100 MILES ALONE | Hiking the South Downs Way - COMPLETE FILM
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
- #solotravel
In December 2022, I made a decision to step out of my comfort zone and to walk 100 miles alone - my first thru hike. I trained, prepped, researched and geeked out on everything. On 1st April 2023 I started the hike. This film tells the story.
Follow me on Instagram: benhikescamps
Kit load-out video for this hike:
• GEAR LOADOUT | Hiking ...
UPDATE: This channel’s name has changed from Londoner Outdoors to Ben’s Hikes & Camps. Thanks and enjoy the film!
Very inspirational, very well done Ben. I am just getting into hiking in the South Downs so your account means a lot to me. This kind of content motivates me to do more of this so thank you!
Thanks so much for those kind words. I’m also glad you’ve found it helpful. Wishing you happy hikes! 🙏🥾🥾
Ben Fogle who? Ben Hikes and Camps is where it’s at! So proud of you mate, C2C ledge xx
Very emotional,watched a few of these now and not let me down.Well done mate.
I was born and bred on the slopes of the Sussex downs and your video brings back many happy memories. We had to do cross country runs up to Truleigh Hill - fine in summer but bloody murder in winter. By coincidence, my family used to own Housedean Farm about 150 years ago.
Inspiring stuff. Really enjoyed this mate. As a relative newcomer to hiking I really value films like this to help with planning and preparation as well as their entertainment value. Cheers!
Thanks so much for that feedback. I really appreciate it. Any questions, please feel free to message me in Instagram or via email any time. ATB - Ben 🙏👍🥾🥾
Well done. Take care
Thanks for watching 👍
Just watched it all through again from start to finish....amazing....absolutely fantastic....Thank you so much for filming, walking , editing and posting !!!
Thanks Ross 🙏 Very kind. Been a pleasure.
Well done on your mission .
Big bravo from me
Thank you!!
Simply fantastic atmosphere and scenery, this looks and sounds amazing! Such a professional filming my friend!🥾
Thank you so much 😀
Well done fella excellent video thanks for taking us along and for putting it all together. Lovely walk and apart from some odd days the weather looked good and allowed for some beautiful views. Big thumbs up from me and well done again. Dave
Thanks loads Dave for watching. 👍🥾👍🥾
Me and my wife will be hiking this later in the spring! This video was very helpful!
Fantastic adventure, loved the journey. I retire next year, and this is on my bucket list for sure. Some great advice and tips - many thanks for the journey. I look forward to following your channel.
Many thanks Mark for watching. This would be a great retirement adventure. Perfect for that. Wishing you all the best with it. 👍Ben
Well done 👍
Thank you 👍
Been saving this video to watch in one go worth the wait. Brilliant well done. Do you think you may do a follow-up video gearlist noticed your pack is only 40l thats impressive.
Look forward to your next video
Hi Tony. Many thanks for watching and commenting. There is actually a load-out video of all my kit available to watch. If you go to my South Downs playlist, it’s in there. Thanks again. Ben
Watching this video just brought back so many memories of me doing the South Downs Way last year summer 2023 for my Gold DofE! Thank you for sharing 😊
A pleasure. It’s a great trail isn’t it. Well done on the DofE! One day I may do it again (maybe in reverse!)
Being a Hampshire lad who's lived in the NE for 32 yrs now, this brought back some fabulous memories of my old stomping ground(s) around the EastMeon/Petersfield area, and the SDW has been on my hiking bucket list for ages, so this superb film has tipped it for me, & I'm going to make some serious plans for '24, even if i do it in 2x stages !
Well done Ben, thoroughly enjoyed every single minute 👍🤘
Thanks Barry for that. Very kind. Glad to have brought back some good memories for you. It’s a very rewarding trail to complete but is deceptively gruelling in parts. What’s good is that it’s very well signposted and you can find water and accommodation along the way. I do recommend booking campsites in advance though as the stress of not knowing where you’re going to sleep, after a long day, can be a lot. It’s magic when you see the sea for the first time. Hike your own hike and do the SDW however you want to do it. All the best 👍Ben
Hey Ben, I'm walking the south downs way nxt week. I've watched quite a few videos on the trail and I must say that yours is the best mate😊. Thank you for being so informative on food/water stops. I'm wild camping and am now also checking out the farm campsites. Take care and happy hiking😊😊
Thanks very much Sean for that. Really appreciated mate. Glad it all helped. You’ll have a great time on the trail. You get a real sense of achievement at the end. Do you need anymore help with water refill points? I got hold of an updated tap map. Feel free to email me for info or questions. Channel email in ‘About’. Thanks. Ben
Well done, sir!
