The route begins at Sherborne in Dorset, reached from London by train. A first overnight there will allow time to explore and to relax before the journey.
From Sherborne the route crosses the North Dorset countryside passing through little-known villages to reach the old town of Shaftesbury, then picks up an ancient ridge-top trackway along the Wessex Downs, passing above regimental badges carved in the chalk before descending into Salisbury.
The longest day of the trip follows, as the route takes on parts of the Clarendon Way footpath, tracing an old Roman road which leads – very straight – to Winchester.
Winchester was the starting point for the Pilgrim Walk of 2023, but this time instead of heading north-east, the route finds the South Downs Way and heads south-east, over the first hints of the chalk downs to come to East Meon. While the South Downs Way is 100 miles long, the route is longer, deviating to find available accommodation.
The general trace of the South Downs Way takes the route over Butser Hill, highest point on the South Downs, then leaves the ridge to overnight in Midhurst, continuing to Arundel, and then on past the landmark of Chanctonbury Ring to Bramber. More familiar landmarks – Ditchling Beacon and the Devil’s Dyke – are passed on the way to Lewes. The old town is off the South Downs Way, which is regained near Firle Beacon, where the route continues through Alfriston to the Wilmington Long Man, a giant carved in the chalk, and the final hotel stop, in sight of his tall form.
The journey concludes through the Cuckmere Valley and over the cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head, to descend into Eastbourne, finally reaching the sea, and so to the railhead for the return to London.
Total distance is just over 180 miles, and with around 20,000 feet of ups and downs it will be a fairly challenging journey.
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