Long-distance walk · England
South Downs Way
Along the chalk ridge of the South Downs from Winchester to the sea.
- Distance
- 160 km
- 99 miles
- Stages
- 9
- 8–9 days for most people
- Total ascent
- 3,501 m
- over the whole trail
- Highest point
- 246 m
About the South Downs Way
The South Downs Way follows the chalk ridge of the South Downs National Park from Winchester to Eastbourne. It's open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders along its whole length, mostly on broad tracks along the crest with views to the sea on one side and the Weald on the other.
Near the end, walkers can take the coastal route over the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head.
Stages
The usual stages, ending where there's somewhere to stay. Times are by Naismith's rule, without stops.
| Stage | Route | Distance | Ascent | Time | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winchester to Exton | 16.5 km | 272 m | 4 h | GPX for stage 1 |
| 2 | Exton to Buriton | 22.8 km | 493 m | 5½ h | GPX for stage 2 |
| 3 | Buriton to Cocking | 15.8 km | 356 m | 4 h | GPX for stage 3 |
| 4 | Cocking to Amberley | 19.8 km | 369 m | 4½ h | GPX for stage 4 |
| 5 | Amberley to Steyning | 15.7 km | 362 m | 3½ h | GPX for stage 5 |
| 6 | Steyning to Pyecombe | 16.9 km | 389 m | 4 h | GPX for stage 6 |
| 7 | Pyecombe to Southease | 22.9 km | 358 m | 5 h | GPX for stage 7 |
| 8 | Southease to Alfriston | 11.1 km | 250 m | 2½ h | GPX for stage 8 |
| 9 | Alfriston to Eastbourne | 18.2 km | 648 m | 4½ h | GPX for stage 9 |
Walks along the way
Day walks that start near the trail, for a rest day or a detour.
Moderate
·
New
Winchester: the water meadows and St Catherine's Hill
Winchester
7.7 km · 100 m · 2–2.5 h
