Two Days of Scenic Bliss: Hiking from Eastbourne to Lewes with a Picturesque Overnight Stay in Southease
First multi-day hike recorded in the blog along the famous South Downs Way
Day 1, from Eastbourne to YHA Southease
Start: 10:30
Finish: 17:00
Distance: 25km
Elevation Gain: 640m
Route Type: Point to Point
Weather: Warm, around 10 C.
Departure at 8:18 am and arrival right on time, with the start of the hike at 10:30 am. The beginning is always a bit hectic as we try to leave the city and finally venture into the South Downs National Park, heading towards the lunch stop in Alfriston.
Outside the church garden, we enjoy an excellent coffee and read about the history of this fascinating little village.
We are a Swiss clock and maintain a steady pace of about 4 km/h throughout the entire route, ensuring we avoid arriving in the dark. We can even afford to enjoy a sunset aperitif after settling into the camping pod. This is the moment that is the true highlight of the trip for me – lighting the fire and preparing meals with the little stove I received as a birthday gift :)
They say the best stories are told around the fire, and it's probably true. We fall asleep tired and smoky (in the true sense of the word).
Day 2, from Southease to Lewes
Start: 9:30
Finish: 12:00
Distance: 9km
Elevation Gain: 50m
Route Type: Point to Point
Weather: Cold,wet around 7 C.
Breakfast at the YHA is always a guarantee; unlimited English breakfast, there's no need to think twice, the best recipe to fuel your adventure.
I find myself quickly searching for a route that can lead us in a somewhat spectacular way to Lewes, and I find one along the Sussex Ouse Valley Way, passing by Monk House (a National Trust site) which, however, is closed.
Upon our arrival in Lewes, the first and obligatory stop is the castle, followed by the museum. From there on, however, it will be nothing but beer museums :)