At last I have completed the South Downs Way, hurrah! On Friday 25th September 2015 I walked from Queen Elizabeth Country Park to Winchester in one go; yes I am mad. 
My decision was taken as both a challenge, could I walk 22 miles, and because public transport is not available now at any convenient time from Exton, the only viable mid point. An early train and school bus brought me to the climb up Butser Hill at 8.00 am.
I had chosen a fine day, chilly at the start with thick dew and spider’s webs all over the grass with hope of sunshine and clouds through the day. I ate my second breakfast of boiled egg and flapjack at The Sustainability Centre near East Meon then passed Hyden Hill, Hyden Woods, Wether Down in morning sunshine. I was feeling good but aware of my pace because of the long day ahead. Over Salt Hill through Combe Cross I missed a turning and found myself in Hen Wood…it was beautiful but an extra half mile .. soon back on track.
The sun was heating up as I trudged on baked concrete roads through Whitewood Farm. I was disappointed to see chains across, and thick mud all over the path; it felt as if walkers were not welcomed. It was here that I had my first hint of a blister, so I stopped to treat them before the climb up to Old Winchester Hill. I had lunch and a re-dress of my blisters overlooking the Meon River valley, soon I would be in Exton and nearly half way. Skirting the village on the walkers path, I set off telling myself that this was the start of my day’s walk.. needless to say my feet and legs did not believe me. Up Beacon Hill and a finger post – Winchester 10 miles! 
The next few hours I walked steadily on through field and lanes. Twice in different locations I came across Slow-worms basking in the sun, a real treat. 
Crossing and then re-crossing the A272 was tedious and an uninspiring route selection, so by the time I dropped down in hill towards Chilcomb I was very grumpy. At 5.30 pm I crossed the footbridge over the M27 my personal finishing line; 9hrs 30mins a very long day. I was exhausted but happy to have completed the 100 miles of The South Downs Way.
© sue orton
sue orton | gathering threads 