Enjoy the English countryside in the rolling hills of the South Downs. We wild camp the nights and walk the hundred miles of the South Downs Way.

Part one of this three part series, starts at the official start point at the Mill in Winchester and finishes at the end of day two in the woods near Cocking. On day one we pass through Chilcomb and identify here that there is a very old and rare post box dated during Queen Victorias reign. Having crossed the M3 motorway we begin the journey that exposures us to the true picture of the South Downs Way with rolling countryside and open fields. We arrive at Cheesefoot Head and note the natural amphitheatre which was used in the second world war to talk to the American troops.

Next we arrive at Holden Farm where we are able to fill up our water bottles. We also note the possibility of camping but we continual on our journey. Next we are gaining some small hight up to Beacon Hill. We touch the trig point and note the surrounding county-side before descending and noting we are overlooking the village of Exton. In the village we admire the houses and especially the medical church of St Peter and ST Paul.

We next gain the Hill Fort of Old Winchester Hill which the South Downs Way officially ignores but we stress the history and views that can be missed if the hill is avoided. Moving on to the estate of Meon Springs we observe the fishing lake and lodge which has a cafe attached. A few miles later we are passing the Sustainability Centre which is also a good water source near the Beach Cafe. Eventually, we arrive at the Queen Elizebert Country Park where we find a spot to wild camp on our first night.

The following morning on the trail, we encounter a wayside table that is offering flapjacks for £1 and free water. We partake of what is on offer and move onto Harting Down overlooking South Harting. We then decide to walk uphill to the top of another hill named Beacon Hill. After Beacon Hill travelling the trails we meet to other travellers who are carrying a dog. We share experiences of wild camping before parting company.

Having crossed the A286 we arrive at Manor Farm and the next water point. This water tap which was erected in 1978 is in memory of Peter Wren aged 14. From here we enter the woods to have a second night of wild camping.

The guide book we used was the South Downs Way published by trailblazer.

This video is part one of three. Parts two and three will be published on a weekly cycle on the normal schedule of Tuesday at 16:00 (GMT)

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