LIMITED: The BWs walk the South Downs Way, Part 1: Winchester to Exton, 12 miles, moderate/challenging

Calendar

When:

June 29, 2024 @ 10:30 am – 5:30 pm

2024-06-29T10:30:00+01:00

2024-06-29T17:30:00+01:00

Where:

Winchester Train Station
Winchester SO23 8TJ
UK

Cost:

Free

Contact:

Robyn

07710240254

Walk

Booking Required Limited Spaces (26) Linear medium pace moderate/challenging public transport South Downs Way Walk

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.

Booking is required for this walk, which is limited to 26 walkers. Please book your place via Meetup.

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 feel free to contact the leader with queries about the walk, or if you are delayed on the day.

Booking onto a walk

Most walks do not require advance booking, and you can just turn up on the day. We encourage those comfortable with Meetup to indicate there that you plan to come though, so that others can see there will be plenty of people there – this really helps to encourage new members to come along.
For the few which still have limited numbers, this is handled via Meetup. Follow the link to a walk’s Meetup page (or press 🎟 Register / 🎟 Tickets / 🎟), and mark yourself as attending.
Social and other events may have their own booking system – please see the event description.

Pace Guide

Gentle: led at a gentle pace with regular short breaks for water or rest. Should be suitable for anyone capable of the distance. (Expect 2–2.5 mph.)
Medium: led at an intermediate pace with fewer breaks but still suitable for most walkers. (Expect 2.5–3 mph.)
Fast: led at a quick pace with minimal breaks. May be a challenge for those with less fitness. (Expect 3 mph+.)

Speeds quoted are only a rough guide, including time spent on short water/rest stops and negotiating stiles/gates/roads etc. but not that spent on longer lunch or pub stops.