Day Five: Alfriston - Eastbourne

Distance Walked: 11.25 Miles
Start Time: 6.45
Finish Time: 11.55
Total Time Walking: 5h 10m (inc approx 40m for breaks)

Weather: Cloudy and lovely to start with. The sun came out at about 9.

General Condition: Pretty good - very happy to have completed my challenge!
Feet Condition: Sore, swollen and glad to be in flip flops

Notes:
So after a big steak and chips dinner (which I must admit to struggling to finishing) last night, I packed up for the final time and hit the trail. My stove ran out of gas just after I'd finished cooking my porridge - talk about perfect timing!

The day started with a gentle mile or so along the river Cuckmere before the hills started - today was going to all be about hills! They were worth it though for the stunning views especially when I was looking down on Cuckmere Haven (one of my favourite places in the UK).

After passing Cuckmere Haven it was time for the Seven Sisters - seven step ups and downs. Just at that moment the sun divided to come out and the breeze was still in bed! In was head down a march on.

After I'd completed the Seven Sisters it was down to Burling Gap for a tea break and a little rest before the final push. Now only Beachy Head to go!

After the Seven Sisters, Beach Head was relatively easy but there were a few step bits where I need to dig in.

The sight of Eastbourne coming into view was amazing - to say I had a dry eyes would be a lie.

I'm now sat on a bench about 10 mins out side Eastbourne writing my blog post before my final decent - and an abundance of chaos!

So the last six months of training and planning have come down to these final few steps - so to take the words of Big Chris - It's been emotional!

Addendum - the final 10 minutes of my walk went smoothly. I was met by Sarah and Zach for the last 100 meters which was great. Hilary and Graham were also there at the end to clap me over the finish line. Today has been good - my feet held out and my chaffing stayed under control. I think 12 miles is about the prefect distance!

Day Four: Saddlecombe Farm - Alfriston

Distance Walked: 23.75 Miles
Start Time: 6.30
Finish Time: 5.15
Total Time Walking: 10h 45m (inc 1h 45m for breaks)

Weather: This morning - perfect. This afternoon - windy, windy, windy!

General Condition: Mentally a lot better than yesterday. The chaffing is what has really got me today - even with copious amounts of Vaseline. The path under foot has been a lot smoother so has taken less of a toll on my ankles. To be honest I just ache!
Feet Condition: Wrecked - that's about all I can say!

Notes:
I felt a lot more positive this morning after a good nights sleep and seeing Sarah, Bella & Zach last night for a slightly chaotic but fun BBQ.

The start to my day was a climb up New Timber Hill before dropping down again to cross the A23. The another climb up to Jack & Jill windmills. This was followed by a few miles of flattish path. My feet were already complaining but I've begun to get use to that!

From there I started to drop down to the A27 and a water tap. I took on a couple of extra litres of water and certainly felt it. By now I had started to fall behind the pace so upped my stride.

The worts bit of the morning for me as a half mile stretch along the A27. Not exactly the walk in the country I'd been planning! So I was glad when the path started to lead me away from the road and up and up and up! Today terrane has definitely turned from undulating to hill!

I was now high up on the down and it was windy - a nice change from the heat but still... As yesterday it was this period before lunch that I really started to struggle, just putting one foot in front of the other, iPod on and singing out load. I had the 14 mile mark pencilled in for a lunch break but it was so exposed I decided to push on until I found somewhere more sheltered. 15 miles still nothing. 15.5 miles - a dust farm building full of manure? Umm no. 16 miles - Southease Church with a nice bench and out of the breeze - that will do nicely! Oh and a water tap - so all the extra water I took on 8 miles earlier for lunch - not really need!

Lunch was once again boil in the bag sausage and beans (no pigs in sight! ) and the thought of only eight miles to go until camp.

After lunch I had about half a mile of flat before starting to climb back up on to the downs. The climb wasn't too bad as I was feeling rested and fueled from lunch. At the top of the climb I had stunning view. To my left Lewes and the surrounding countryside and to my right Newhaven and the coast!

The paths continued along the top of the downs gently undulating but the wind was picking up. My the 20 mile mark it was really blowing and beginning to get to me. The last 4 miles were tough and I had to mentally will my self forward with every step.

So I've made the camp site and tent is up. First thing I did was go and have a shower followed by a brew. In a few minutes I'm going to hobble the quarter mile into town and have a big fat pub dinner!

Day Three: Gumber Bothy - Saddlecombe Farm

Distance Walked: 23.75 Miles
Start Time: 6.45
Finish Time: 5.15
Total Time Walking: 10h 30m (inc 1h 45m for breaks)

Weather: Misty to start which burnt off by 9 then hot for the morning clouding over early in the afternoon followed by more sun but with a cooling breeze.

