It was a bit of a stylish start. After the short car ride to Exton we climbed up the second Beacon Hill on the South Downs Way. But not before we had negotiated multiple stiles on the on the approach footpath. We counted six in all just to cross a couple of fields.
That was pretty much the only climb of the day. The SDW is mostly level to the Milbury’s pub where we had lunch (after waiting three quarters of an hour to be served).
And afterwards as the Way passes through Cheriton and over Gander Down it merely undulates gently and in no time at all we seemed to be crossing the A272 again at Cheesefoot Head with Winchester opening up before us.
The rain clouds dispersed and were replaced by watery evening sun for a gloriously triumphal entry into the city, tea at the Guildhall and a visit to the Cathedral by those who didn’t have to return to Exton (courtesy of Liz once again) to collect cars for the journey home.
Almost there: the mill on the River Itchen at Winchester
Walk details: distance walked: 12.5 miles; height climbed 901 feet.
Afterwards, everyone was a little sad that it was all over. Maybe we’ll have to do it all over again….
SOUTH DOWNS THE U3A WAY 