Thinking of doing the sdw this week. Which way is the hardest out to Eastbourne or the return?
What is the distance both ways

165km/3,500 metres each way. The Eastbourne start is at the end of Dukes drive

Traditional way is Winchester to Eastbourne if one way

It’s 100 miles each way

Although if you’re gonna double then can’t see why it would matter where you start

Starting at winchester as it's closer to me. Where do folk park, I can't remember incase I canthink get on the stn

Wind is mostly from the west.
There are two ways to finish. Inland, along the downs. Or along the coast.
Cyclists are advised not to go the coastal way. But it is a nice ride if the weather is good.

There is a good website 'South Downs Way Double'? or similar.
Copy and save the pages to your phone as it lists all the water taps with location photos.

A few pubs and cafes along the way.

I haven't been but the Gurkha museum is in Winchester.

Rasta, this second route u talk of, any ideas which way it goes please?

From memory -

At Alfriston, many pubs, you have 2 choices.
1. Continue along the Downs. Eastwards. (North east first).
2. Turn south parallel to the Cuckmere River to the coast.

Both routes are sign posted as the SDW.

Check out the SDW website, good info there on water points

Ffs, you not working at the moment?

Mr large, I finish tomorrow morning for my four off fella. Thought I'd fill it with some sunshine and trails on the south coast

If you're doing a single start at Winchester, if doing a double start the Eastbourne end. When I did a double last year I stated at Winchester and when I got to Eastbourne I thought I was half way, turns out it's more like a third of the way as riding back into the wind was twice as hard as the outward leg was

Cheers for sean. I'm planning riding from Winchester in morn. There's alway the train if it's to brutal going back

Wave, I might see you from the top of one of the Surrey Hills.

Make sure you know where the taps are, first one is some way in if its hot... the farm shop opposite sells some cracking ice cream.