South Downs Way
Description
- Name South Downs Way
- Length of trail 163 km, 101 miles
- Length in days 8 days
- Start of trail Eastbourne
- Traildino grading EW, Easy walk, nature trail
SW
101 miles, 162 km, 8 days
National Trail
The South Downs Way is a National Trail, like its northern neighbour, the North Downs Way.
The Way is one of the most popular walks in England. The 100 mile or so start in Bournemouth, and here the walker is offered two choices. The coastal path runs along spectacular chalk cliffs, among them the Seven Sisters. This stretch is for walkers only. The inland leg is also accessible for cyclists and on horseback, as is the rest of the trail up till its end point in the historical city of Winchester.
The Downs essentially is a range of broad hills, mostly bare, cultivated with crops and grassland, offering good views over a patchwork of fields on both sides. The path mostly stays on the crest of the hills, but often dips into North South running ceasures where one usually has to cross, often in perilous circumstances, busy roads. That's one thing to mention: sandwiched between London and the cities in the south, this is a busy part of the country.
Originally, the chalk hills offered a rich and varied biosphere for all sorts of rare plants and insects, but these days, the only places you may spot these living treasures, are sites protected by conservationist organisations. All the rest of the country is quite dullified, the result of the interaction of farmers wishing to earn a decent living and consumers wishing to pay low prices.
Accommodation on the trail itself is scarce. A few Youth Hostels and the odd village. Most of the villages lie in the lowlands, way off the path. But the before mentioned suicide road crossings come in handy here, because regular bus services will carry you off and on the trail, into the villages and even seaside resorts like Brighton.
It may be lovely weather on the downs, with all kinds of birds and warblers whirling around, and even Red Kite and Raven in the air. But there also may be ferocious winds and rains, which, in a open landscape, is surely going to test your guts: be well prepared.
Opinions
Rate
8.8 |
4 votes |
No 8. in United Kingdom
- Henk Nouws May 2016
- Rate 8
- Positive Pretty villages, great pubs
- Negative A busy area, between London and the South Coast
- Philipp October 2016
- Rate 9
- Rory
- Rate 8
- Positive The South Downs Way is covered in history, a truly beautiful walk. At times open and windy, others sheltered by woodland, but all the time a real joy to walk. Easy going, charming scenery and great pubs either side of the downs. I live on the South Downs and will say that this is the best way to experience this part of England.
- Aaron Barnes August 2006
- Rate 10
- Positive Everything. Easy walking with fantastic views from start to finish. Plentyful accomodation. My favourite trail so far (2012, walked in 2006) and it will be difficult to beat. Just do it!
- Negative I can't think of anything other than - watch out for rampaging cyclists! (Disclaimer - cast majority of cyclists are excellent - there are however always one or two idiots that seem to be intent on mowing down walkers!) Much is classified bridleway so just be aware that the route is well used by various different groups and can be busy!
Map
Links
Facts
- Home - South Downs Way - National Trails
Home page on National Trails.
- The South Downs Way
A pictoral description of the trail
- 7 walk the South Downs Way in 8 Days
A description of an 8 day walk along the South Downs Way by a group of 7 men in May 2012. Describes the route, the accommodation, what was good and what was not so good.
- Hikeview South Downs Way
Guide to planning a walk along the South Downs Way, including a standard breakdown of the walk with distance and walking time estimates. With detailed map of the trail delineated in 2 mile segments
- Hiking in Britain - South Downs Way
Another description of the trail
- Ramblers | S | South Downs Way National Trail
- South Downs Way Long Distance Path Directory
Entry by The Walking Englishman
- South Downs Way National Trail
Another description of the Way.
- South Downs Way National Trail - LDWA Long Distance Paths
- South Downs Way on AboutBritain.com
Sectionwise description by AboutBritain.com
- The South Downs Way | England - Times Online
This is the story Times Online has to tell.
- Walking the South Downs Way - Walking And Hiking (UK)
Reports
- A blog of my travels » SDW Day 1 (Eastbourne to Southease)
Blog-style report by Christopher Weddell.
- Ashley Heeley's South Downs Way Diary
Looking at the pictures you think you know why an empty country can be so beautiful. From the Seven Sisters to Winchester Cathedral: this is genuine England.
- jon's weblog: Lewes to Eastbourne via South Downs Way
Short but overdetailed account, plus some pretty pictures.
- Long Distance Walking: South Downs Way
Long Distance Walking Blog by Sergio
- Rob Lee - Live from the South Downs Way
Bikers report: the trail in 24 hours (and return)
- South Downs Way
This is Annierak's story.
- South Downs Way « On The Road with Vicky Lamburn
Trail report, 2008, with old-time black and white photographs.
