Experience the wide skies and rolling chalk hills of the South Downs, where smooth green ridges stretch from the dramatic cliffs of Beachy Head to the tranquil valleys near Winchester. Wander through wildflower meadows and ancient woodlands, past Iron Age hillforts, picturesque villages with thatched cottages, and sweeping headlands with breathtaking sea views. With open grassland, historic estates, and the sound of skylarks overhead, the South Downs National Park offers some of the most rewarding walking in southern England.

Ideal for walkers of all abilities, this collection features 40 circular day walks ranging from 8 to 18km (5–11 miles), each designed to be completed in a half or full day. Routes begin and end at accessible locations, many served by public transport, making it easy to set out from Brighton, Worthing, Chichester, or Winchester. Whether you’re seeking an easy ramble along chalk tracks or a more challenging outing over high ridges, these walks reveal the best of the Downs, its wildlife, history, and ever-changing views.

• Explore the highlights of the South Downs on foot, from the iconic white cliffs of Beachy Head and the undulating Seven Sisters to the windswept summit of Ditchling Beacon, the mysterious Long Man of Wilmington, and the tranquil Itchen Valley near Winchester.
• Enjoy year-round walking in the South Downs through flower-rich meadows and wooded slopes, from vivid spring wildflowers and golden autumn woods to the clear, far-reaching views of crisp winter days.
• Choose from 40 circular routes, each with a 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey map extract, route summary, start and finish points, estimated walking time, and practical information on public transport, car parking, local pubs, and accommodation in classic Downland villages and towns.
• Discover local history and points of interest, with walks linking ancient churches, prehistoric sites, and charming villages such as Alfriston, Glynde, Amberley, and Cheriton, as well as historic estates like Firle and Goodwood.
• These South Downs walks range from gentle countryside rambles to more challenging climbs on the high ridges and escarpments, offering safe, accessible options for newcomers and rewarding adventures for experienced hikers.
• Enjoy the celebrated landscapes of the South Downs National Park, with easy access from major transport hubs and walker-friendly towns, and experience the region’s authentic wildness, rural heritage, and panoramic views.

Plan your South Downs adventure with confidence and enjoy this classic walking country at your own pace, in every season. Discover open horizons, ancient trackways, and the satisfying remoteness of England’s newest national park.

Walking in the South Downs – Quick Facts

Location: South Downs National Park, between Eastbourne and Winchester, South East England
Number of routes: 40 circular day walks
Distance: 8–18km (5–11 miles) per walk
Duration: Half to full day per walk
Areas covered: Beachy Head, Seven Sisters, Ditchling Beacon, Cissbury Ring, Alfriston, Glynde, Amberley, Arundel, Harting Down, Old Winchester Hill
Route type: Circular countryside and escarpment walks, including coastal cliffs, chalk downland, river valleys, ancient tracks, and historic villages
Difficulty: Suitable for most walkers; from easy rambles to more challenging routes
Terrain: Chalk hills, open grassland, wooded ridges, river valleys, prehistoric sites, picturesque villages
Navigation: 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey map extracts for each walk
Best season: Walks available year-round; spring for wildflowers, autumn for colours, winter for clear views
Highlights: Beachy Head, Seven Sisters, Ditchling Beacon, Iron Age hillforts, historic villages, panoramic viewpoints, wildlife-rich grassland
Equipment: Walking boots, layered clothing, map, and weather protection recommended
Refreshments & facilities: Information on local pubs, cafés, accommodation, public transport, and parking included for each walk
 

Author Highlight

"Kipling was right when he said that the Weald is good, the Downs are best, and millions of visitors a year would probably echo that sentiment, for hills are more seductive than plains and valleys, and the South Downs have a subtle beauty that defies comparison with bigger hills and mountains. Size plays no part in their attraction; after all, the highest Down is only 886ft. Puny, you might think; just a wart, a pimple. But it forms part of a larger whole; a cherished landscape, in perspective as impressive as many a mountain range, and every bit as beautiful.” 

