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Drinking water along the South Downs Way

There are few places where drinking water can be obtained along the South Downs Way. This is because much of the SDW runs along the crest of the Downs while villages and springs are found at the foot. Ensure that you carry enough water with you, especially in summer – when perhaps two litres per person per day may be required. See Appendix B for a comprehensive list of waterpoints.

Food

Carry enough food and/or make certain you can buy some en route. If your energy levels dip when riding it is difficult to maintain output on an empty tank. When walking, hunger can be ignored to a certain extent, but mountain bikers are prey to the phenomenon of gnawing pangs that won’t go away, which is known in some parts as ‘bonking’. It makes sense to carry lightweight, high-energy foods such as flapjacks, fruit cake, dried fruit and nuts, ‘hi-energy’ bars and bananas.

Chalk-hill blue butterfly

Rights of way and other users

Mountain bikers have ‘right of way’ on bridleways (indicated by blue arrows on signposts and gates), on byways (red arrows) and on green lanes. This gives you the right to share the way with other users – always give way to walkers and horse riders. Don’t approach walkers or horse riders at speed from behind or in front. When approaching from behind, slow right down and announce your presence with a ‘hello’ so as not to startle man or beast. When approaching from the front, slow down and give a wide berth or stop and make way for them to pass you.