- The South Downs Way
Trail report
- The South Downs Way
Trail report by David Cotton.
- Walking the South Downs Way 1 | Ecstatic Gaucho
A blog by Ecstatic Gaucho.
- Walking the South Downs Way · The Travel Cooler - travel articles, views, interviews and photographs from around the world
Trail stories and a photo gallery.
- baz's backpacking blog: south downs way - winchester to buriton
Short blog
- The South Downs Way
A story in words only.
Guides and maps
- The South Downs Way in West Sussex
Step by step guide to the ancient South Downs Way in West Sussex, from the Hampshire border all the way to East Sussex.
Lodging
Organisations
Tour operators
GPS
Other
- south downs national park, south downs way annual walk, eastbourne to winchester
Page about the Annual South Downs Way Walk
Books
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2018
United Kingdom
2018
- The National Trails
- This inspirational guidebook looks at each of the UK's 19 National Trails, with information that allows ease of comparison and contrast, inspiring you to find out more and to take up a long-distance challenge. Some Trails are short and easy, others much longer, many have strong themes - they may follow a coastline, or traverse ranges of hills. Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2015
United Kingdom
2015
- The National Trails
- 19 Long-Distance Routes through England, Scotland and Wales Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2015
Netherlands
2015
- Wandelgids the National Trails - Great British Walks - Engeland, Wales en Schotland | Cicerone
- This inspirational guidebook looks at each of the UK's 19 National Trails, with information that allows ease of comparison and contrast, inspiring you to find out more and to take up a long-distance challenge. Some Trails are short and easy, others much longer, many have strong themes - they may follow a coastline, or traverse ranges of hills. Read more
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2018
United Kingdom
2018
- Fastpacking
- Guidebook to fastpacking - multi-day running trips carrying the bare essentials - in the UK, Europe and beyond. Includes 12 route ideas (all tried and tested), fastpacking stories from around the world (featuring Jez Bragg, Anna Frost and Jasmin Paris), and invaluable tips and tricks to help you prepare for your own running adventure. Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2018
United Kingdom
2018
- Fastpacking
- Multi-day running adventures: tips, stories and route ideas Read more
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2011
United Kingdom
2011
- Walking in Sussex
- Walking in Sussex describes 40 circular walks that show the great variety of scenery and history in Sussex. Short walks and more demanding routes, including outline descriptions of some of the region's long-distance paths. Covers the South Downs, High Weald and Ashdown Forest. Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
Stanfords
United Kingdom
2011
United Kingdom
2011
- Sussex Walking
- Accomplished walker Kev Reynolds’s Cicerone guide to Walking in Sussex is a thorough exploration of one of the Home Counties’ finest walking destinations. Routes across Sussex have been woven for many generations; with paths and track-ways whose purpose was to aid the hunter, home-maker, flint-miner, iron-worker, soldier, farmer, smuggler,... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Family Walks in Hampshire: In and Around the Meon Valley
- The river Meon is one of Hampshire`s quintessential chalk streams. It rises from natural springs in the South Downs to the south of the village of East Meon. This book contains the details of 20 walks in the Meon river valley area in southern Hampshire. The walks are suitable for novices, casual walkers, family groups, and experienced ramblers. Read more
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Countryside Dog Walks : South Downs Central
- 20 Graded Walks with No Stiles for Your Dogs Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Arundel & Pulborough - Worthing & Bognor Regis OS Explorer Map OL10 (paper)
- Arundel and Pulborough area of Sussex on a detailed topographic and GPS compatible map OL10, paper version, from the Ordnance Survey’s 1:25,000 Explorer series. Coverage along the coast extends from east of Worthing across Littlehampton to west of Bognor Regis and inland to Pulborough, and includes part of the South Downs National Park with a... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
Netherlands
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Brighton & Hove - Lewes & Burgess Hill OS Explorer Active Map OL11 (waterproof)
- Brighton and Hove area of Sussex on a detailed topographic and GPS compatible map No. 122, waterproof version, from the Ordnance Survey’s 1:25,000 Explorer series. Coverage extends along the coast from Newhaven westwards to Lancing, inland to beyond Burgess Hill, and includes Peacehaven, Portslade-by-Sea, Shoreham-by-Sea, Lewes, Ringmer,... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Winchester, Basingstoke, Andover & Romsey OS Landranger Map 185 (paper)
- Winchester and Basingstoke area, including the westernmost part of the South Downs National Park and a section of the South Downs Way, on a paper version of map No. 185 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE DOWNLOADS: As well as the... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
Netherlands
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Brighton & Hove - Lewes & Burgess Hill OS Explorer Map OL11 (paper)
