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The South Downs Way

Winchester to Eastbourne, described in both directions

ISBN

9781786311610

Availability

Published

28 Jun 2023

Edition

Fifth

Pages

200

Size

17.20 x 11.60 x 1.50cm

Weight

310g

Delivery & Returns

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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.

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

ISBN

9781786311610

Availability

Published

28 Jun 2023

Edition

Fifth

Pages

200

Size

17.20 x 11.60 x 1.50cm

Weight

310g

Delivery & Returns

Overview

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

Table of Contents

CONTENTS

Overview map

Map keys

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

Updates

April 2024

South Downs National Park Authority address

The correct address for the South Downs National Park Authority is:
South Downs Centre
North Street
Midhurst
West Sussex
GU29 9DH
tel 01730 814810
info@southdowns.gov.uk
www.southdowns.gov.uk

The tourist information centre in Midhurst is closed

Downloads

The South Downs Way - GPX File

By Kev Reynolds

Kev Reynolds was a freelance writer, photojournalist and lecturer. A prolific compiler of guidebooks, his first title for Cicerone Press (Walks & Climbs in the Pyrenees) appeared in 1978; he later produced many more titles for the same publisher. A member of the Outdoor Writers' Guild, the Alpine Club and Austrian Alpine Club, his passion for mountains and the countryside inspired a lifetime's activity, and he regularly travelled throughout Britain to share that enthusiasm through his lectures. Sadly, Kev passed away in 2021. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him and by many more he inspired through his writing and talks.

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