South Downs Way Overview
- Ancient paths through stunning chalk landscapes
- Accessible sections for weekend warriors
- Rich historical sites dot entire route
The South Downs Way stands as one of England's most cherished National Trails, spanning 100 miles (160 kilometers) through the heart of the South Downs National Park. This historic route follows ancient trackways along the chalk escarpment and ridges of the South Downs, offering continuous views ... Read more
| Hilliness | |
| Start Point | Winchester, Hampshire (Cathedral City) |
| End Point | Eastbourne, East Sussex (Beachy Head) |
| Activity Type | Walking, Hiking, Trail Running |
| Distance | 160km | 100 miles |
| Ascent | 3,800m | 12,467ft |
| When to go | April through October |
| Baggage Transfer | Available |
From: £130.00
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What to Expect
Beginning at the historic Winchester Cathedral, this stage offers a gentle introduction to the South Downs Way. The trail climbs steadily out of Winchester through Chilcomb, providing the first taste of chalk downland walking. Key features include the Iron Age hill fort at St. Catherine's Hill, offering panoramic views over Winchester and the Itchen Valley. The path follows ancient trackways through Chilcomb Down before descending to the picturesque village of Exton.
Water sources are available in Winchester and Exton, with several pubs offering refreshments. The Beacon Hill Nature Reserve presents excellent wildlife spotting opportunities, particularly for butterflies in summer months. Historical points of interest include the medieval church of St. Peter's in Chilcomb and various ancient burial mounds dotting the downland.
This section features some of the most dramatic scenery of the early stages. From Exton, the trail climbs steeply to Beacon Hill, an impressive Iron Age hill fort with extensive views across Hampshire. The path continues along high ridges through Old Winchester Hill National Nature Reserve, home to rare chalk grassland species and another impressive hill fort.
Water and supplies are available at Meon Springs and Mercury Park. The highlight of this stage is the spectacular Iron Age fort at Old Winchester Hill, offering views across the Meon Valley. The route passes through ancient woodlands before reaching Queen Elizabeth Country Park, which provides visitor facilities and a café.
This challenging stage crosses the Hampshire-Sussex border, offering sustained walking along chalk ridges. The trail passes through Harting Down, managed by the National Trust, providing excellent views north to the Weald and south to the Channel. Sustainability Hill offers one of the trail's finest viewpoints.
Water sources are available at South Harting village, slightly off-trail. The route passes the impressive Vandalian Tower ruins and crosses several ancient track ways. The descent into Cocking provides welcome relief after a day of ridge walking, with the village offering accommodation and resupply options.
This section features some of the trail's most remote and peaceful walking. From Cocking, the path climbs back to the ridge, passing through Graffham Down Nature Reserve, known for its wildflowers and butterflies. The trail continues through Bignor Hill, site of impressive Roman remains.
Water is available at Graffham and Amberley. The highlight is the Roman villa at Bignor, just off the trail. The descent into Amberley offers stunning views of the River Arun valley and the Amberley Wild Brooks wetlands. The village itself is picturesque with its thatched cottages and medieval castle.
A dramatic stage featuring some of the trail's most impressive downland. From Amberley, the path climbs steeply to Rackham Hill, offering views back across the Arun Valley. The route passes several dramatic chalk escarpments, including the famous Chanctonbury Ring with its distinctive crown of beech trees.
Water sources are found in Washington and Upper Beeding. Historical highlights include the Iron Age hill fort at Chanctonbury Ring and numerous burial mounds. The Devil's Dyke, one of the longest, deepest, and widest dry valleys in Britain, provides a spectacular conclusion to the day.
This stage offers classic South Downs walking along open ridges. From Upper Beeding, the trail climbs to Truleigh Hill, with its distinctive radio masts. The path continues along high ground, passing the Clayton Windmills, known locally as "Jack and Jill."
Water is available at Pyecombe and Housedean Farm. The Clayton Windmills provide excellent photo opportunities, while the church at Clayton features rare medieval wall paintings. The stage ends at Housedean Farm, where the A27 provides access to Brighton.
A challenging but rewarding stage featuring some of the trail's most dramatic scenery. The path climbs to Ditchling Beacon, the highest point in East Sussex, offering extensive views. The route continues past the impressive Blackcap hill and Mount Caburn nature reserve.
