SWC Walk 313 and 68: Rowlands Castle Combination Circular t=swc.313
Distance: Something for everyone –
The suggested option is for a Combination Circular of 21 miles/33.7 km starting with SWC 313 and switching to SWC 68 in the afternoon. However, it is also possible to start an hour later and do one of the 3 circulars of SWC 68, these range between 10 miles/15 km and 18 miles/29km. All walk options share a lunch pub (except the shortest SWC 68 option) – so it is possible to mix and match the routes to create a walk of desired length.
Difficulty: 10 out of 10 for the suggested Combination Circular; 7 out of 10 for the main SWC 68 walk (3 out of 10 for the shorter walk and 8 out of 10 for the extended walk)
Train: For those aiming for the Combination Circular, take the 8:00 AM Portsmouth Harbor train from London Waterloo, changing at Haslemere (arriving 8:53 and departing 8:57) to arrive at Rowlands Castle at 9:23. All others can take the 9:00 AM Portsmouth Harbor train from London Waterloo, changing at Haslemere (arriving 9:53 and departing 9:57) to arrive at Rowlands Castle at 10:23.
Return trains from Rowlands Castle are hourly at 58 past the hour until 22:58. Buy a day return to Rowlands Castle.
There are very few walks in the SWC SE repertoire that have over 1000 meters of ascent and the RC Grand Circular is one of them – so even this more modest version is perfect for those aspiring to reach the summit of Munros on the upcoming Scottish trip. However, others should not despair, as SWC 68 offers plenty of other options for a fine undulating walk.
All the routes cover a lovely section of the western part of the South Downs with undulating hills and great views far and wide. You can find more information about the walks and download the walk instructions here (SWC 68) and here (SWC 313).
The recommended lunch spot is the Royal Oak (01243 535 257) in Hooksway (8 miles/13 km into the SWC 68 walk and 11 miles/18km into the SWC 313 walk) which serves food until 2:00pm – so do keep an eye on the time. The early and late starters should both arrive at the pub about the same time.
Tea and other post walk refreshments can be had at the Castle Inn -- a stone’s throw from the train station.
1 comment:
Two or three of us (that I know of) are planning to get the 8am from Waterloo. (But don't expect much conversation on the train, we may be asleep.)
Post a Comment