Well done Ben👍Great video.Did most of the trail very recently.So very fresh in the memory.Just need to walk from Washington to Clayton to complete it all sometime. A keen cyclist so might even do it all with my mountain bike in 3 days perhaps this year.
Last day to Estbourne was great.But walked from Jevington up and through a golf course.Did not see Beachy Head,Seven Sisters. Simply a good reason to do the South Downs again👍
Many thanks Martin. Good luck with the rest of it. 👍
Thank you Ben for this splendid, interesting and informative video. It is very beautifully filmed and edited, with suitable amount of narration. It is lovely to listen to the nature's sounds, too. You got a new subscriber (and a follower in the IG) from the chilly and snowy Finland. Wishing you all the best, and great new adventures 😍
Hi Paula. Thank you for that lovely feedback AND for subscribing! I really enjoyed making this film.🙂 Tervetuloa kanavalle! 🇫🇮 Ben
@@benhikescamps Lovely comment, thank you for brightening my grey February day, Ben 😍 All the best!
Your film documenting the 100-mile solo trek through the South Downs Way has been an incredible source of inspiration and motivation for many viewers, myself included. Your journey has reminded us of the transformative power of nature and adventure, and has encouraged us to push beyond our limits. I am grateful for the opportunity to witness your journey and to be a part of your audience. Your work has the power to positively impact the lives of many and serves as a testament to the beauty and wonder that surrounds us. I commend you for your bravery, perseverance, and for sharing your journey with the world. Your work is a true inspiration, and I look forward to seeing more of your incredible content in the future.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us, and may you continue to inspire others for many years to come. Mariusz.
That is very kind of you to say so. Thank you Mariusz.
Well it reminded me Rowtree Randoms where a thing so I brought 2 big bags
👍👍
Really enjoying your journey. Can't believe it was so wet - but then look at how this year has been so far!! It will definitely help me make a choice for what time of year to attempt it. I have an idea (from the view) that you were sitting on my uncle's memorial bench on Harting Hill (Gerald Mepham). What a beautiful spot to rest - fabulous views. Thanks for the video - so informative 🙂
Hi Penny. I am honoured to have rested on Gerald’s memorial bench on Harting Hill! I remember the views were good and the welcome sunshine meant I was able to dry my tent out! Really glad you liked the video and thanks for watching! Ben
Thank you for recording this great adventure.
A pleasure. Thanks for watching Graham.
After watching lots of US thru-hiking videos, this is the first UK one I've watched, and I couldn't help but smile at the inclusion of beer, fish and chips and pubs! Excellent video, got my eye on doing this one myself so has been very useful!
Many thanks James. Was good fun and fish and chips certainly makes it all better!
What a nice video to watch, well documented. thanks for sharing
Thank you. Glad you liked the vid. Enjoyed making it.
Just watching your video the whole thing. Really enjoying it. I'm 57 minutes in. We'll done but I'm still watching it. So I don't actually no yet if you completed it.
Thanks Mark!!
Good job! Remind me on when I did John Muir Way 3 months ago, was hard at times but I had best time of my life.
No going for West Highland Way in 3 weeks time, exciting. I will rain alot I presume so need good waterproofs ;]
Thanks and enjoy the WHW!
@@benhikescamps I love the tent, I ised to have TN compact 2, now I have Pioneer 2 to try for solo.
Finished watching well done. What an amazing feeling.
Thanks Mark. Hope all well.
I just stumbled across this video during my SDW research - absolutely loved the length of it; I could have even gone for more! Thanks for sharing
That’s very kind. Thank you!
👍 Looking forward to doing the SDW in September 🤞
Top tip that I learnt for the tent condensation - bring a small towel along or large microfibre cloth and in the morning just give the inside and outside of the tent a wipe down. You'll probably have to ring it out a few times! Then you can just hang it off your bag while hiking and it should be dry in an hour or two. Sea To Summit do some nice ones which weigh nothing, are super packable and dry quickly. Very handy to have. Congrats on completing the trail! I'm thinking of attempting it this year.
A good tip and thanks for watching! 👍
Thanks and well done mate.
Thank you Mike 👍
Great ending, because that's how it's ends. All the memories going through your mind and emotions running high 🤜🏻🤛🏻
Glad you enjoyed it and thank you!
