Preparations, preparations, preparations

Maps? check
Compass? check
Walking shoes? check
Clothes? check
Money? check
Credit card? check
Guide book? check . . . check . . . check

Ooh, yes - having set up first ever blog, learn how to use it from phone, tablet and laptop - tear hair, cross words, rant, scream - breathe - think calm thoughts - OK now.

Shall we go, shan't we go?

So... the weather looks ideal and the decision has been taken.  We're off to stay with Hazel and Trevor in Durley (Nr Southampton)  for a few days, starting on Sunday evening, with the intention of walking for four days:
Winchester - The Milbury's
The Milbury's to HMS Mercury
HMS Mercury to Buriton
Buriton to Cocking

From Cocking, we plan to do the remainder as day trips from home, using two cars - well, that's the plan, anyway!

The South Downs Way

Why the South Downs Way? 

It's not the longest long-distance walk in Britain, not the highest or the most rugged.  But it is quite possibly one of the most varied and most attractive.  And it's nearby!

And why now?

Having accidentally walked odd bits of the SD Way over the last 20-odd years, we've long wanted to attempt the whole thing.  Not all at once of course, and definitely no camping, but the easy way, a bit at a time, when the weather's suitable, etc etc.

Now that we're both retired and have more time (ha ha!) to do things we want to do, we've decided to have a go.  Taking it fairly gently, we reckon there's about 10 days' walking - so here goes!