South Downs Way

Description

    SW
  1. Name South Downs Way
  2. Length of trail 163 km, 101 miles
  3. Length in days 8 days
  4. Start of trail Eastbourne
  5. Traildino grading EW, Easy walk, nature trail

South Downs Way

101 miles, 162 km, 8 days

National Trail

The South Downs Way is a National Trail, like its northern neighbour, the North Downs Way.

The Way is one of the most popular walks in England. The 100 mile or so start in Bournemouth, and here the walker is offered two choices. The coastal path runs along spectacular chalk cliffs, among them the Seven Sisters. This stretch is for walkers only. The inland leg is also accessible for cyclists and on horseback, as is the rest of the trail up till its end point in the historical city of Winchester.
 
The Downs essentially is a range of broad hills, mostly bare, cultivated with crops and grassland, offering good views over a patchwork of fields on both sides. The path mostly stays on the crest of the hills, but often dips into North South running ceasures where one usually has to cross, often in perilous  circumstances, busy roads. That's one thing to mention: sandwiched between London and the cities in the south, this is a busy part of the country. 
 
Originally, the chalk hills offered a rich and varied biosphere for all sorts of rare plants and insects, but these days, the only places you may spot these living treasures, are sites protected by conservationist organisations. All the rest of the country is quite dullified, the result of the interaction of farmers wishing to earn a decent living and consumers wishing to pay low prices.
 
Accommodation on the trail itself is scarce. A few Youth Hostels and the odd village. Most of the villages lie in the lowlands, way off the path. But the before mentioned suicide road crossings come in handy here, because regular bus services will carry you off and on the trail, into the villages and even seaside resorts like Brighton.
 
It may be lovely weather on the downs, with all kinds of birds and warblers whirling around, and even Red Kite and Raven in the air. But there also may be ferocious winds and rains, which, in a open landscape, is surely going to test your guts: be well prepared. 
Select some tracks
South Downs Way, 162km
South Downs Way (Inland Route), 13km

Map

South Downs Way

Books

Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • A Journey Through South-East England: Broadstairs to Lewes
  • A Journey Through South-East England:Broadstairs to Lewes follows Brian`s latest walking adventures through the South-East of England. Brian has previously walked over 1,000 miles for his last two walking companion guide books, Finding My Place and Walking My Patch. In this book, Brian shares the details of four complex walks: Broadstairs to... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Guide to East Sussex Pub Walks
  • Discover the beautiful countryside around East Sussex with this guide to some of the best walks in the area. These 20 circular routes vary in length from 21/2 to 7 miles and are centred on a broad variety of pubs - all recommended for their good food and warm welcome.Explore the region`s diverse landscape, with walks ranging from the flatlands... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
2021
  • The Rough Guide to Walks in & around London (Travel Guide with Free eBook)
  • The Rough Guide to Walks in and Around LondonMake the most of your time on Earth with the ultimate travel guides.World-renowned `tell it like it is` guidebook available now with a free eBook Discover walks in and around London with this comprehensive, entertaining, `tell it like it is` Rough Guide, packed with our experts` honest and... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • South Downs - 20 Country Walks For All The Family
  • Batsford`s Walking Guides is an exciting new gift series of walking books, aimed at the weekend, family walker. These small-format, portable, hardback books have an attractive retro feel, with nostalgic line drawings and hand-drawn maps. Each of the 20 walks have been carefully selected to appeal to family walkers, most are circular and none... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • East Sussex - Year Round Walks
  • The twenty circular walks in this volume vary in length from 4 to 6 and three quarter miles and are enjoyable all the year round. The author has divided the routes into seasons to show each at its very best. There are also notes on what can be seen along the way from castles to timber-framed houses and from butterflies and moths to dog roses... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • West Sussex: A Dog Walker`s Guide
  • A leisurely stroll in the countryside is always a pleasure for dog walkers. But after leaving the familiar local routes there are always the worries of suddenly finding a field full of sheep, or a busy road, not to mention the difficulty of knowing which pubs and cafes will welcome dogs. Here is a collection of 20 tried and tested circular... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • West Sussex - Year Round Walks
  • These 20 circular walks vary in length from 41/2 to 71/2 miles and are enjoyable all year round. The author has divided the routes into seasons to show each at its very best. There are walks over Harting Downs, The Trundle and the South Downs Way, all with superb views; through the majestic woodland of Northpark Copse and Eartham Wood; and... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Hampshire & The New Forest Year Round Walks
  • These 20 circular walks, varying in length from 2 to 7 miles, take in renowned beauty spots, hidden gems and must-sees from across Hampshire & the New Forest. The guide has been divided into seasons, so you`ll find a recommendation for every day of the year. Highlights include: * Spring: Hurstbourne Tarrant with its thatched cottages, and the... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
Stanfords
United Kingdom
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Winchester, New Alresford & East Meon OS Explorer Active Map OL32 (waterproof)
  • Winchester, New Alresford and East Meon area of Hampshire on a detailed topographic and GPS compatible map OL32, waterproof version, from the Ordnance Survey’s 1:25,000 Explorer series. Coverage includes part of the South Downs National Park with the westernmost section of the South Downs Way National Trail. Other trails include the Monarch’s... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Trekking the South Downs Way: Two-way trekking guide
  • The South Downs Way leads you on an unforgettable journey of discovery through the magnificent chalk hills of Sussex and Hampshire. It travels the length of the South Downs National Park across wonderful hills and meadows bedecked with wildflowers, through endless fields of shimmering golden corn and along the edge of the epic white cliffs of... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • The Book Depository, United Kingdom
» Click to open
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
» Click to close
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2022
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Haslemere & Petersfield - Midhurst & Selborne OS Explorer Map OL33 (paper)
  • Haslemere and Petersfield area of Hampshire, Sussex and Surrey on a detailed topographic and GPS compatible map OL33, paper version, from the Ordnance Survey’s 1:25,000 Explorer series. Coverage extends from Alton and Witley southwards to Midhurst, and includes parts of the South Downs National Park and the Surrey Downs Area of Outstanding... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • The Book Depository, United Kingdom
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
More books…