Epic adventure mate, truly inspiring 🤙🏻👊🏼
Many thanks Pete.
just brilliant. thanks for sharing your great achievement with us. all the best fella
That’s very kind. Thanks Darren.
Such a fun video sir! I really like these formats, lots of UA-camrs do a trail like this and make a 15 minute video about it, I prefer this type of content! I wish you the best of luck in future hikes! Greetings from Belgium
Really glad you enjoyed it and thank you for watching! 👍🇧🇪
Something to be very proud of Ben 👏👏👏👍
Cheers Graham
Thanks v much Graham for watching. Appreciated.
Does this version have the DVD extras? 😉
Thanks for sharing! I did this back in April over 7 days. Such an amazing experience and i cannot wait to do it again. What an adventure!
Exactly the same month as me! Many thanks for watching and commenting. 👍
@@benhikescamps loving the video mate, it's really got me chomping at the bit to do it again!
Well done Ben, what a great achievement! Inspiring to others, me included, what can be done if you put your mind to it
Thanks very much Jason for those kind words.
Over the last week or so I've watched a few 'south down' videos. This has been my favourite, thanks to the content, length and advice given.
Thanks v much for that. It’s quite a long video though! Well done if you made it through to the end! 👍
Very nice job on the video. I enjoyed watching it. The video will help me next year when I take my Granddaughter on her first oversea trip and thru hike… looking forward to your next Thru hike.
Thanks Eric. Really appreciate that feedback and wishing you a great trip for when you go.
A really enjoyable omnibus edition Ben.
Top job.. rewarded with them great views on the last day.. Cheers
Thanks v much!
Great seeing someone walk the route and not want to do it in four days. I have walked Winchester to South Harting Downs and plan to finish it this year but possible on my bike
Thanks Davina. It’s nice to take in the sights and not always rush I think 👍🙂Thanks for watching.
This was my first through hike. I’ve done many since, but this remains one of my favorites.
It’s a good one. Thanks for watching.
Amazing achievement Ben! Well done. I know whom to go to when I get round to it ❤😂
Bloody awesome achievement buddy !.. And so well filmed, documented and edited. Thoroughly enjoyed watching this from start to finish. Thank you for sharing. All the best Mark 👍
Thanks Mark for watching. 👍
Finally a video not claiming to be about hikes but 99% eating.
Thanks for watching.
I did this walk myself a couple years ago, pushed all the way 30 miles to Harting down on day one and went a little to hard 😅 managed to complete it in just over 4 days. Feet were on bits though.
Really nicely put together video mate, well done on completing the SDW - I’m right with you on the whole amazing journey thing on completing a long distance trail. During the last year I’ve backpacked the Pennine Way twice with my dog Lola - a year ago I was a complete trail virgin like yourself 😂 Once again well done 👍 any future trail plans in mind ?
Many thanks Mark for getting through that long video! Would love to the Pennine at some point. I’m starting prep now to walk the Coast to Coast in 2024. 👍
First class effort sir 👏 Congratulations on an inspiring trip.
Thanks so much.
Nice. In the process of doing the SDW in sections, did the bit from Amberley to Truleigh Hill YHA in awful weather. Next day was fabulous walking over to Housedean, saw a kestrel on both days though.Also recommend Cotswold Way, Hadrian's Wall and the Ridgeway (also the Wicklow Way which I can walk to from my house)
Gawd….I remember that stretch to Truleigh Hill well. Absolute killer and thought it would never end! Wishing you well for the rest of the SDW and thanks for the recommendations.
Really enjoyed your video. Kept thinking, 'I'll switch off and go to bed in a minute'. Watched it all the way through to the end. Bet it felt great to see Eastbourne on the horizon.
I feel bad for keeping you awake now! Thanks so much for watching through to the end - it’s a long one! It really was a good feeling seeing and touching that 100-mile post in Eastbourne. You might also like my video (which is shorter) of me walking all of the Peddars Way this summer: ua-cam.com/video/T8Lcry1q5BQ/v-deo.htmlsi=rp2bm75H3scqGrdd
I hope to be doing the South Downs way soon looks a great walk mate.
It’s a great trail.
I found the South Downs way was more a bivvy route than for a tent.
Yep it’s good for quick bivvying I’d say. Hooped bivvy ideally.
After watching your video, it inspired me to get down there and give it a go.
