BWs walk the South Downs Way, Part 2, 13 miles, challenging (BOOKING REQUIRED)

This 13-mile linear hilly walk from Exton to Buriton follows the South Downs Way and is Part 2 in a series of walks covering the complete SDW in 2024.

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: 490m.

Walk details

We will begin our walk where we left off yesterday, at The Shoe Inn in Exton. No time for a sit down yet though, this stretch of the route covers all the hills which we will need to climb first. The first hill is Old Winchester Hill, then Salt Hill and finally Butser Hill. The views of this section are a highlight of the South Downs Way which will hopefully compensate the challenging ascent. Towards the end we will go through Queen Elizabeth Country Park, where there is a visitor centre and café. As we exit the park, we will reach the end of this stretch in Buriton!

Travel details

By public transport

If you are leaving Reading, please get the 07:37 train, changing at Basingstoke (08:03), then take the 08:48 train to Winchester (arriv. 09:07). You will need to get a taxi from Winchester to the start location in Exton (20 mins by taxi) or organise a car share.

The walk leader will be organising own accommodation for Saturday 29th (following Part 1) to avoid having to get public transport to the start location. There are a number of B&Bs and campsites in proximity to Exton.

Please note: there is no public transport in Buriton (the end point). The closest train station is Petersfield (2.8 miles from end point). There is the option of sharing a short taxi ride to Petersfield with other group members or continue on further after some refreshments (if our legs allow us!), to catch a train back home.

There is an hourly train from Petersfield back to Reading. Take the 17:04 train back to Reading (arriv.18:23) with a change in Guildford or the 18:04 train (arriv. 19:23)

By car

Please park responsibly in the village. As this is a linear walk, you will need to take a taxi back to your car at the end of the walk.

Alternatively, take a taxi ride from the end point in Buriton or Petersfield to get to the start location, Exton.

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.