South Downs Way
Duration: 11 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km per day
Ascent per day: 250 - 500 m ascent per day
> Walk the full South Downs Way to the east coast
> Enjoy breathtaking views of valleys and meadows
> Accommodation before, during and after the trek included
The South Downs Way is a trail that runs through the South Downs National Park. It is England’s newest National park and was only established in 2009. It runs through as many as 5 National Nature Reserves and many more interesting attractions, the most important being the iconic English chalk hills.
Itinerary
Day
1
Arrival in Winchester
Today you will have to make your way to Winchester. Here, you will spend the night preparing for your South Downs Way adventure.
Bridge Street House (Winchester)
Day
2
Winchester to Exton
Duration: 05:34 h
Distance: 20.6 km
Ascent: 290 m
Descent: 260 m
The South Downs Way starts with a short hike through the beautiful city of Winchester. After a few kilometers you will exit the city and the rolling hills of the countryside will surely catch your eye. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Meon Valley while you make your way to Exton.
Crossways B&B (Exton)
Day
3
Exton to Buriton
Duration: 05:50 h
Distance: 21 km
Ascent: 380 m
Descent: 370 m
The second day will be a fairly easy day of hiking as the height difference is not very significant. You will pass by several hills such as Salt Hill and Butser Hill. Butser hill is the highest point of the South Downs Way, which is only 270 meters. From this point, your view will reach as far as the Isle of Wight.
The Nest Hotel & Restaurant (Buriton)
Day
4
Buriton to Cocking
Duration: 05:05 h
Distance: 18.2 km
Ascent: 340 m
Descent: 360 m
Today you will walk along the ridge through an area with more tree coverage, in Monkton Estate. Once you reach Harting Down, the trees will make way for tiny villages.
Moonlight Cottage Guest House & Cafe (Cocking)
Day
5
Cocking to Amberley
Duration: 05:45 h
Distance: 20.4 km
Ascent: 390 m
Descent: 440 m
Today you will walk the chalk road that leads you through Graffham Downs nature reserve. Follow it up downhill until you reach the old Roman Road which crosses Stane Street. Follow this road until you reach Bignor Hill, where you will see breathtaking views of the Amberley Wild Brooks wetlands and River Arun, below. End your day in the town of Amberley.
Black Horse (Amberley)
Day
6
Amberley to Steyning/Upper Beeding
Duration: 05:55 h
Distance: 21.4 km
Ascent: 360 m
Descent: 360 m
Start your fifth stage with an easy walk through the glowing hills, before you reach a steep descent, down to Chanctonbury Tree Circle. This circle of beech trees is said to be a “magical” circle. Move on to Steyning, or walk a little bit further to Upper Beeding and visit the Norman castle at the banks of the River Adur.
The Castle Inn Hotel (Steyning)
Day
7
Steyning/Bramber to Pyecombe
Duration: 03:43 h
Distance: 12.9 km
Ascent: 350 m
Descent: 250 m
Walk towards Fulking Hill, where you will have a 360 view of the Devil's Dyke. This dry Valley is a popular tourist attraction because it is the deepest and widest dry valley in England. Walk on until you reach Pyecombe and get a rest in your B&B.
Tallai House B&B (Pyecombe)
Day
8
Pyecombe to Lewes
Duration: 06:24 h
Distance: 23.2 km
Ascent: 360 m
Descent: 450 m
A little outside of Peycombe, you will find the famous windmills Jack and Jill. Keep walking and enjoy the stunning views of the Downs, while making your way to Kingston-near-Lewes. In this adorable village, you will be able to buy some books in the old English book shops. Walk on until you reach Lewes.
The Dorset (Lewes)
Day
9
Lewes to Alfriston
Duration: 05:51 h
Distance: 21.2 km
Ascent: 340 m
Descent: 350 m
Climb uphill and follow the easy path along the ridge. You will have a stunning view of the area all around you. Cross the river Ouse and end in the old smugglers' towns of Alfriston where you will find the oldest two Inns of England.
Deans Place Hotel (Alfriston)
Day
10
Alfriston to Eastbourne
Duration: 06:06 h
Distance: 22.2 km
Ascent: 360 m
Descent: 360 m
This last day of the South Downs Way walk might be the most beautiful of all. Start with a riverside walk towards the Friston Forest. Soon enough, you’ll reach the Cuckmere river. Finally, you will reach the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. Walk on to the lighthouse of Beachy Head, where you will have a magnificent view of these eight white cliffs. Walk on to the seaside resort of Eastbourne, and you have reached the final destination of the South Downs Way.
The View Hotel (Eastbourne)
Day
11
Departure day
After breakfast, our services and your South Downs Way adventure will be over. Have a safe trip back home!
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