The South Downs Way - - Do I Need Special Equipment to Hike The South Downs Way?

Question: The South Downs Way -- Do I Need Special Equipment to Hike The South Downs Way?

Answer: You are never really very far from civilization on the South Downs Way so even if you are planning a major hike of 10 or 11 miles in the South Downs, you really only need a few things that you can pack in a lightweight trail pack:

• Water - The downs are bare, exposed and, for the most part,dry so the most important thing you should bring is a bottle of water.
• Sun Protection-- For the same reason, wear some sun lotion and a cap with a brim.
• A Windbreaker-- British weather is remarkably changeable, and even in warm weather, the wind on the exposed downs can make it seem colder than it is. A light, waterproof windbreaker -- what the Brits call a cagool -- that you can fold up and tuck in your trail pack is useful.
• Toilet paper -- And a plastic bag to carry off your rubbish -- there are no restrooms up on the South Downs Way.
• Hiking boots -- The paths along the South Downs Way are not particularly difficult, but they are usually made up of chunks broken flint and chalk which can be hard to walk on in ordinary shoes. Flint can also be slippery in the rain. A pair of proper hiking boots will protect your ankles and make it easier to walk along the rough, flint sections of the South Downs Way.
• A good map The best maps for the South Downs Way are the Ordnance Survey Explorer Series Maps, but they are expensive. An official trail guide,(South Downs Way National Trail Guide written by Paul Millmore,Aurum Press/The Countryside Commission (£12.99), ISBN 1854109669) has relevant extracts from the OS maps plus information on the sights and views.
• And a few more options -- Depending upon your fitness and balance, you might also want to bring a stout walking stick or a set of Nordic walking poles. And, if you are going to be on the South Downs Way for several hours, bring high energy snacks -- chocolate, nuts or sports energy bars.

And don't forget your mobile phone

Bring along a cell phone capable of picking up a UK network and program a local taxi company into the memory. If you've had enough, you can come down from the hills on one of the many local paths.Taxi companies along the South Downs Way are used to picking up hikers on relatively unmarked stretches of road and taking them to the nearest train or bus station.