Maps

Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Surrey & West Sussex Cycle Tours
  • ”Surrey and West Sussex” is one of 10 titles in the updated ”Cycle Tours” series. The series has now been in continuous print for more than 15 years and with regular route revisions and updating the successful formula has gathered a large following. Each book in the series contains 20 routes all of which are either totally new or have been... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Chichester and the South Downs 1810-1813
  • Map No. 197, Chichester and the South Downs 1810-1813, in the Cassini Historical Series of old Ordnance Survey mapping of England and Wales at 1:50,000 in a format designed to offer a convenient comparison with the present day coverage from the OS, and most locations in three different editions. Old historical maps have been combined so that... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Chichester and the South Downs 1919-1920
  • Map No. 197, Chichester and the South Downs 1919-1920, in the Cassini Historical Series of old Ordnance Survey mapping of England and Wales at 1:50,000 in a format designed to offer a convenient comparison with the present day coverage from the OS, and most locations in three different editions. Old historical maps have been combined so that... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
2017
  • South Downs Way A-Z Adventure Atlas
  • The South Downs Way at 1:25,000 in a series of handy A5 size Adventure Atlases from Geographers` A-Z Map Company with cartography from the Ordnance Survey’s Explorer series. The atlas shows the whole course of this national trail from Winchester to Eastbourne, with the variants via the Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters, or via Jevington.To see... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Chichester and the South Downs 1897-1900
  • Map No. 197, Chichester and the South Downs 1897-1900, in the Cassini Historical Series of old Ordnance Survey mapping of England and Wales at 1:50,000 in a format designed to offer a convenient comparison with the present day coverage from the OS, and most locations in three different editions. Old historical maps have been combined so that... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • England Coast Path Adventure Map - Minehead to Brean Down
  • The A-Z Adventure Series of maps combines the best of OS and A-Z, creating the perfect companion for walkers, off-road cyclists, horse riders and anyone wishing to explore the great outdoors.This official Minehead to Brean Down Adventure Map covers a 58 mile (93km) section of the England Coast Path, a new National Trail around England`s coast.... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Chichester and the South Downs 1810-1920 (3-map set)
  • Map No. 197, Chichester and the South Downs 1810-1920 (3-map set), in the Cassini Historical Series of old Ordnance Survey mapping of England and Wales at 1:50,000 in a format designed to offer a convenient comparison with the present day coverage from the OS, and most locations in three different editions. Old historical maps have been... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Great Cycle Routes: The North and South Downs
  • Great Cycle Routes: The North and South Downs provides a selection of enjoyable on and off road rides in the area, varying length and level of difficulty, and ranging in duration from a leisurely couple of hours to full day excursions. The book features twenty five individually graded routes, each with a factfile and full information. Useful... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Kent & East Sussex Cycle Tours
  • ”Kent and East Sussex” is one of 10 titles in the ”Cycle Tours” series. The series has now been in continuous print for more than 15 years and with regular route revisions and updating the successful formula has gathered a large following.Each book in the series contains 20 routes all of which are either totally new or have been re-ridden and... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Eastbourne & Beachy Head AA Walker`s Map 30
  • Eastbourne and Beachy Head at 1:25,000 in a series of Walker’s Maps published by the AA with the cartography from the Ordnance Survey’s Explorer series. Coverage includes Seven Sisters and the Cuckmere Haven, the start of the South Downs Way, Seaford, Newhaven, Alfriston, Firle, Glynde, Ringmer, Uckfield, Buxted, Heathfield, Herstmonceux,... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • The Book Depository, United Kingdom
» Click to open
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
» Click to close
Stanfords
United Kingdom
2017
