A guidebook to walking the 158km (100 mile) South Downs Way National Trail. The route crosses the South Downs National Park to link Eastbourne with Winchester and is an ideal option for those new to long-distance walking.

The route is described in both directions – east to west and west to east – in 12 stages of between 6 and 19km (4–12 miles), with both footpath and bridleway options for the most easterly stage.

• Contains step-by-step description of the route alongside 1:50,000 OS maps
• Includes a separate map booklet containing OS 1:25,000 mapping with the route line
• Handy trek planner, route summary table and selected accommodation listings help you plan your itinerary
• Refreshment and accommodation information given for each route stage
• GPX files available to download

Map keys  
Overview map  
Foreword  
Trek planner  
Route summary table 

INTRODUCTION  
The Downs  
The South Downs Way  
Accommodation  
Practical advice    
Walking companies and baggage transfers  
Getting there – and back  
Using the guide 

TRAIL DESCRIPTION – WESTBOUND  
Stage 1: Eastbourne to Alfriston (Footpath route via the Seven Sisters)  
Stage 1(a): Eastbourne to Alfriston (Bridleway route inland via Jevington)  
Stage 2: Alfriston to Southease  
Stage 3: Southease to Housedean (A27)  
Stage 4: Housedean (A27) to Pyecombe  
Stage 5: Pyecombe to Botolphs (Adur Valley)  
Stage 6: Botolphs to Washington  
Stage 7: Washington to Amberley  
Stage 8: Amberley to Cocking  
Stage 9: Cocking to South Harting  
Stage 10: South Harting to Buriton (Queen Elizabeth Forest)  
Stage 11: Buriton to Exton  
Stage 12: Exton to Winchester

TRAIL DESCRIPTION – EASTBOUND  
Stage 1: Winchester to Exton  
Stage 2: Exton to Buriton  
Stage 3: Buriton to South Harting  
Stage 4: South Harting to Cocking  
Stage 5: Cocking to Amberley  
Stage 6: Amberley to Washington  
Stage 7: Washington to Botolphs (Adur Valley)  
Stage 8: Botolphs to Pyecombe  
Stage 9: Pyecombe to Housedean (A27)  
Stage 10: Housedean (A27) to Southease  
Stage 11: Southease to Alfriston  
Stage 12: Alfriston to Eastbourne (Footpath route via the Seven Sisters)  
Stage 12(a): Alfriston to Eastbourne (Bridleway route inland via Jevington)  
   
Appendix A Useful addresses  
Appendix B Accommodation along the route  
Appendix C Recommended reading

Seasons

can be walked at all times of year - this is one of the driest and warmest parts of England

Centres

Eastbourne, Alfriston, Lewes, Amberley, Burint, Exton, Winchester

Difficulty

the South Downs Way is a waymarked bridleway; very few stiles; few towns/villages en route; 12 stages (max length 12 miles)

Must See

Beachy Head, Long Man of Wilmington, Ditchling Beacon, Clayton Windmills, Butser Hill, Winchester

April 2024

South Downs National Park Authority address

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