Walking the South Downs Way (and an unexpected ending)

The South Downs Way stretches for 102 miles from Eastbourne to Winchester. It is an ancient Pilgrim's Way. And is beautiful. Really beautiful. The vistas across Hampshire and Sussex from high places like Buster Hill, Ditcling Beacon and The Seven Sisters are stunning. Beautiful too are the woods, the rivers, streams and the wildlife (so many breeds of cow and sheep!). Taking a long walk is a good. Seeing the sea is a good. Slowing down is a good. Being outside is a good thing to do. Spending time with God is a good. Finding places to stay along the way can be challenging. I stayed in a pub, a farmhouse, a shepherd's hut and with family along the way. If you are thinking of walking the SDW try and find places on or near the track otherwise (as I found) you walk a lot further finding accomdation. I chose to walk West to East, Winchester to Eastbourne in 6 days (2x3 days) which I found challenging. I learnt a lot about that part of the world. I learnt a lot about myself (endurance mainly!). I learnt surprising things. The walk did not end as I planned: within sight of the finish on Day 6 I fell and broke my lower tibia... No romantic reunion with my wife at Beachy Head - an afternoon sitting in hospital instead! I will return next year to finish it properly. It's worth it.