- Brighton and Hove area of Sussex on a detailed topographic and GPS compatible map OL11, paper version, from the Ordnance Survey’s 1:25,000 Explorer series. Coverage extends along the coast from Newhaven westwards to Lancing, inland to beyond Burgess Hill, and includes Peacehaven, Portslade-by-Sea, Shoreham-by-Sea, Lewes, Ringmer, Glyndebourne... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
Netherlands
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Eastbourne & Beachy Head - Newhaven, Seaford, Hailsham & Heathfield OS Explorer Active Map 123 (waterproof)
- Eastbourne & Beachy Head area of Sussex on a detailed topographic and GPS compatible map No. 123, waterproof version, from the Ordnance Survey’s 1:25,000 Explorer series. Coverage along the coast extends westwards from Pevensey and the Pevensey Levels to Newhaven, inland to Heathfield and Uckfield, and includes Birling Gap, the Seven Sisters... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Brighton, Lewes, Worthing, Horsham & Haywards Heath OS Landranger Active Map 198 (waterproof)
- Brighton and Lewes area, including the South Downs National Park and a section of the South Downs Way / E9 European Long-distance Path, on a waterproof and tear-resistant OS Active version of map No. 198 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Winchester, Basingstoke, Andover & Romsey OS Landranger Active Map 185 (waterproof)
- Winchester and Basingstoke area, including the westernmost part of the South Downs National Park and a section of the South Downs Way, on a waterproof and tear-resistant OS Active version of map No. 185 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE... Read more
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Atchison's Walks: The Complete Hills of Britain: Southern England - 150 Circular Walks v. 1
- ATCHISON's Complete Hills of Britain Series is a comprehensive guidebook series in 10 volumes. Each book divides a region of Britain into 50 separate walking areas, each with a major impressive hill to walk around - or ascend. It illustrates 3 superb walks for each area; a 2hr easy walk, a 3-4 hrs keep fit walk, and a challenging 5-7 hour walk... Read more
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Walks on the South Downs
- 26 Walks in the New National Park Read more
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Eastbourne & Beachy Head - Newhaven, Seaford, Hailsham & Heathfield OS Explorer Map OL25 (paper)
- Eastbourne & Beachy Head area of Sussex on a detailed topographic and GPS compatible map OL25, paper version, from the Ordnance Survey’s 1:25,000 Explorer series. Coverage along the coast extends westwards from Pevensey and the Pevensey Levels to Newhaven, inland to Heathfield and Uckfield, and includes Birling Gap, the Seven Sisters coastline,... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
Netherlands
Maps
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Chichester and The South Downs
- Chichester and The South Downs at 1:25,000 in a series of Walker Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Chichester & The South Downs AA Walker`s Map 20
- Chichester and The South Downs at 1:25,000 in a series of Walker’s Maps published by the AA with the cartography from the Ordnance Survey’s Explorer series. Maps in the AA Walker’s series are identical to the OS Explorer maps and provide plenty of recreational and tourist information, indicating in England and Wales the traditional public... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Surrey & West Sussex Cycle Tours
- ”Surrey and West Sussex” is one of 10 titles in the updated ”Cycle Tours” series. The series has now been in continuous print for more than 15 years and with regular route revisions and updating the successful formula has gathered a large following. Each book in the series contains 20 routes all of which are either totally new or have been... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Brighton & The South Downs AA Walker`s Map 15
- Brighton and The South Downs at 1:25,000 in a series of Walker’s Maps published by the AA with the cartography from the Ordnance Survey’s Explorer series. Coverage includes Hove, Shorehan-by-Sea, Upper Beeding, Henfield, Hickstead, Hurstpierpoint, Burgess Hill, Ditchling, Plumpton, Lewes, Glynde, Ringmer, Newhaven, etc.Maps in the AA Walker’s... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Eastbourne & Beachy Head AA Walker`s Map 30
- Eastbourne and Beachy Head at 1:25,000 in a series of Walker’s Maps published by the AA with the cartography from the Ordnance Survey’s Explorer series. Coverage includes Seven Sisters and the Cuckmere Haven, the start of the South Downs Way, Seaford, Newhaven, Alfriston, Firle, Glynde, Ringmer, Uckfield, Buxted, Heathfield, Herstmonceux,... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Great Cycle Routes: The North and South Downs
- Great Cycle Routes: The North and South Downs provides a selection of enjoyable on and off road rides in the area, varying length and level of difficulty, and ranging in duration from a leisurely couple of hours to full day excursions. The book features twenty five individually graded routes, each with a factfile and full information. Useful... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Kent & East Sussex Cycle Tours