General Condition: I've struggled mentally today but now I'm at my campsite it doesn't seem so bad. My ankles are the thing giving mr gip today. My legs are aching but holding up ok. Chaffing is still there but held at bay by lashings of Vaseline!
Feet Condition: Getting worse! Some more big blisters on my right foot as well as another on my left. Compress blisters held up ok. Every time I stopped walking today for even a few minutes my feet were very painful when I set off again - it took a good minute to get into my stride again.

Notes:
After a good night at Gumber Bothy and being woken up by a crow knocking on the door I bandage up my feet (I burst 2 of the blisters last night - sorry Becci, Cat & Mart), had breakfast and started out.

It was very misty and slightly spooky! My day started with a climb back onto the SDW followed by more rolling terrane. Under foot the path was very stony and uneven making it very tough on the feet and ankles, unfortunately this was to continue for the rest of the day! The mist made the temperature perfect for walking and dare I even say that at one point I was a little bit cold! The rolling terrane continued until I dropped into Amberly.

From Amberly I had a steep climb onto the downs again, by his time the sun had burnt off the mist and was shining fearlessly, no breeze and no shade - it was hot and only just after 9am!

The path remained quite flat for a good few miles and at some point I passed the halfway point, but I not sure quite where, before dropping down to the A24. The climb back up from the A24 was very hard. By now I was really struggling, my knees ached on the down slopes, my ankles ached on the flat and my whole body complained on the up hills! My feet just feel ruined and I've started talking to myself (take note Annalie).

Just after the 14 mile mark I found some trees and stopped (most welcomed) for lunch of beans and sausage (however no pig farm near by Dunc!). It began to cloud over and after 45 minutes I decided to hit the trail again as it was beginning to get a bit chilly!

The afternoon was again all about putting one foot in front of the other. My mood had lifted after lunch an there was some breathtaking scenery when I had the energy to lift my head and have a look around. Underfoot got a bit easier with less uneven paths. The clouds lasted for a few welcome hours and when they did part the heat of the sun was counteracted my a nice cooling breeze.

After my tea break I started to struggle again. My feet felt like they were on fire and it was getting hard to motivate myself onwards. Suddenly I spotted Devils Dyke in the distance and know I was on the home stretch for today!

My campsite for the night is very pleasant. No showers so I had to have a was it the loo sink! Camp in now set up and I'm waiting for Sarah, Bella & Zach to arrive with my BBQ and a much needed moral boost that they will bring with them.

As I mentioned earlier I have struggled mentally today. At points I wasn't really sure that I'll be able to make it through tomorrow and Friday. Now sat in my tent it doesn't seem so bad but the last two days have been tough and I've got to do it all again tomorrow. Wish me luck and smooth trials!

Day Two: The Sustainability Centre - Gumber Bothy

Distance Walked: 24.5 Miles
Start Time: 7.10
Finish Time: 5.15
Total Time Walking: 10h 05m (inc approx 1h 50m for breaks)

Weather: Hot hot hot

General Condition: It's been tough today in the heat but I've held up ok-ish. Knees were giving me gip this morning and my old friend chaffing is back. Legs feel tired but ok.
Feet Condition: Not as bad as I though! My right foot has some skin rubbed of the back and a blister coming on the heel. My left foot has a blister on my little toe and one on the ball - to pop or not to pop that is the question? Other than that they are just feeling very well used!

Notes:
I had dubbed today as 'hell day' as it was my longest day, I'm eating only freeze dried and boil in the bag food and the forecast is for hot weather!

After a fitful sleep I left the sustainability centre at 7.10, it took me ages to pack up, something I need to work on! And started with a gentle flat path for three miles before dropping down into Queen Elizabeth's Country Park. It was getting hot already, none of that nice cloud cover from yesterday morning!

After QECP the terrane started rolling. Not real significant climbs but lots of up and downs plus it was getting hotter. Some of the path was shaded and a nice cooling breeze but it was starting to get tough when I was out the open and out of the wind, which seemed to be most of the time. Some more stunning scenery help to take my mind off!

I pushed on for 15 miles before stopping for lunch under some trees. I ate freeze dried chilli con carni (not as good as I thought it would be - I had high hope) while watching some cows - I did feel a little guilty!

The afternoon was very much about getting my head down and putting one foot in front of the other. It started off much as it has left off with rolling hills. Some cloud had come in and I had hopes it would stay. After a quick water refill (I certainly noticed the extra weight!) the path took a flatter turn and in nice shady woodland which was good as the clouds had all but disappeared.

After a short break I headed into the last 4 miles with some rolling hills again before making my way in to Gumber Bothy.

