South Downs Way All Clear

No visa requirements.

The organisers of the Annual South Downs Way Walk have confirmed that there will be no visa requirements for those taking part in the 100 mile cross-county journey this summer.

As one of the Footprints Team, Keith McKenna, explained: 'We are delighted to say that we have had some very positive discussions with both East Sussex and Hampshire Counties and can confirm that visa waivers will be issued for all those crossing the county borders in June. We have even reached an agreement on tariffs so that the ice creams we are giving to walkers in Hampshire can be imported duty free into Sussex'.

The annual walk from Winchester to Eastbourne along the full length of the South Downs Way will take place over nine days from 5th to 13th June with walkers being collected by coach each morning from different points in West Sussex.
This will be the 41st year of the event and Keith and his ‘Footprints’ team have been in charge since 2001.

Team member Sally Dench added: 'Keith has been very busy getting this done – he was particularly concerned about the can of cider he keeps in his backpack for the end of the day’s walk. He didn’t want to be accused of being a smuggler although, suspiciously, he is often seen in a pub of that name which is on the eastern end of the trail'.

There is a prize quiz every day during the walk and there was initially some concern about the Irish Question - until it was pointed out that the Irish M.P., Charles Stewart Parnell, did actually have to cross the South Downs Way to attend his marriage in Steyning. It was therefore deemed to be a legitimate question and not just a back-stop.

There are more details about the event of the website: www.southdownsway.com
or call Keith or Sally on 01903-813381.