- Kev Reynolds, author of Walks in the South Downs National Park

CONTENTS

Map key

Overview map

INTRODUCTION

Plants and wildlife of the Downs

Walking on the Downs

Using the guide

Public transport and car parking

Where to stay           

The Country Code

THE WALKS

1           Eastbourne to Birling Gap and East Dean (9½ miles)

2           Butts Brow to Jevington and Friston (7 miles)

3           Jevington to Friston Forest and the Long Man (7½ miles)

4           Jevington to Alfriston and Wilmington (8½ miles)

5           Exceat to East Dean and the Seven Sisters (8 miles)

6           Exceat to the Cuckmere Valley and Alfriston (7 miles)

7           Exceat Bridge to Cuckmere Haven and Seaford Head (6½ miles)

8           Alfriston to The Long Man of Wilmington (5 miles)

9           Alfriston to Bostal Hill, Alciston and Berwick (7 miles)

10        Bopeep to Bishopstone (7½ miles)

11        Glynde to Beddingham Hill, Firle Beacon and Bostal Hill (11 miles)

12        Glynde to Mount Caburn and Saxon Cross (6 miles)

13        Southease Station to Rodmell and Telscombe (7½ miles)

14        Cooksbridge to Plumpton Plain and Buckland Bank (10 miles)

15        Hassocks to the Clayton Windmills and Ditchling Beacon (10 miles)

16        Devil’s Dyke to Edburton Hill and Poynings (6½ miles)

17        Devil’s Dyke to Mile Oak Barn and Edburton Hill (6½ miles)

18        Wiston to No Man’s Land (6½ miles)

19        Findon to Cissbury Ring (7 miles)

20        Washington to Chanctonbury Ring (4¾ miles)

21        Washington to Kithurst Hill (7½ miles)

22        Chantry Post to Myrtle Grove Farm (7 miles)

23        Storrington to Parham Park and Rackham Hill (7½ miles)

24        Amberley to The Burgh (6¾ miles)

25        Burpham to Angmering Park (6 miles)

26        Arundel to South Stoke and Burpham (8 miles)

27        Bignor Hill to Sutton (6¼ miles)

28        Bignor Hill to Slindon (7¾ miles)

29        Duncton to Barlavington and Sutton (5 or 6 miles)

30        Singleton to Littlewood Farm (5½ miles)

31        West Stoke to Kingley Vale and Stoughton (6½ miles)

32        Compton to East Marden (5 miles)

33        Harting Down to Beacon Hill and Telegraph House (5 miles)

34        East Meon to Salt Hill (5 miles)

35        East Meon to Small Down (6 miles)

36        West Meon to Brockwood Copse (5 miles)

37        West Meon to Old Winchester Hill and Henwood Down (9 miles)

38        Exton to Warnford and Beacon Hill (6 miles)

39        Exton to Lomer Farm (6½ miles)

40        Cheriton to Tichborne (6½ miles)

APPENDIX A  Route summary table

APPENDIX B  Useful addresses

APPENDIX C  Bibliography

Seasons

Accessible in all seasons but spring and early summer are best for wild flowers and birdsong.

Centres

Eastbourne, Alfriston, Washington, Storrington, Amberley, Arundel, East Meon, West Meon; and easy access from Brighton, Worthing, Chichester and Winchester.

Difficulty

Walks to suit all ages and abilities; no difficulties apart from some short steep uphill and downhill sections.

Must See

From Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters to the Hampshire Downs near Winchester; villages like Alfriston, Amberley and East Meon; viewpoints like Seaford Head, Bostal Hill, Ditchling Beacon, Harting Down, Beacon Hill and Salt Hill, historic sites such as Cissbury and Chanctonbury Ring and Old Winchester Hill.

April 2024

South Downs National Park Authority address

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