to all the corners. sounds like just the ticket for clearing your head.
more fun than the sdw.
speak to rewski :
http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/north-downs-way-betchworth-1
(he is trying a version of off the brakes plan)
I'm doing the NDW from Woldingham - Guildford - Downslink - Shoreham-by-Sea - Eastbourne via SDW, I'll probably divert some of the NDW thanks to some routes the kind gents on STW supplied. I've only got a day so will just see how far I can get, then pick up a train to Eastbourne if I bail. You could do Guildford to Eastbourne, stay over then have a play over at Friston Forest on Day two, then train home, or ride?
Happy to help with routes Eastbourne end.
Thanks all for the advice. I will get out the maps and go over them with a cold beer.
I have done part of the downs link and it does appeal making it into part of a larger loop, so that could be an good option. The thought of being able to cut out part/all of the train travel appeals, but completing the total sdw would also feel good, although parts of it are a bit dull.
I should imagine being out on the downs today would be pretty awesome though.