- ”Kent and East Sussex” is one of 10 titles in the ”Cycle Tours” series. The series has now been in continuous print for more than 15 years and with regular route revisions and updating the successful formula has gathered a large following.Each book in the series contains 20 routes all of which are either totally new or have been re-ridden and... Read more
Ordnance Survey
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Chichester & the South Downs - OS Landranger Map Sheet Number 197
- Buy The Solent and Isle of Wight OS Landranger Map from the official Ordnance Survey Map Shop and get free delivery too. Read more
Ordnance Survey
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Garmin GB Discoverer mapping 1:50k - The New Forest and South Downs
- Explore The New Forest and South Downs with your GPS device in the renowned detail of OS Landranger mapping with this microSDÖ card Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K. Also includes NAVTEQ road data and points of interest, and you'll get turn-by-turn directions Read more
Ordnance Survey
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Brighton & Lewes - OS Landranger Map Sheet Number 198
- Purchase the Brighton and Lewes folded map: single, sided (boarded cover) from the OS Landranger Map range Read more
Ordnance Survey
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Winchester & Basingstoke - OS Landranger Active Map Sheet Number 185
- Buy Winchester and Basingstoke OS Landranger Map from the official Ordnance Survey Map Shop and get free delivery too. Read more
Ordnance Survey
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Eastbourne & Hastings - OS Landranger Map Sheet Number 199
- Purchase the Eastbourne and Hastings folded map: single, sided (boarded cover) from the OS Landranger Map range Read more
Ordnance Survey
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Winchester & Basingstoke - OS Landranger Map Sheet Number 185
- Buy Winchester and Basingstoke OS Landranger Map from the official Ordnance Survey Map Shop and get free delivery too. Read more
Ordnance Survey
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Chichester & the South Downs - OS Landranger Active Map Sheet Number 197
- Buy The Solent and Isle of Wight OS Landranger Map from the official Ordnance Survey Map Shop and get free delivery too. Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- England Coast Path - Camber to Folkestone Adventure Map
- The A-Z Adventure Series of maps combines the best of OS and A-Z, creating the perfect companion for walkers, off-road cyclists, horse riders and anyone wishing to explore the great outdoors.This official Camber to Folkestone Adventure Map section of the England Coast Path, a new National Trail around England`s coast. More than just a path, it... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Netherlands
- Bol.com, Belgium
Bol.com
Netherlands
Netherlands
- England Coast Path Camber to Folkestone Adventure Map
- The A-Z Adventure Series of maps combines the best of OS and A-Z, creating the perfect companion for walkers, off-road cyclists, horse riders and anyone wishing to explore the great outdoors.This official Camber to Folkestone Adventure Map section of the England Coast Path, a new National Trail around England`s coast. More than just a path, it... Read more
Bol.com
Belgium
Belgium
- England Coast Path Camber to Folkestone Adventure Map
- The A-Z Adventure Series of maps combines the best of OS and A-Z, creating the perfect companion for walkers, off-road cyclists, horse riders and anyone wishing to explore the great outdoors.This official Camber to Folkestone Adventure Map section of the England Coast Path, a new National Trail around England`s coast. More than just a path, it... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- England Coast Path - Folkestone to Ramsgate Adventure Map
- The A-Z Adventure Series of maps combines the best of OS and A-Z, creating the perfect companion for walkers, off-road cyclists, horse riders and anyone wishing to explore the great outdoors.This official Folkestone to Ramsgate Adventure Map section of the England Coast Path, a new National Trail around England`s coast. More than just a path,... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Netherlands
- Bol.com, Belgium
Bol.com
Netherlands
Netherlands
- England Coast Path Folkestone to Ramsgate Adventure Map
- The A-Z Adventure Series of maps combines the best of OS and A-Z, creating the perfect companion for walkers, off-road cyclists, horse riders and anyone wishing to explore the great outdoors.This official Folkestone to Ramsgate Adventure Map section of the England Coast Path, a new National Trail around England`s coast. More than just a path,... Read more
Bol.com
Belgium
Belgium
- England Coast Path Folkestone to Ramsgate Adventure Map
- The A-Z Adventure Series of maps combines the best of OS and A-Z, creating the perfect companion for walkers, off-road cyclists, horse riders and anyone wishing to explore the great outdoors.This official Folkestone to Ramsgate Adventure Map section of the England Coast Path, a new National Trail around England`s coast. More than just a path,... Read more
Walking holidays
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- South Downs Way Self Guided Walking Holiday
- South Downs Way walking holidays from Macs Adventure. Walk the south Downs Way self guided from Winchester to Eastbourne. The South Downs Way stretches 100 miles from the historic city of Winchester to the coastal chalk hills on the South Coast. Located within an hour from the country’s capital city, this National Trail is the perfect escape... Read more