BWs walk the South Downs Way, Part 1, 12mi moderate/challenging BOOKING REQUIRED

This 12-mile linear walk from Winchester follows the first section of the South Downs Way to Exton, and is the first part in a series of walks over the coming months to walk the complete route.

This walk will be led by Robyn.

Advance booking is required for this walk, which is limited to 26 people. This is now handled by marking yourself as attending here on Meetup. Please do not turn up without booking your space by doing so, only sign up if you intend to come, and cancel in good time if you can no longer attend so that someone else can take your place.

Please see our website for more information about the group.

Pace: medium. Ascent: 295m.

Walk details

We will begin at the starting point of the South Downs Way in the heart of Winchester. The first leg of the walking route takes us past Winchester Cathedral and out of the city, through the quaint village of Chilcomb. Once out of the city the trail is straight into gently rolling countryside with a mix of large arable fields, hedgerows and pasture. After Chilcomb we will begin the first small climb to Cheesefoot Head – a beautiful spot with spectacular views out towards the Solent and the Isle of Wight. The route then descends down into Exton where this first stretch of the Way ends with a pub stop at The Shoe Inn.

This is part of a series of walks where the Berkshire Walkers will be covering the South Downs Way in weekend sections in 2024.

Please note: there is no public transportation from the end point in the village of Exton. It is a 20-minute ride by taxi back to Winchester train station, or you may organise your own accommodation overnight if you wish to join for Day 2!

Travel details

By public transport

From Reading, take the 09:10 train to Basingstoke (arriv. 09:37), change and get the 09:49 train to Winchester (arriv. 10:04) - 54 mins

From Wokingham, take the 08:46 train to Reading and follow the transport detail as above.

From Didcot, take the 08:45 train to Reading and follow the transport detail as above.

Please note: there is no public trainsport at the end of this walk in Exton. You will need to get a taxi back to Winchester or organise your own accommodation if staying overnight for Part 2 on Sunday.

By car

You may park in Winchester at the start of the route. As this is a linear walk, you will need to get a taxi back from Exton at the end.

Notes

• Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
• It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
• Please contact the leader directly if you are delayed on the day or can't find the group (find contact details on our website). We are unlikely to respond to Meetup comments or messages sent on the day of the walk in enough time to be helpful.