Author Topic: South Downs Way Camping (Read 8318 times)

Dan_K · « **on:** 09 March, 2011, 11:14:00 am »

So I think i've sorted the kit. I'm hatching together other details of the trip.
Next question is about sleeping/camping.
There's likely to be three/four of us. I'll be using a Gelert solo and the other guys will probably be using the same or similar or a tarp.
Is it silly to consider wild camping?
Be it for the reason that there's 3/4 of us or that wild camping on the SDW is particularly difficult.
Can anyone recommend a campsite close to the mid way point of the route if wild camping is out of the equation?

hatler · « **Reply #1 on:** 09 March, 2011, 11:58:19 am »

I've spent a couple of nights on top of the SDW wild camping. Judging by the fire remnant evidence I haven't been the only one. There is lots of opportunity along the route to get properly hidden in the undergrowth, though less so the further East you get.

But if you're stuck, Blackberry Wood campsite near Ditchling (about 3/4 the way from Winchester to Eastbourne) will often take unbooked cyclists in.

Oscar's dad · « **Reply #2 on:** 09 March, 2011, 12:43:56 pm »

There is a campsite at Washington. Its a little noisy as it is very close to the A24. Nice site apart from that, or at least it was when I last attempted the SDW in 2005.

Somnolent · « **Reply #3 on:** 09 March, 2011, 01:55:37 pm »

There is another campsite just east of Old Winchester Hill.... Whitewool farm on the OS map, no campsite marked on the map.

Dan_K · « **Reply #4 on:** 09 March, 2011, 02:23:03 pm »

Thanks for the suggestions.
So is the general consensus that wild camping would be a no-no?

hatler · « **Reply #5 on:** 09 March, 2011, 02:25:19 pm »

Quote from: Dan_K on 09 March, 2011, 02:23:03 pm

Thanks for the suggestions.
So is the general consensus that wild camping would be a no-no?

Not at all.

I don't think it is allowed officially, but enforcing it along 100 miles is a pretty tough call.

Be discreet, clear up after yourselves, and you shouldn't have a problem.

Charlotte · « **Reply #6 on:** 09 March, 2011, 02:55:59 pm »

Quote from: Dan_K on 09 March, 2011, 02:23:03 pm

So is the general consensus that wild camping would be a no-no?

Wild camping is awesomely excellent and like hatler says, shouldn't be a problem at all.

Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints and you'll be right.

Phil · « **Reply #7 on:** 09 March, 2011, 03:26:35 pm »

Fulking Hill is nice for camping. As ever, camp well clear of paths, don't play with fire, and leave as early as you can. Technically I think you have to ask the National Trust's permission, but I never have - the worst they can do is move you on. Here's us camping on the Devil's Dyke this time last year:

Martin · « **Reply #8 on:** 09 March, 2011, 03:30:46 pm »

can't you camp at Truleigh Hill YH which is just W of Fulking? otherwise there are a few heavily wooded bits not actually on the SDW but very near; nobody will spot you if you are discreet (and even if they do are likely to just give a "good morning" or "did you know there's a campsite 4 km away?" etc) but I always find the small risk that they will tends to spoil a relaxed night's sleep for the sake of a fiver.

this might help; a nice leg stretch back up Plumpton Bostal in the morning too

. The Half Moon at Plumpton has a large camping field out the back of the pub. Its basic but the pub is fantastic having had a recent overhaul. Their tel. number is 01273 890253

GavinC · « **Reply #9 on:** 31 March, 2011, 09:27:04 am »

Back in the mid 80s when I was young, impetous and didn't know any better, myself and 2 mates did a 3 day ride along the SDW. On both nights, we just pitched our tent a few feet away from the main path. No-one said anything to us except friendly greetings.

Perhaps people are less tolerant 25 years on, but I would have thought that as long as you're discreet, you won't have any problems.

gavin

LEE · « **Reply #10 on:** 31 March, 2011, 09:55:33 am »

Quote from: Dan_K on 09 March, 2011, 02:23:03 pm

Thanks for the suggestions.
So is the general consensus that wild camping would be a no-no?

I've wild-Camped on the SDW near South Harting. Plenty of places to pitch a tent out of view behind shrubbery and, once the sun started to go down we didn't see another soul up there (once we got a mile away from the car parks (dog-walkers).

Oscar's dad · « **Reply #11 on:** 31 March, 2011, 02:02:15 pm »

I noticed on the OS map that there is a camp site on the outskirts of Steyning.

LEE · « **Reply #12 on:** 31 March, 2011, 02:04:48 pm »

Quote from: Phil on 09 March, 2011, 03:26:35 pm

Fulking Hill is nice for camping.

It's also just become my expletive of choice

hatler · « **Reply #13 on:** 31 March, 2011, 02:10:48 pm »

This link provides some good guidance notes.

Regulator · « **Reply #14 on:** 01 April, 2011, 07:56:46 am »

The South Downs becomes a National Park today!

This means that camping will be severely restricted...

hatler · « **Reply #15 on:** 01 April, 2011, 08:06:22 am »

But officially you weren't allowed to camp there before. I don't think there will be a sudden hiring of 'camping enforcement managers'.

Carry on chaps ...

Regulator · « **Reply #16 on:** 01 April, 2011, 10:57:57 am »

Quote from: hatler on 01 April, 2011, 08:06:22 am

But officially you weren't allowed to camp there before. I don't think there will be a sudden hiring of 'camping enforcement managers'.

Carry on chaps ...

My cousin is one of the new National Park rangers. They've been told to clamp down on camping.

loadsabikes · « **Reply #17 on:** 01 April, 2011, 01:24:21 pm »

Pitch at dusk, leave at sunrise................ no probs!

hatler · « **Reply #18 on:** 01 April, 2011, 01:32:49 pm »

Quote from: Regulator on 01 April, 2011, 10:57:57 am

My cousin is one of the new National Park rangers. They've been told to clamp down on camping.

Ooo. Thanks for this. We'll have to get a bit deeper into the undergrowth.

Regulator · « **Reply #19 on:** 01 April, 2011, 10:15:12 pm »

Quote from: loadsabikes on 01 April, 2011, 01:24:21 pm

Pitch at dusk, leave at sunrise................ no probs!

Quote from: hatler on 01 April, 2011, 01:32:49 pm

Ooo. Thanks for this. We'll have to get a bit deeper into the undergrowth.

I think that's the trick. If you're into low impact camping then you'll probably get away with it - even if you're caught. They're going after those who light fires, leave trash, etc.

Author Topic: South Downs Way Camping (Read 8318 times)

Martin

LEE

LEE