South Downs Way

The South Downs Way is a very popular National Trail through South East England's historical South Downs.

Indeed, the route runs through the heart of the proposed South Downs National Park.

It follows paths and roads used for thousands of years, dating back into the stone age.

Running from East Hampshire through to East Sussex, there's lots to do and see on this popular National Trail.

Walking West to East, you can take a trip through advancement of man in the area, seeing remnants of civilisation and fortification from the bronze age through iron age and Roman times right up to the second world war and the legendary Battle of Britain.

Running as it does through undulating arable farmland, rolling woodland and chalk scarp, the South Downs Way is one of the less physically challenging of the 18 British National Trails. This combination of relatively easy walking and wealths of scenery and history is one which many people find ideal.

Starting at Winchester in East Hampshire, the trail stretches roughly 100 miles to Eastbourne. Most of the trail is shared by walkers, horse riders and cyclists.

As the trail approaches Eastbourne, though, it splits into two alternative routes, the coastal path by the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head being for walkers only.

Despite the easier going than on many National Trails, the South Downs way should still be approached with due respect and walkers are advised to be properly equipped, to have supplies of food and water, and to let people know their plans.

In some places the pathway is quite exposed, giving the potential to be very hot in summer and very cold in winter. There are water stops on the route, but these should not be relied on as your only source of sustenance.

There are many historical features, villages, towns and places of interest along the way, and access to these has been well provided for with many spurs leading to them from the National Trail.

On a historical note, there are points of interest from all ages in each section, however some of the South Downs Way routes fall neatly into distinct predominant historical eras, for example Iron Age between Winchester and Queen Elizabeth Country Park or Bronze Age between Queen Elizabeth Country Park and Upwaltham.

This is in addition to geological artifacts from the Ice Age through to cultural influence from William the Conqueror through the Georgian and Victorian eras right up to World War II and the modern day.

For lovers of nature and landscape, there is much to be seen, ranging from the striking chalk based features such as Devil's Dyke and the Seven Sisters through beautiful scenic views to various nature reserves.

If you want to walk the entire trail in one go, it's estimated that it would take approximately 8 days. This would drop to 3 or 4 days if you were cycling.

There are in fact 5 smaller sections which make up the South Downs Way - these tend to be around 20 miles each and offer good day trip and weekend activities in themselves.

Section	Description
Winchester	This is the start point of the South Downs Way. Things to do near Winchester
Winchester - Queen Elizabeth Country Park Length: 23 miles Total since start: 23 miles	Some crossing of roads and negotiation of suburban areas is required in getting from Winchester out onto the South Downs. Characterised by rolling farmland and wooded areas, there is much to see and do with interesting villages, Nature Reserves and historical sites to take in. Things to do near Queen Elizabeth Country Park
© Shutterstock / David Hughes
Queen Elizabeth Country Park - Upwaltham Length: 18 miles Total Since Start: 41 miles	There are lots of views on this section, over the Weald, out to the Isle of White and so on. There are also many villages to detour into, plus Bronze and Iron Age features to see at such places as Heyshott Down and Beacon Hill. Things to do near Upwaltham
Upwaltham - Upper Beeding Length: 22 miles Total since start: 63 miles	This is a very scenic section, especially as it passes the Arun Valley. There are yet more charming villages to detour into and be sure to take in Amberley Wild Brooks with their abundance of wild birds and flowers. Things to do near Upper Beeding
Upper Beeding - Rodmell Length: 21 miles Total Since Start: 84 miles	In addition to striking chalk features such as Devil's Dyke, The trail serves up more great views on this section as well as a mixed bag of historical sites of interest, ranging from Neolithic and the Iron Age, through Roman right up to World War II. The route also passes by the Jack and Jill Windmills and Ditchling Beacon. Things to do near Rodmell
Ditchling Beacon © Shutterstock / Nick Hawkes
Rodmell - Eastbourne Length: 11.5 miles Total since start: 64.5 miles	Held by many to be the most picturesque section of the South Downs Way and certainly one of the most striking if opting for the walkers-only coastal route past the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. There is also a northen route for horseriders and cyclists, though walkers are also welcome on the route. Culture-vultures will be keen to detour up to Charleston Farmhouse and the home of the literary Bloomsbury Set. Things to do near Eastbourne

You can continue reading about other National Trails and Long Distance Walks using the links at the bottom of the page.