Water sources are found in Southease and Alfriston. Historical highlights include the restored YHA at Southease and its ancient church with round tower. The approach to Alfriston through the Cuckmere Valley provides stunning views of the meandering river.
The trail's finale provides its most dramatic coastal scenery. From Alfriston, the path follows the Cuckmere River before climbing to the Seven Sisters, a series of chalk cliffs. The route continues past Birling Gap and Beachy Head, offering spectacular coastal views.
Water is available at Birling Gap and Eastbourne. The Seven Sisters Country Park provides stunning photo opportunities, while Beachy Head lighthouse is an iconic sight. The stage concludes with a descent into Eastbourne, where the trail officially ends at the western end of the promenade.
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How long will it take?
Everyone has a different approach to trails. Here are our suggested times for the South Downs Way for different types of adventurers.
Here we have assumed that you will be out on the trail for around 8 hours per day, including regular breaks but not extended lunch stops.
8
Days
Enjoy the journey, take time for photos, sightseeing, and frequent breaks.
7
Days
Walk steadily at a relaxed pace, take short breaks, and enjoy the scenery.
5
Days
Fit and experienced, maintain a strong pace, take minimal breaks.
3
Days
Combine running and fast hiking, carry light gear, focus on efficient progress.
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Essential Travel Information
Seasonal Highlights and Trail Conditions:
- Peak season runs from April to October
- Spring offers wildflowers and mild temperatures
- Summer provides longest daylight hours but can be hot
- Autumn offers crisp weather and fall colors
- Winter walking possible but challenging due to mud and short days
- Trail generally remains open year-round
- Chalk surface provides good grip even in wet conditions
- High winds can be challenging on exposed sections
Budget Options (£15-30 per night):
- Camping at designated sites
- YHA hostels in Winchester, Southease, and Eastbourne
- Camping barns and bunkhouses
Mid-Range Options (£50-100 per night):
- B&Bs in villages along the route
- Guesthouses in major towns
- Small hotels
Luxury Options (£100+ per night):
- Historic hotels in Winchester and Eastbourne
- Boutique countryside hotels
- Converted manor houses
Popular Stopover Points:
- Winchester
- Exton
- South Harting
- Amberley
- Alfriston
- Eastbourne
Nearest Airports:
- Southampton (for Winchester)
- Gatwick (for middle sections)
- London Heathrow (requires additional transport)
Public Transportation:
- Regular trains to Winchester from London Waterloo
- Various railway stations near the trail (Amberley, Southease)
- Regular trains from Eastbourne to London Victoria
- Local bus services connect various points along the trail
Trailhead Access:
- Winchester Cathedral easily reached from the train station
- Eastbourne terminus accessible by public transport
- Various car parks along the route for section hikers
Evacuation Points:
- Major road crossings every 5-10 miles
- Villages with transport links throughout
- Emergency services accessible throughout via mobile phone
Daily Expenses (approximate):
- Budget: £50-70 per day
- Mid-range: £80-120 per day
- Luxury: £150+ per day
Breakdown:
- Accommodation: £15-100+ per night
- Food: £20-40 per day
- Transport: £10-30 per day
- Equipment rental (if needed): £20-50 per day
Additional Costs:
- No permits required
- Optional guides or maps: £10-20
- Baggage transfer services: £8-12 per bag per stage
- Busiest during summer weekends and bank holidays
- Popular with day hikers near urban areas
- Quieter sections between Cocking and Alfriston
- Mix of international and domestic hikers
- Family-friendly sections near major towns
- Remote sections offer solitude
- Strong walking community with local groups
- Cultural emphasis on countryside preservation
- Friendly locals accustomed to hikers
- Good mix of social interaction at overnight stops while maintaining solitude on trail
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Customer Reviews
The South Downs Way is easily accessible from both the E and W starting points without using lifts or 'stepping' by car. Trains and buses are frequent from most places to the starts
Being one of the most southerly walks, it is easy to get to, possibly warmer with fewer extremes of weather.
Yes, a good introduction to the trials and tribulations of just anotherr walk.