  • Thames Path A-Z Adventure Atlas
  • The A-Z Adventure series features the accuracy and quality of Ordnance Survey`s Explorer mapping in a convenient book, therefore eliminating the need to fold and re-fold a large sheet map to the desired area. OS Explorer is Ordnance Survey`s most detailed mapping at a scale of 1:25 000 showing public rights of way, open access land, national... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Netherlands
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Netherlands
2017
  • Thames Path Adventure Atlas
  • The A-Z Adventure series features the accuracy and quality of Ordnance Survey`s Explorer mapping in a convenient book, therefore eliminating the need to fold and re-fold a large sheet map to the desired area. OS Explorer is Ordnance Survey`s most detailed mapping at a scale of 1:25 000 showing public rights of way, open access land, national... Read more
Bol.com
Belgium
2017
  • Thames Path Adventure Atlas
  • The A-Z Adventure series features the accuracy and quality of Ordnance Survey`s Explorer mapping in a convenient book, therefore eliminating the need to fold and re-fold a large sheet map to the desired area. OS Explorer is Ordnance Survey`s most detailed mapping at a scale of 1:25 000 showing public rights of way, open access land, national... Read more
» Click to close
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • England Coast Path - Camber to Folkestone Adventure Map
  • The A-Z Adventure Series of maps combines the best of OS and A-Z, creating the perfect companion for walkers, off-road cyclists, horse riders and anyone wishing to explore the great outdoors.This official Camber to Folkestone Adventure Map section of the England Coast Path, a new National Trail around England`s coast. More than just a path, it... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Netherlands
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Netherlands
  • England Coast Path Camber to Folkestone Adventure Map
  • The A-Z Adventure Series of maps combines the best of OS and A-Z, creating the perfect companion for walkers, off-road cyclists, horse riders and anyone wishing to explore the great outdoors.This official Camber to Folkestone Adventure Map section of the England Coast Path, a new National Trail around England`s coast. More than just a path, it... Read more
Bol.com
Belgium
  • England Coast Path Camber to Folkestone Adventure Map
  • The A-Z Adventure Series of maps combines the best of OS and A-Z, creating the perfect companion for walkers, off-road cyclists, horse riders and anyone wishing to explore the great outdoors.This official Camber to Folkestone Adventure Map section of the England Coast Path, a new National Trail around England`s coast. More than just a path, it... Read more
» Click to close
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • South Downs Way Harvey National Trail XT40
  • The South Downs Way, a 160km / 100 mile National Trail from Eastbourne to Winchester, presented at 1:40,000 on a light, waterproof and tear-resistant map from Harvey Map Services. The route is shown on nine panels, with additional small street plans of Eastbourne and Winchester. Map legend and the accompanying notes are also in French and... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
De Zwerver
Netherlands
  • Wandelkaart - Fietskaart South Downs Way | Harvey Maps
  • The South Downs Way, a 160km / 100 mile National Trail from Eastbourne to Winchester, presented at 1:40,000 on a light, waterproof and tear-resistant map from Harvey Map Services. The route is shown on nine panels, with additional small street plans of Eastbourne and Winchester. Map legend and the accompanying notes are also in French and... Read more
» Click to close
Bol.com
Netherlands
  • England Coast Path Folkestone to Ramsgate Adventure Map
  • The A-Z Adventure Series of maps combines the best of OS and A-Z, creating the perfect companion for walkers, off-road cyclists, horse riders and anyone wishing to explore the great outdoors.This official Folkestone to Ramsgate Adventure Map section of the England Coast Path, a new National Trail around England`s coast. More than just a path,... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
  • England Coast Path Folkestone to Ramsgate Adventure Map
  • The A-Z Adventure Series of maps combines the best of OS and A-Z, creating the perfect companion for walkers, off-road cyclists, horse riders and anyone wishing to explore the great outdoors.This official Folkestone to Ramsgate Adventure Map section of the England Coast Path, a new National Trail around England`s coast. More than just a path,... Read more
» Click to close
More maps…

Forum

  1. Cancel