The South Downs Way

Guidebook to walking the South Downs Way National Trail, a 100 mile (160km) route between Winchester and Eastbourne through the South Downs National Park, described in both directions over 12 stages. Easy walking on ancient and historical tracks, taking in wooded areas, delightful river valleys and pretty villages. With 1:25K OS map booklet.

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Overview

The South Downs Way National Trail is a 100 mile (160km) walk between Eastbourne and Winchester, staying within the glorious South Downs National Park for its entire length. Presented here in 12 stages of up to 12 miles (19km), the route is described in both east-west and west-east. A waymarked trail with very few stiles, it can be walked at any time of year and makes a good introduction to long-distance walking.

Step-by-step route descriptions are illustrated with extracts from OS 1:50,000 mapping for every stage, and a separate, conveniently sized booklet with 1:25,000 maps for the entire route is included. The guide provides detailed practical information on getting to the trail, and facilities and accommodation en route.

The South Downs Way offers easy walking on ancient and historical tracks, and showcases the beautiful countryside of the South Downs, taking in wooded areas, delightful river valleys and pretty villages. Highlights include Beachy Head, the mysterious Long Man of Wilmington, Clayton Windmills and the ancient cathedral city of Winchester.

Table of Contents

Contents
Introduction
The Downs
The South Downs Way
Accommodation
Walking holidays 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 C Recommended reading

Updates

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December 2021

2021 reprint route updates

940 Reprint 2021 (8.765 MB)

September 2019

Updates

Please note that the official Western start and end of the South Downs Way is now the Old City Mill which stands a little east of Winchester Cathedral. An official marker post has been erected to mark the spot.

August 2019

The following route changes to the SDW mapping have been sent in by reader David Moran, to whom we are grateful:

1) The route of the SDW through Queen Elizabeth Country Park has changed. The waymarks in the park now take you on a more southerly route, which on
page 15 of the map booklet is shown as "Staunton Way" and passes by the spot height at 204m at grid 727186. This loops round and rejoins the path
indicated on the map at 729194. The SDW National Trail website and latest 1:25000 online OS maps show this correctly.

2) On page 10 of the map booklet, the alternative cyclists route for SDW does not rejoin the walkers path at Exton 614210. It actually rejoins at
603221. Waymarks through Exton state "Footpath route only" up to Beacon Hill via point 606215. In the map booklet the alternative road-based cyclist
route is shown to the west of the red route line

July 2019

Good news to report that The Frankland Arms pub in Washington (Stage 6/7 east-and westbound routes) is once again open for business – see https://www.thefranklandarms.com/

July 2018

Please also note that the following b&b options noted under Washington in the guidebook have also closed for business: Long Island, School Lane, and Whiteacres in Glaseby Lane.

March 2018

Appendix B - page 191

Houghton
Cherry Tree Cottage is no longer operating as a B&B.

Aug 2017

Please note that the Hikers Rest Cafe at Saddlescombe (p63 eastbound route: p157 westbound) has changed ownership and is now called The WildFlour Cafe.

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