South Downs Way
Photo: Terry Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The South Downs Way is a 160-km trail in southeast England that spans from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex.
UnderstandThe South Downs Way follows the old routes and droveways along the chalk escarpment and ridges of the South Downs, passing over some of the most beautiful and calming scenery in southern Britain.
PrepareThe Trail as a whole is not suitable for people who are frail: it is not specially surfaced for wheelchairs and so can be rough and/or steep in places.
Get inThere are mainline trains and long-distance coaches to both Winchester and Eastbourne as well as several places in between. Allow around 60–90 minutes from London.
WalkWalking, cycling and horse riding are the main activities along this 100-mile (160-km) waymarked bridleway, which runs the length of the South Downs National Park between Winchester and the coast at Eastbourne.
Stay safeEnsure you have good-quality footwear and a map; The South Downs Way is as safe as anywhere and much safer than any city—you need have no security concerns about going alone.
Go nextYou can always escape from the path and see more of the counties which are on the route (Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex). Thankfully the route has decent transport links within about 10 miles of any spot.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "South Downs Way" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Terry Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons