South Downs Way

South Downs Way

• A linear walk of 101 miles (160 km). Designated in 1972, this National Trail is marked with the Acorn logo and says 'South Downs Way'. It cuts across the classic British scenery of the South Downs.

• Eastbourne in East Sussex (TV615999) or Winchester in Hampshire (SU488289). The choice is yours.

For use by

• Walkers, cyclists, horse riders and people with mobility impairments.
• Currently the only fully open Bridleway National Trail, the South Downs Way is a bridleway and most of the route is accessible to a suitable cross country motorised wheel chair. Disabled people using 'Tramper' type off-road buggies can complete the whole route.

Nearest towns

• There are many interesting towns and historic villages along the route.
• For details of places to visit, go to Visit Sussex.

Terrain

• The South Downs are designated as a National Park. The Park is wooded with a defined ridge along which the South Downs Way runs.
• There are superb views to the north across the Weald and south to the Isle of Wight.
• There are some moderately steep slopes but mostly the path runs on farm tracks across rolling open chalk downland. Walking conditions are reasonably easy due to the fast draining chalk.

Average time to complete

• People who are reasonably fit can do 12-15 miles (20 km) per day. At this pace it takes about a week to walk the whole route. Allow for an extra couple of miles (3 km) or so each day to get to and from accommodation.
• Horse riders will be able to do a similar distance each day to fast walkers - around 6 days for the whole trail.
• As a very rough guide, casual cyclists will take 3 to 4 days

Highlights

• Along the trail are numerous sites of archaeological interest. Devils jumps (SU 825173) and Old monkton deserted mediaeval village, Hooksway (SU 829166).
• Amberley working museum, has a host of industrial archaeological exhibits.
• Chanctonbury ring, Wiston (TQ 139120), Bramber Castle, Devils Dyke (TQ 260111), Jack and Jill windmills, Clayton, Bignor roman villa, Andy Goldsworthy's modern chalk sculpture trail.
• Stane Street, the roman road from Chichester to London (SU 973130 - SU931098). A scheduled section of the road is still clearly visible at Bignor Hill.
• Nature reserves, pretty villages and imposing country houses.
• For details of these, and other places to visit, go to Visit Sussex.

Transport

The South Downs are well served by public transport. For general information and latest ticket deals visit South downs online.

• By road: The AA, phone: 01256 491524
• By rail: National Rail Enquiries, phone: 08457 484950
• By coach: National Express, phone: 08705 808080
• For details of public transport visit our public transport pages, or call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33.

Maps

The UK Ordnance Survey publishes excellent maps. Visit Ordnance Survey for information.

• OS 1:25,000 Explorer series 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 132
• OS 1:50,000 Landranger 185, 197, 198, 199
• Harveys maps - South Downs Way strip map 1:40,000
• and don't forget to visit the iMap.

More information

• Books: Many books covering the South Downs Way have been published and are available at bookshops and libraries. The South Downs Way National Trail Guide, by Paul Millmore, ISBN 1854109669, has a full route description and 1:25,000 map extracts.
  
  
• Leaflets: The South Downs Way: National Trail Leaflet produced by The Countryside Agency, a variety of circular walks leaflets, Public Transport Guide, information sheets about mountain biking, horse box parking, water points, SDW distance chart, access for people with mobility impairments, and an Accommodation Guide are all available from The South Downs Way National Trail Officer, Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Gravel Hill, Horndean, Hampshire, PO8 0QE. Phone: 023 9259 7618 or visit National Trail.
  
  

• Websites:
  National trail, South Downs 
  South Downs online 
  Footprints of Sussex
  Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Other useful information

• The Annual South Downs Way Walk. Book online at South Downs Way Walk or phone 01903 813381 for more information.
  
  
• Accommodation details for all needs ranging from grand hotels and intimate B&Bs through to camp sites and youth hostels for the budget traveller.
  
  
• South Downs online
• Visit Sussex
• South Downs Joint Committee, Victorian Barn, Victorian Business Centre, Ford Lane, Ford, Arundel, BN18 0EF. Phone: 01243 558700. Works to protect, conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the South Downs.

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