South Downs Way

[S10GTA]

I'm toying with doing the SDW in the next few weeks before the weather gets rubbish. I hope to get the train to Brighton and then ride back to Southampton using the following route http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/483552360

Does anybody know if my route from the train station in Brighton to start the SDW is the best, or would I be better keep left out of Brighton and join near Poynings? I will be on a cross bike if that makes a difference.

Edited by S10GTA on Friday 25th July 13:16

[S10GTA]

trashbat said:

You're almost doing the whole lot

That's the idea

[S10GTA]

trashbat said:

why not avoid dicking around with Southampton and Brighton and just do Winchester to Eastbourne, train back to Soton?

I've done it twice FWIW. If you want to do half of it then Amberley's a good break point, also has a station.

Having researched a little more it looks like the whole thing could be a bit optimistic for a first go. I can happily sit for 100 miles on the road in about 6/7 hours but this looks like a different proposition. Starting from Amberley would shorten it quite a bit, then I could still ride home afterwards. I live near Southampton so would like to get the train from there I think.

[S10GTA]

So this is the second version, from the midway point. I'd get the train to Ford (which is only an hour) then ride up from there. Getting to Amberley involves a change and an extra 45 mins.

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/483657152

This route takes me to the centre of Winchester, but I can always cut off at the end of Wheeley Down if I am ruined.