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By spike99
04 March 2009 12:15
I'm hoping to do the South Downs Way in April. It looks like I'll need to buy a pile of maps - is it possible to do it without and save some cash?
By Country Walking magazine
We'd always advise taking maps on a walk you don't know. Even on easy-going routes like the SDW, it's all too possible to miss a sign (while admiring the view for instance) or get lost if the mist rolls in.It takes five Ordnance Survey Explorer maps to cover this 100-mile route, which soon adds up in cost and weight. It is possible to squeeze it all on one sheet though - Harvey produces a waterproof South Downs Way map for £11.95 that covers the route, plus advice on facilities.It's smaller scale at 1:40,000 rather than the Explorer's 1:25,000, though, and shows a limited strip each side of the route - so identifying distant landmarks or using them to navigate is tricky, and if you go very wrong you can walk clean off the map. It's unlikely to be a problem on a route as clear as the SDW, but for mountainous and remote hikes like the Coast to Coast, it might be. Finally - it's a gorgeous trek - enjoy!
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Do I need maps to do the South Downs Way?
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Ianw says
RE: I'm hoping to do the South Downs Way in April. It looks like I'll need to buy a pile of maps - is it possible to do it without and save some cash?
Living in Sunny Sussex I know the SDW, yes it is "safe" and generally well signed, but it is still possible to mass a sign so all in all not a bad idea to take a map
08 March 2009 05:56
OldGit says
Re: Do I need maps to do the South Downs Way?
The book South Downs Way by Jim Manthorpe is reckoned by reviewers to be outstanding and includes the relevant sections of maps in addition to detailed route information. Here it is on Amazon and it doesn't cost much. Read the reviews, they tell you a lot about the book's merits and it would appear to be ideal for your purposes. http://www.amazon.co.uk/South-Downs-Way-Winchester-Eastbourne/dp/187375695X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1236418119&sr=8-2 I can't vouch for it personally but based on the reviews I have a copy on order as it is a walk I'd like to do at some point.
The book South Downs Way by Jim Manthorpe is reckoned by reviewers to be outstanding and includes the relevant sections of maps in addition to detailed route information. Here it is on Amazon and it doesn't cost much. Read the reviews, they tell you a lot about the book's merits and it would appear to be ideal for your purposes.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/South-Downs-Way-Winchester-Eastbourne/dp/187375695X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1236418119&sr=8-2
I can't vouch for it personally but based on the reviews I have a copy on order as it is a walk I'd like to do at some point.
07 March 2009 09:36
bigdave73 says
Hi wurz. It's a link I found on the following site. www.nationaltrail.co.uk
Hi wurz. It's a link I found on the following site.
www.nationaltrail.co.uk
05 March 2009 18:53
wurz says
Dave, is that NTO just for Hampshire or is it some place that does all of them and do you have a link? Not really interested in the SDW but might do some or all of the Pennine Way and quite fancy the Cape Wrath one.
05 March 2009 17:42
Information available: A National Trail Guide by Paul Millmore published by Aurum Press (£12.99). ISBN 1 – 85410-769-0. Also Harveys route strip map .from Harvey maps 01786 841202 www.harveysmaps.co.uk An accommodation guide, £4.50, is available from the National Trail Officer (cheques payable to Hampshire County Council). The accommodation guide is free to overseas enquirers. Also available from the NTO are a free Public Transport guide and a selection of free circular walks leaflets.
05 March 2009 17:26
andyyouart
31 December 2009
20:15
I''m looking for a decent flask. I've tried several but they're not keeping warm for long even after pre-warming. I'm going om MT winter skills course in 5 weeks so need to get something good for then.
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