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

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.

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☐South Downs Way, 161km

☐South Downs Way (Inland Route), 13km

Opinions

Rate 9.0 | 2 votes | No 3. in United Kingdom

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!

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Map

Books

Cicerone Press
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:
Stanfords, United Kingdom
The Book Depository, United Kingdom

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