South Downs Way 5 Day Trek Picture 1
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South Downs Way 5 Day Trek
Trek Adventure
Take on the full South Downs route all the way from Winchester to Eastbourne over 5 days averaging 20 miles a day!
This is an absolute classic undulating trail across 170km with many, many hills to conquer along the way. Following the way of the Pilgrams, you will certainly be put through your paces, but you will be greatly rewarded when you tackle the last component of the Severn Sisters as you come into Eastbourne on your last day, with breathtaking views across the channel.
We shall be meeting at an excellent Hotel in Winchester before tackling some sharp undulations on the South Downs, that will get your pulse going. We then have 4 nights in various hostels along the way finishing at Eastbourne pier before you make your way back home after some well deserved celebrations.
Itinerary
Meet at the Hotel in Winchester the night before the challenge for an event briefing.
Day 1: Winchester to Wetherdown 36km
Day 2: Wetherdown to Glatting Beacon 36km
Day 3: Glatting Hill to Truleigh Hill 33km
Day 4: Truleigh Hill to River Ouse 34km
Day 5: River Ouse to Eastbourne Pier 31km
What is a Level 4.0 Trekking Challenge Like?
You are now moving into the realms of serious challenges - where you are likely to encounter rough and steep terrain, sleep deprivation – ie very long days, or even high altitude. In any case - be prepared for an event which is going to take you well past the limits of your comfort zone. Trekking days will be up to 13 hours, or slightly less if the event stretches over several days. The severity of the challenge may be magnified by various factors - and you will need to be more resilient - variable weather conditions, simple food and maybe camping – these factors forms a part of the challenge. You need to be in good shape to undertake any of these events, and you need to be training regularly. The height gain each day is greater than for level 3 - so expect plenty of hills! A level 4 challenge would involve a very long day (in excess of 28 miles) or some serious hill climbing (multiple peaks in one day) - or possibly both!
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 4.0 ‘Trek’?
To participate in these events you need to be in very good fitness. You enjoy taking exercise, and do it regularly (a couple of times a week minimum). You may well partake in several different types of activity, possibly including the gym, swimming, running, or circuit training. You probably are capable of running up to 5 or 6 miles, but in a good steady speed (around 9-10 minute miling). If you do not run - you should be regularly undertaking challenging walks or other strenuous exercise. You should be comfortable walking 17-19 miles in the English lowland countryside.
Medical Issues
Please note, it is extremely important for this physical challenge that you are in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consider carefully whether you should be joining the challenge. Please ensure you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is important. In the case of serious conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP. Please also ensure you notify us of any allergies or similar.
You should be used to walking reasonable distances each day to contemplate this trek. It requires stamina and good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Failure to disclose medical conditions is a serious omission - that could have serious repercussions on any of our challenges.
Included In Trip
1 night Hotel & breakfast
4 nights Hostels & breakfasts
UK qualified Mountain Leaders
Support vehicle, water top up and bagage transfer
5 x lunches
First Aid support & emergency equipment, radio communications.
Event risk assessment & public liability insurance
Training plan, trip notes, joining instructions
Excluded From Trip
Transport to and from event.
Dinners
Equipment Required
Medikit
Suncream, Blister Repair Kit
Plasters, Painkillers, Sunbloc
Hill Walking Items
Day Sack (25-35 litre)
Rucksack liner(s) / Plastic Liner(s) for Rucksack
Bladder System (highly recommended - or other water bottles e.g. exercise bottle/Nalgene bottle)
Walking Poles (highly recommended)
Sun Hat (wide brimmed), Neck Scarf
Lunches - you may wish to pre-pack lunches but please check with us
Snack Foods - we recommend good slow burning items - nuts, dried fruit, cereal bars etc.
Clothing
Lightweight Fleece, Medium Weight Fleece
Lightweight Gloves, Fleece Hat
Long Cotton Trekking Trousers
Comfortable Trekking Shirts (long/short sleeved)
Walking Boots (broken in with ankle protection)
Gaiters (appropriate to moor wilderness / moorland treks - please ask!)
Walking Socks
Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (Gore-tex, E-vent)
1 Pair Outer Waterproof Bottoms
We suggest you bring a comfortable change of clothes for afterwards for the journey home.
Other
Pack of Travel Tissues
Camera, Film / Memory Card / Spare Battery
Wallet, Credit Cards, Cash
Sunglasses, Spare Comfortable Shoes
Mobile Phone
Head Torch with spare batteries and bulb
Kit Hire
It is possible to hire equipment via our specialist kit hire providers Outdoor Hire Ltd. We have negotiated a 10% discount for all our mountain challengers.
Safety Information
By nature all activities contain an element of risk.Your leader will be first aid qualified and will carry the appropriate safety kit for the activity, such as mountain safety shelters, walking rope and from time to time mobile radios. Safety equipment carried will be appropriate to trip. The leader's primary role is to ensure your safety, but it is your responsibility to listen to their guidance and instructions.
Weather
Expect cold weather and possibly rain or wintry showers. Plan for these conditions, and if we encounter anything more benign, then that will be a bonus for us!
Notes on Trekking Events
Trek the Mountains of the World with Adventure Cafe, and our fantastic team of qualified leaders. From the UK, to the Alps, Pyrenees, Atlas Mountains, Himalayas and even Kilimanjaro. Put our International Mountain Leaders to the test! Check.
Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events