South Downs Way transportation

Sheppy
Sheppy Posts: 140
edited March 2010 in Routes
A couple of friends and I are planning on doing the South Downs Way (Eastbourne to Winchester) in May, it's just a casual thing so don't want to enter the events that run there. But one logistical question remains... how to get from Winchester to Eastbourne. Currently thinking of train but I'm not sure how many bikes we can store on the train at once, I have a feeling it's limited to two. Or we could do the driving car to each end but that means a lot of driving each way. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I was thinking of one way hire cars between Winchester and Eastbourne, or are there any other suggestions from anyone? Must be a novel way I'm missing (that than riding the double ) :!: )

Comments

  • bike-a-swan
    bike-a-swan Posts: 1,235
    I know you can get the train- might have to change a couple of times. I did it from portsmouth a couple of summers ago- caught the train to winchester, rode to eastbourne then train back.
    Are you riding it over two days or one? Also, I'd prefer to do it Winchester- Eastbourne, I think it's nicer turning up at the hills over the sea, although that's personal preference.
    Rock Lobster 853, Trek 1200 and a very old, tired and loved Apollo Javelin.
  • Sheppy
    Sheppy Posts: 140
    Thanks for the quick response :)

    It does sound better going Winchester to Eastbourne but is logistically easier if we go the other. I get the impression it is easier the Winchester end anyway so that might be a benefit :)

    We're planning on doing it in a day. Having done it yourself would you say the taps along the way obvious? Refuelling is a concern!
  • bike-a-swan
    bike-a-swan Posts: 1,235
    for taps, see here- http://www.southdownsdouble.net/routeinfo.html

    I never had any problems finding the ones I needed. I may be going against the flow here, but I find the eastbourne end easier at the end of a long day- they're a few big climbs with tops of hills in between to rest on. Carry as much food as you can as well!
    Rock Lobster 853, Trek 1200 and a very old, tired and loved Apollo Javelin.
  • amt27
    amt27 Posts: 320
    I did Winchester to Brighton last year, used the train, left Brighton at 5am and started off in Winchester at 7:30. Remember to factor this into your day, unless you can sleep on the train.

    Some of the Southern Trains have 2 carriages for bikes (4-8 carriage trains), so you shouldn't have a problem. Also if you travel at a quiet time, the conductors don't really care. You will have to change at Brighton and they are used to lots of bikes, only when Virgin trains were running did I ever witness a bike capacity problem.

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