The South Downs Way is a 100-mile (160 km) national trail running from Winchester to Eastbourne through the heart of the South Downs National Park. This scenic route offers hikers a blend of gentle hills and stunning views over the English countryside and coastline, with a maximum elevation around 800 feet. Starting in the historic city of Winchester, the trail leads through rolling chalk downlands, past picturesque villages, and along dramatic white cliffs, offering a truly picturesque journey.
Along the trail, hikers will encounter a variety of historical and natural sites, including Iron Age hill forts, ancient woodlands, and open chalk grasslands known for their rare wildflowers and butterflies. The South Downs Way is also home to rich birdlife, including birds of prey that circle the hills. The well-maintained path is marked and relatively gentle, making it accessible for beginners while offering plenty of interest for seasoned hikers. Accommodations are plentiful, with numerous campsites, bed and breakfasts, and charming country pubs along the route.
The trail is divided into manageable stages, often 8-14 miles each, taking hikers through notable stops like Exton, Buriton, and Amberley, all ideal for refreshments and supplies. The best time to hike the South Downs Way is from late spring to early autumn when wildflowers are in bloom and weather conditions are mild. The trail’s accessibility and scenery make it popular among hikers and cyclists alike, offering a relaxed yet memorable experience through one of England’s most beautiful landscapes.
Ideal for beginners due to well-marked paths and mild terrain.
Rolling hills, chalk cliffs, picturesque villages.
Butterflies, birds of prey, and rare flowers.
Numerous campsites, B&Bs, and pubs.
Passes through ancient chalk landscapes and historic villages.
Passes through ancient chalk landscapes and historic villages.
Designated a National Trail, the South Downs Way attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year each looking to get a taste of the stunning South Downs National Park. Now is the time to indulge yourself in a little piece of the South Downs Way, whether by foot, wheel or hoof.
Our ancestors have been walking the ridgeline of the South Downs for as far back as we can discover, all sharing the views that found Virginia Woolf “overcome by beauty more extravagantly than one could expect.