So it turns out that I the only one here tonight. I have the whole of the camping barn to myself. I plan to eat dinner (Chicken Tikka Masala and Treacle Pudding!) then crashing out. Planning another early start.

After dubbing today 'Hell Day' I'm glad to get it over with but I can't get complacent as its only a mile less I have to walk tomorrow!

Day One: Winchester - The Sustainability Centre

Distance Walked: 19.25 Miles
Start Time: 7.40
Finish Time: 4.15
Total Time Walking: 8h 35m (inc 2h for breaks)

Weather: Pleasant to start with followed by warm but with a nice cooling breeze

General Condition: Feeling Good both physically and mentally
Feet Condition: Good except I just stood on a stingy nettle!

Notes:
Firstly a bug thank you to Cat for dropping me in Winchester this morning!

The morning started of very pleasant temperature and some relatively easy terrane to get me going. After a slight wrong turn in Winchester (due to updating Facebook at the time!) I made it out of the town and into the countryside. My route has mainly been across farm land with a few short sections along country roads. The terrane has been undulating but with no real significant climbs and only one quite steep decent to speak of. The scenery has been quite breath taking in places.

Lunch was taken in the Shoe Inn in Exton. A very tasty homemade burger (no bun) with peppercorn sauce and chips (and salad). My last proper meal until Wednesday evening!

After lunch the track got a little more difficult. Firstly with tree roots and stumps and the dried mud churned up my the walkers and cyclists during the recent wet weather - ankle breaker stuff so I had to keep my eyes on the ground. I had my first big ascent up Old Winchester Hill which was made better by the track being in the shade. After a quick stop and a can of pop at Meonsprings I headed off for the last stretch off the day, crossing some open countryside before another big climb to the Sustainability Centre.

Camp is now set up. I'm still trying to figure out where to put everything now my pack is unpacked. Dinner tonight will be freeze dried beef and potato hotpot (just the thing for a summers evening!) followed by chocolate pudding - yummy!

The Day Before The Day Before

All my Kit

That's it, I'm all packed up and ready to go.

My pack is weighing in at 16kg and that's not including my water, so I'm looking at about 18kg in total - yikes!  A few kilos of that is food so my pack will get lighter by the day.

I also took the decision to leave out my thick fleece. The forecast for next week looks very favourable so I think I'll be ok without it! In its place I have decided to take my iPod, I think my sanity might be great full for this!

So tomorrow (after watching Sarah run a 10k) I'll be heading to my cousin's house who lives near Winchester. They have kindly offered to give me a bed on Sunday night and taxi me to the start on Monday morning - so a big thank you to Cat, Martin, Immy and Josh!

Stay tuned for all the fun of the trail!

My Route

So with the countdown to the start of my walk firmly under way I though it was time to share my route with you.

Day One: Winchester – The Sustainability Centre (near East Meon)

Distance – 19.25 miles

Catering

Lunch – A Pub

Dinner – Freeze Dried Pouch

Accommodation - Tent

Day Two - Five after the jump

Final Training Walk

That's it, I've officially finished my training. Next time I go to put on my walking shoes and strap on my rucksack it will be at the start of my challenge, in just over a week.


Today was an easy twelve miler up to the South of England Showground, around Ardingly Reservoir and back home, nearly the reverse of the route I did four weeks ago.  The weather was perfect, if I can book a week of this that would be prefect.


The walk passed without incident and I definitely feel that my training has paid off. My pack feels good and my shoes are worn in, so I'm feeling positive.

It was also great to see Ardingly Reservoir looking more healthy. It's the fullest I've seen it for a long time - the eight weeks of constant rain has at least be worth it for some thing.

Eastbourne to Lewes - 24 miler

07.30 I'm on the train on my way to Eastbourne. Today I will be doing my last really serious training walk - 24 miles from Eastbourne to Lewes. My route will take me from Eastbourne over Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters (read - very hilly) to Cuckmere Haven. From there I'll continue to follow the coast to Seaford before cutting inland along the river Ouse to Lewes. My pack is now fully loaded with all the kit I'll be carrying for my challenge and weighing in at just over 15kg (about 3kg more than I've been training with so far. I've got a slight cold hanging around and the weather forecast ... heavy rain all day :-(

For Alice

With all the training I've been doing I don't want to lose sight of the reason that I'm putting myself (and my family) through all this, my niece Alice. 

Alice contracted encephalitis shortly after she was born and as a result has been left severely brain damaged.

When I decided to undertake my South Downs Challenge I asked Alices parents, Sarah and Tim, which charity they would like me to raise money for and they both said, without hesitation, Small Steps. 