Please be aware though that, as more so with the longer and higher walks, the solo one-go attempt (104 miles) needs thorough and thoughtful preparation with regard to route, daily distance capability and nightstop/eating facilities. Advice from someone who's done seven, including up (PW) and across .(C2C).
Great in the early summer. Allow about a week.
Having not been on a bike for over a year and 60 in a few months god only knows why over dinner one evening and a conversation about a bike ride on the southdowns 15 years ago ended up with my 12 year old granddaughter and myself deciding we would have a half term ride along the lovely southdowns national trail , several times my granddaughter asked when the downs started as we only ever seemed to go up hill, downhills were complicated but the wheel sized pot holes in the Chalk paths and trenches.
Hills obviously bigger and steeper than 15 years ago . Although we actually had a sore but great time and made memories she can both treasure .
Since I moved to Hampshire from London I have been walking the South Downs Way in small pieces. I also am an Airbnb host so lots of my guests are also on walking holidays. It covers some absolutely breathtaking countryside with wonderful panoramic views and there are plenty of charming villages and pubs along the way. You quite often get sea views but also a great variety of ancient woodland and wildlife. Definitely want my ashes scattered here when I go!
Six medium sized men attempted to walk the South Downs Way in June 2021. The trip was delayed for a year by The Bug.
Day 1: Eastbourne to Falmer (23 miles)
We went the inland route via Jevington to avoid the fatiguing Seven Sisters on day 1. It was still a hilly day but it's a beautiful route. The water taps at Alfriston and Southease were welcome on a hot day. We finished at The Swan Inn Falmer as we were staying in Brighton night 1 where I reside. Even our Ultramarathon-running guestwalker was pretty tired by the end.
Day 2: Ditchling Beacon to Houghton (24 miles)
We cut off the few miles from Housedean Farm round the Eastern edge of Brighton and got a taxi direct to Ditchling Beacon. The church at Pyecombe is a brilliant stop for a bit of history. One of our walkers was struggling with his knee and was jettisoned out the back of our relentless march to Amberley. He was able to find a bus at Steyning then a train from Pulborough to meet us at Amberley. Truleigh Hill Youth Hostel provided the obligatory 11am coffee. Apparently the climb from the river Adur up to Chanctonbury Ring was the biggest climb of the whole walk but it wasn't steep so we were unaware at the time. A few pints at the Bridge Inn at Amberley helped to wash away the day's pain. We had a nice dinner at the George and Dragon up the road and stayed at the lovely Southdowns Bunkhouse.
Day 3: Houghton to Sustainability Centre (28 miles)
This was new territory for me. Our morning coffee was at risk but Cadence Cycle Club got the memo and opened a new branch one hour before our arrival at Upwaltham. We continued to Cocking where we met some more guest walkers. Another of our party was finding the going tough post-Cocking so joined the walking wounded in getting a lift part-way to the accommodation. The rest of us ploughed on and enjoyed the change to the more forested areas at Harting Down and Queen Elizabeth Country Park. We were pretty tired by the time we strolled under the A3 to find Butser Hill, the highest point of the walk awaiting us. A tired trudge to the Sustainability Centre and spirits were low on night 3. The Sustainability Centre is properly in the middle of nowhere so if you're arriving out of hours without a vehicle, bring food or have a taxi booked to a pub. We went to the Bat and Ball at Clanfield.
Day 4: Sustainability Centre to Winchester (19 miles)
The easiest day by far. Much flatter and our shortest day. We made it by 2pm into the charming city of Winchester. The end plaque is slightly bizarrely hidden behind a gate in a
flowerbed at Winchester City Mill.
The route is doable and enjoyable in 4 days if you are happy to walk 9-10 hours per day with only short breaks. We were reasonably fit men aged around 40 and not carrying any camping gear. 4 out of 6 of us managed the whole thing. The number one thing I would suggest is taking care of your feet with blister plasters.
We completed half of this 100 mile walk from Amberley to Eastbourne in late October. The weather was changeable - beautiful skys , rainbows and the inevitable wind and rain. There is not much climbing to be done along the route - normally at the start of the day. The paths are well signposted. There were not many loos on the route so be prepared. Overall a great escape and surprising how few people take advantage of the solitude.