In this Bucket List episode, host Aaron Millar recounts the most audacious, tipsiest, and ridiculous hike of his life: a 100-mile pub crawl across the entire length of the South Downs National Park, near his hometown of Brighton England.

“Should you ever happen to find yourself walking with only one boot on in the middle of the night,” Aaron writes, “the one thing you don’t want to read when you open the guidebook is – ‘the path climbs gently through a field of stingy nettles and large piles of cow dung.’ Nonetheless, having undertaken the challenge of walking the entire 100-mile length of the South Downs Way, from Eastbourne to Winchester, this was precisely where I found myself on only my second day on the trail.”

The South Downs Way has been walked by traders, drovers, and pilgrims for hundreds of years. Because of that a network of old Coaching Inns has sprung up along the trail where weary travelers could rest for the night, grab some dinner and pint of ale. Centuries later many are still standing, and it’s possible to walk the entire trail stopping at them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a few drinks in between.

100-miles – shoeless or not – is a long way, but it’s worth every inch of the effort because this part of the world is overflowing with gentle landscapes, ancient history, and warm welcoming people. Not to mention a good pint or two.

DO THIS PUB CRAWL YOURSELF!

You can find out more information about the South Downs Way, and South Downs National Park at www.southdowns.gov.uk

It’s possible to work out the route of the pub crawl yourself, or drop Aaron a line for the insider tips: [email protected]

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Armchair Explorer is produced by Armchair Productions. Aaron Millar wrote and presented the show, Charles Tyrie did the audio editing and sound design. Our theme music is by the artist Sweet Chap.

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