Small Steps has helped both Alice and Sarah and Tim. Alice has benefitted from their classes. She often stiffens up due to her lack of movement and the Small Steps sessions helps relieve this stiffness.

Sarah and Tim have learnt new techniques which they have been able to use with Alice at home. They have also had the opportunity to use different equipment which is not offered by Alice's local physiotherapist. Small Steps has given them a chance to meet and gain a support network of parents with children of similar abilities.

As I've said in my previous post, I am very proud to be raising money for such a fantastic charity. Small Steps are only a small set up but what they do has such a huge impact on their users. 

So if you haven't sponsored me already, please dig deep and give to a charity that really needs your support. www.justgiving.com/NickMaddox76

Many thanks.

Nick

Ardingly Reservoir – South of England Showground

I undertook my 8th training walk yesterday.  A 14 mile loop from home that took me up to Ardingly Reservoir across to the South of England Showground and then back again.

Before I start telling you about my walk, I have to say that I am currently suffering from a bad case of training fatigue – I don’t mean physically, I mean mentally.  Since Christmas I have been spending one day every other weekend doing training walks.  It’s been hard leaving Sarah, Bella and Zach tucked up in bed as I once again head out to tramp the Sussex countryside.  I’m really missing spending time with them.

New Forest - Beaulieu Loop. With Company.

For my seventh training walk I was joined by my lovely wife Sarah.  She promised not too moan if I treated her to a pub lunch.  And so the route was planned accordingly. 

After safely leaving the children in the capable hands of the grandparents we headed out to Beaulieu in the New Forest.  The first stretch of the walk took us along a very muddy path before cutting down into Beaulieu and joining the river down to Bucklers Hard.  This is a very popular walk with your casual stroller and overtaking manoeuvres were need to avoid buggies and zimmer frames - not the most extreme walking conditions I’ve encountered on my training!

Mudeford - Hurst Castle. Sun and Shingle.

For my sixth training walk on Saturday I had planned on doing a longer walk this weekend but a bad case of man flu during week made me rethink my plans. I was staying with my parents in Mudeford so planned a relatively easy 10 miler along the beach - or so I thought!

Sunday - Rain and Mud - 12 miles

Well today has been tough. My legs felt surprisingly good this morning after a good sleep however chaffed areas were still sore. The weather forecast was for heavy rain and sure enough it was chucking it down.

Wet weather gear donned and vaseline liberally applied I headed out. I soon discovered that my biggest problem today was going to be mud. Not the sticky, oozy, squelchy kind but the wet, slippy, slidy kind. I'm certainly glad I had walking poles to support me on a few of the inclines.

Saturday - Lewes to Haywards Heath - 19.5 miles

07.30 - On the train.

I'm sat on the train to Lewes having left the family tucked up in bed. I managed an extra 25mins in bed compare to my usual weekday routine so that was a bonus. I've eaten my body weight in porridge and necked about a litre of water. The weather forecast is dry, overcast and 9C. Bring it on!

(Just read in the free Southern magazine that Lewes Station won a "Loo of the Year" award - might have to check them out on my way through!)

The day before...

Friday evening

So this weekend I head out for two quite serious training walks. Tomorrow I will be catching the early train to Lewes and then walk back home, a 20 mile walk along the Sussex Ouse Valley Way. Followed by a brisk 12 mile walk up to and around Ardingly Reservoir on Sunday.

During my South Downs challenge I will be walking 20 miles on my first day followed by three 24 milers and ending on an easy (!) 10 mile stretch into Eastbourne over the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head on the Friday.

Small Steps

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit Small Steps and find out more about the fantastic work they do.  The first thing that surprised me was what a small set up they are but how much of an impact they make on the children and parents who attend their sessions.

They provide a service for pre-school children with cerebral palsy and other forms of motor impairment, syndromes or sensory impairment.  They receive no government funding and are 100% reliant on donations and fund raising activity.

My South Downs Challenge

In four months time I will be walking The South Downs Way to raise money for Small Steps.

Between the 27th May and 1st June I will trek the length of The South Downs Way, a 100 mile trail from Winchester to Eastbourne through the South Downs National Park.  Not wanting to make it easy on myself I have set myself the challenge of walking the trail in five days and I will be camping along the route so will be carrying all the kit I need.

Small Steps is a charity based in Putney that helps parents to help their own children who have cerebral palsy or other forms of motor and sensory impairment.  My niece, Alice and her parents have been attending Small Steps for a few years.  They are a small charity who do not receive any statutory funding. They are solely dependent on grants, donations and fundraising in order to operate. www.smallstepssfp.org.uk

You can sponsor me through my Just Giving age, www.justgiving.com/NickMaddox76

 and you can follow my progress here on my blog.