Discover the rolling chalk hills, wide open ridges and timeless landscapes of the South Downs Way National Trail, one of England’s most accessible and rewarding long-distance walks. Stretching for 160 km (100 miles) from the historic city of Winchester to the dramatic white cliffs of Eastbourne, this classic route follows ancient tracks across the South Downs National Park, offering far-reaching views, wildlife-rich downland, and a strong sense of journey from cathedral to coast.

Ideal for first-time long-distance walkers as well as experienced hikers, this comprehensive guidebook divides the South Downs Way into 12 manageable stages. Walk through peaceful river valleys, hilltop villages and open downland, passing highlights such as Old Winchester Hill, Ditchling Beacon, Lewes, the Cuckmere Valley and the iconic cliffs of Beachy Head.

The route is described in both directions, east to west and west to east, giving you the flexibility to plan your walk to suit transport, accommodation or prevailing conditions. A separate, pocket-sized map booklet with detailed 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey maps ensures confident navigation throughout.

• 12 stage-by-stage route descriptions covering the full South Downs Way from Winchester to Eastbourne
• Clear, step-by-step directions supported by detailed mapping and downloadable GPX files for use with GPS devices and smartphone apps
• Each stage includes distance, estimated walking time and a summary of terrain
• Separate map booklet with 1:25,000 OS maps for accurate, on-the-ground navigation
• Handy trek planner and route summary table to help you tailor your itinerary
• Refreshment stops and accommodation options listed for each stage, including villages and trail-side facilities

Plan your South Downs Way adventure with confidence and enjoy one of southern England’s finest long-distance walks with this definitive guidebook and map set.

Author Highlight

“More than two decades have passed since I first walked the South Downs Way, but I have been back several times, drawn by the visual delights to be won from the crest of this southern backbone of land with its overwhelming sense of space and peace, whose trails seem to wind on forever - towards a dim, blue, never-to-be-reached horizon. And each time I tread that smooth baize of turf and look north across the empty Weald, I find it hard to believe that this is the ‘overcrowded’ South of England.”

- Kev Reynolds, author of The South Downs Way

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

The South Downs Way can be walked at all times of year as 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 with very few stiles, a handful of towns/villages en route and 12 stages (max length 12 miles). It is suitable for beginners and experienced walkers alike.

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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