Practical guidebooks for the more adventurous traveller.
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South Downs Way

South Downs Way

Excerpt:
Using this guide


Contents list | Introduction | About the South Downs Way | Practical information for the walker | Itineraries | Using this guide | Sample route guide and maps: Exton to Buriton | Stage map and profile: Winchester to Exton


USING THIS GUIDE

This route guide has been divided according to logical start and stop points. However, these are not intended to be strict daily stages since people walk at different speeds and have different interests. The maps can be used to plan how far to walk each day but note that these are walking times only (see box below).
    The route summaries describe the trail between significant places and are written as if walking the path from west to east. To enable you to plan your own itinerary practical information is presented clearly on the trail maps. This includes walking times for both directions, places to stay, camp and eat, as well as shops where you can buy supplies. Further service details are given in the text under the entry for each place.
    For map profiles see the colour pages at the end of the book. For an overview of this information see itineraries on pp28-34 and the village and town facilities table on pp30-1.

TRAIL MAPS

Scale and walking times  [see map key, p191]
The trail maps are to a scale of 1:20,000 (1cm = 200m; 31/8 inches = one mile). Walking times are given along the side of each map and the arrow shows the direction to which the time refers. Black triangles indicate the points between which the times have been taken. See note below on walking times.
    The time-bars are a tool and are not there to judge your walking ability. There are so many variables that affect walking speed, from the weather conditions to how many beers you drank the previous evening. After the first hour or two of walking you will see how your speed relates to the timings on the maps.

 

 

Up or down?
The trail is shown as a dashed line. An arrow across the trail indicates the gradient; two arrows show that it’s steep. Note that the arrow points uphill, the opposite of what OS maps use on steep roads. A good way to remember our style is: ‘front-pointing on crampons up a steep slope’ and ‘open arms – Julie Andrews-style – spreading out to unfold the view down below’. If, for example, you are walking from A (at 80m) to B (at 200m) and the trail between the two is short and steep it would be shown thus: A— — — >> — — – B. Reversed arrow heads indicate downward gradient.

Accommodation
Apart from in large towns where some selection of places has been necessary, almost every place to stay that is within easy reach of the trail is marked. Details of each place are given in the accompanying text.
    For B&B-style accommodation the number and type of rooms is given after each entry: S = single room (one single bed), T = twin room (two single beds), D = double room (one double bed), Tr = triple room (three single beds or one double and one single), F = family room (usually a double and bunk beds, or a double and two singles). Thus family rooms can usually also be used as a double or twin.
    Unless otherwise stated rates quoted are per room based on two people sharing a room for a one-night stay; rates are usually discounted for longer stays. Where a single room (sgl) is available the rate for that is quoted if different from the rate per person. The rate for single occupancy (sgl occ) of a double/twin may be higher, and the rate for three or more sharing a family room may be lower. Single room and where relevant single occupancy rates are also provided. At some places the only option is a room rate; this will be based on two people sharing. Many places either do not accept single-night bookings at peak times or they charge extra for them. Most B&Bs don’t accept credit/debit cards but some guesthouses and hotels do.
    The text also mentions whether the premises have wi-fi (wi-fi); if a bath is available (?) for at least one room; and whether dogs (?) are welcome. Most places will not take more than one dog in a room and also accept them subject to prior arrangement. Some make an additional charge (usually per night but occasionally per stay) while others may require a deposit which is refundable if the dog doesn’t make a mess.

GPS waypoints
The numbered GPS waypoints refer to the list on pp183-6.

Other features
Features are marked on the map when pertinent to navigation. In order to avoid cluttering the maps and making them unusable not all features have been marked each time they occur.

 

South Downs Way

Excerpts:

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