Unfortunately, I only had 4 days so that's how long it took me. 😂 It was tough going and my feet are destroyed.
Your recommendations and helpful tips, were a really great reference. I stayed at Foxleigh Barn based on them ❤️
Danny, firstly thanks so much for watching the video, and secondly really REALLY well done for smashing the SDW in FOUR days!!! That's phenomenal going. Hoping your feet are on the mend. When did you get back? What's next??
@@benhikescamps Thanks. Although I'm really happy with that time, I feel I could of taken more of it in if I'd had more time. If that makes sense. 🤔
On the train back home now, this was day 4. Seven sisters, in the heat, with sore foot was not nice at all. 😬
Not sure what's next - I'd like to do the West Highland Way and the Coast to Coast I think, after a lot of rest of course.
It’s that balance isn’t it between taking it in (really important) and also personal challenge! I was averaging 15-17 miles a day when I did it. It’s definitely under-estimated as a trail. Beneath the beauty it’s slow and grinding in parts. Endless hills. The Seven Sisters views soothe the agony!! I’m planning the C2C next and maybe WHW after.
@@benhikescamps There were times that it just felt like I wasn't really getting anywhere, long periods of walking where I didn't actually see or speak to anyone either. Stupidly, I made the decision not to take any headphones so it was just me talking/singing to myself! :D
Good luck for your next trip and thanks again for the inspiration and helpful hints along the way!
I hear you. I downloaded a los of podcasts and music and took wired earphones. I used them for periods when I was finding things bit of a slog - to push me on and pass time. Worked a treat. Plus 80s music blasting out in your ears in the hills is very much recommended.
I watched every part of this journey Ben what a fantastic set of films, brilliant and well done on your achievement too. OK so here's a gentle suggestion for you. it's the 50th anniversary this year of the 'The Ridgeway' (87 miles worth) starting in the North Wessex Downs near Avebury in Wiltshire and ending at the top end of the Chiltern Ridgeway at 'Ivinghoe Beacon' you've visited here before.
Lovely campsite in Wallingford 'Bridge Villa'. (Agatha Christie lived in Wallingford too) - Wendover Woods is fantastic and finally near Ivinghoe is a fabulous cafe at the Bridgewater Monument in Ashridge (NT) before the final push to the Beacon at journeys end.... It's just a thought but you're likely to be a bit tired from this one. worth contemplating though maybe ? I'll even treat you to a breakfast at the Bridgewater Monument if I have a good day from my Chemo.
Keep well won't you.
Foxleigh campsite now permanently shut.
😮
Do we know why?
@@benhikescamps Nothing obvious. Looks like still operating but just as a physical BNB now. A couple of questionable reviews I noticed on Google last year. Not sure but on one map also looks like SDW may not run by them ( now)? But that may have been my eyes 😂
The sheep wouldn’t shut up Ben.😂
They wouldn't!
Well done mate outstanding achievement and a brilliant film and memory you have made. Sadly, although I attempted the walk this time last year it remains unfinished business for me to be revisited in the future. Our trip ended with me suffering nasty blisters and a companion having appendicitis midway so we had to abort and get him to the hospital... Your video has got me thinking again though thanks :)
Gutted for you Sean but really hope you get a chance to finish it off. Thanks for watching and all the support. Ben
You need to get yourself a pair of boots with memory soles it’s like walking on air you.
My Brooks trailrunners served me very well on this trip and handled the terrain excellently. Thanks for watching.
Soft soles on long hikes are a big no no, you need hard support. Ok around town etc but 20miles of walking will make the bottom of your feet mushy. I made this mistake and paid for it!
I completely disagree with you Andy. I researched well, sought advice and tested my trail runners for 60 miles before I even started the SDW. In 160 miles, I had one small blister. My feet could breathe, dry out as did the trail runners when hitting flooded trails. I felt fully supported the entire time and had no mushy feet. Any tiredness I did have was simply from hours of walking over hilly terrain. You don’t always need hard soles or boots; any experienced American long distance hiker will tell you that. I’m not saying boots don’t have their place but for the SDW, I would recommend trail runners. Mine were bombproof.
@@benhikescamps Dixie for instance AT and PCT. Its what suits and only experience and personal choice will get you where you want to be.
All we do is subsidize female sports what were those girls talking about?
Recommended research for you:
sportsgazette.co.uk/there-she-rows-aiming-to-inspire-women-and-girls-to-conquer-their-own-atlantic-ocean/