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Hello
Am looking to do the SDW over three days with Mrs G & two kiddies (12 & 9). Aiming for Spring/early summer. We thought 2 days might be too much for the kids. It will be the kids first time, but they ride fairly regularly. I will be taking spare clothes etc for all, in bike packing type gear.
Our experiences doing it before are: (a) wife and I doing it in bigger group of friends Winchester start, overnight in Amberley area - eventually bailed at Lewes on Day 2 due to rain/chalk combo, nothing to do with red wine at the pub; then (b) me doing it solo one weekend on my Giant Trance X full susser, which was hardly ideal - again starting Winchester, overnight circa 65 miles first day. Completed it second day (kindly encouraged by a local who joined me on day 2, from this here forum).
So we thought to start Winchester again, aim for 33 ish miles per day. So I think that is Cocking area night 1, and then Ditchling (ish) area on night two. Any recommendations for accommodation would be most welcome. Probably prefer a pub type place - we don’t want to camp (or I don’t), mainly as we (I) will have to carry all the camping gear.
I've stayed in the Fox Goes Free pub, which is just south of Cocking, a short ride off the SDW (there's a BW). It was great, lovely garden, en-suite rooms in separate extension to main pub. But can't help thinking that's a pretty long first leg for a 9yr-old, as you know, the SDW is pretty relentless up-and-down. What about staying somewhere near QECP (Petersfield, Buriton)?
The Sustainability Centre is on route just before the QECP area if you want to avoid diverting off into Petersfield. Not stayed there myself but did some kiddy courses there a while ago. Big site with a few accommodation alternatives.
But can’t help thinking that’s a pretty long first leg for a 9yr-old, as you know, the SDW is pretty relentless up-and-down. What about staying somewhere near QECP (Petersfield, Buriton)?
This + 1. My two are 15 and 12 and I would regard that as a very solid day in the saddle especially with two more to follow.
Thanks all. Appreciate the pointers. I am wondering if I am trying to make a forced march fun. I might have a rethink. I will definitely get the map out again and try and look at the elevation gain.
The youngest is fairly strong - has had done some pretty decent 16 ish mile rides around the Surrey Hills & Devil’s Punchbowl, but I don’t want to take away the fun of going back down, if both kids are absolutely knackered.
Fwiw, I would do 3 days of kids riding at trail centres. All the fun, and far less slog than the SDW. Easy to bail out, and no dispiriting views of hills to the horizon that you know the SDW goes over.
Might be a bit too soon on route and you might arrive there too early, but The Milburys pub (~2 miles before Beacon Hill near Exton) is well regarded, not that I've ever been in myself despite cycling around there so many time '17-'22.
Does the cafe by Butser Hill car park (few minutes from trig point summit) still open at selective times, for another break? Not been up there since '21 iirc.
Is there a public water tap open 24/7 at QECP these days? Never been there as a mostly roadie, but read about it.
Did it with my lad when he was 14, a regular rider. We thought 3 days was doable, but we had to take a rest day on day 3 and finish on day 4. It was tough.Would echo the thought to rethink if youngest is only 9
There is also the challenge of places like Cocking or Singleton as an overnight that you are straight into a tough climb to the ridge just after breakfast w no warm up - that can ruin your team spirit for the day before you're started.
Truleigh Hill YHA and Southease YHA are places to consider right on the SDW, though Southease is also at the bottom of a tough climb
Rather than attempting a full SDW you could do a loop taking the Shipwright’s Way to Buriton, overnight. Pick up the SDW and head east to Steyning and final day Down’s Link /NDW back to start. It’s about the same distance, but the first and third legs are a lot less climbing and still feels like a big ride.
Is there a public water tap open 24/7 at QECP these days?
Yep, dedicated tap next to the dog wash station https://maps.app.goo.gl/xky1StJvMMC92gRg7