AN 100-MILE walking trail across the South Downs is marking its 50th anniversary with a series of commemorative plaques and a specially-brewed beer.
Although the route has been trodden for people over millennia, the South Downs Way became a National Trail on July 15 1972, making it the UK’s fifth to the established and its first long-distance bridleway.
To celebrate the occasion, plaques to mark the anniversary are being produced for the 66 parishes along the route, which stretches from Winchester in Hampshire through to Eastbourne.
Andy Gattiker, national trials and rights of way lead, thanked volunteers who help maintain the route and said: “It is amazing to think that the trail opened half a century ago.
“The beauty of the trail is that it offers something for everyone, whether it’s an interesting day trip, short break or a week-long ramble.
“We couldn’t maintain the route without the help of dedicated volunteers, who get involved in surveying, practical work, helping at public events and administration, so a big thank you to them as we celebrate this birthday.
“We thought it would be a nice gesture for each of the parishes along the route to get a beautiful waymaker that can be attached to a fingerpost to celebrate this historic moment.”
The Long Man Brewery, which takes its name from the Long Man of Wilmington that has delighted walkers for centuries, is also crafting a special beer to mark the anniversary - which will be unveiled in September.
Tom O’Neill from the Long Man Brewery said: “The South Downs Way is the lifeblood of so many businesses in the Cuckmere Valley and beyond, offering people the chance to escape, explore and discover the natural world around them.
“At Long Man, we do everything we can to work at one with the natural systems and landscapes around us, including using our own barley grown alongside the trail to make our own beer.
“We’re delighted to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the South Downs Way by brewing an exclusive beer with real South Downs Way provenance.”
The recommended time to complete the entire walk is eight days, with an average of 12.5 miles or 20 kilometres a day.
The world record for completing the South Downs Way is held by Mark Perkins with a time of 14 hours, three minutes and 54 seconds, set in 2014.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here