The South Downs Way was Britain’s first long distance bridleway. It stretches for 100 miles, from the historical splendour of Winchester to the coastal town of Eastbourne, just beyond the dazzling white cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. It’s an ancient trail which follows droveways and old paths along the chalk escarpment of the South Downs, which divides the beautiful Hampshire and Sussex Weald from the south coast of England.
For much of its length this wonderful National Trail follows the crest of the Downs, with views stretching north across the fields and woodland as far as the North Downs, some forty miles away. Looking out to sea on a clear day you can see as far as the Isle of Wight. The route also drops down into a number of pretty downland villages and picturesque river valleys. There is an enormous variety of scenery along the way and the sense of space and quiet isolation is all the more enjoyable given its proximity to civilisation and easy access to public transport.
The South Downs Way is well maintained, clearly marked and appeals to walkers and cyclists of all levels. If you like the sound of stunning views, an abundance of wildlife, history, pretty villages with traditional pubs, then come and discover it for yourself!
Price: £855 per person for 9 nights based on 2 people sharing a double/twin room
£890 per person for 10 nights (overnight in Eastbourne at the end of the walk).
£30 per night single room supplement.
It is possible to walk the South Down’s Way over fewer days should you wish to walk longer stretches per day. Please ask us about the options.
Included:
9 nights accommodation with breakfast each morning
Luggage transfers each day
Route notes and maps
Telephone support
Highlights
• The cathedral city of Winchester.
• Beacon Hill – it’s a nature reserve and commands outstanding views of the surrounding countryside.
• Old Winchester hill – great views and there is a fine Iron Age hill-fort site at the top.
Highlights
• Old Winchester hill – great views and there is a fine Iron Age hill-fort site at the top.
• Butser Hill – highest point on the South Downs Way at 270 metres.
• Queen Elizabeth Country Park – large area of beautiful mixed woodland.
Highlights
• Harting Down – fantastic views across the Weald, it’s possible to see the North Downs on a clear day.
Highlights
• Heyshott Down – great views inland.
• Bignor Roman Villa – dating back to 3rd Century AD, with amazingly preserved mosaic floors. It’s 1.5 miles from the South Downs Way and just off the old Roman road Stane Street.
• Bignor Hill – fantastic views right along the Downs.
• Amberley Working Museum – excellent museum of local history, just off the way.
• Amberley village – one of the prettiest villages in the South Downs, just off the way.
• First views of the sea to the south.
Highlights
• Views of Amberley Brooks nature reserve after climbing out of Houghton Bridge and Amberley.
• Chanctonbury Ring – said to be haunted, it’s the site of an Iron Age hill-fort dating back to the 6th Century BC. Fantastic views out to sea and along the downs.
• Bramber Castle – the remains of a Norman castle on the banks of the River Adur
Highlights
• River Adur – views south towards the stunning hillside Abbey at Lancing College.
• Fulking Hill – spectacular 360 degree views.
• Devils’s Dyke – legend has it that the Devil dug the valley to drown the parishioners of the Weald.
Highlights
• Ditchling Beacon – heading east from here, there are fantastic views inland across the weald and towards ashdown forest.
• Iford & Swanborough Hill – great views inland towards Mount Caburn to the north and the sea to the south.
• Lewes – a very historic town with lots to explore
Highlights
• Great views inland to the north and the sea to the south, particularly from Firle Beacon.
• The picture postcard village of Alfriston.
Highlights
• Cuckmere Valley – where the river Cuckmere meanders it’s way to the sea
• Seven Sisters – iconic, glorious coastal scenery, arguably the highlight of the whole South Downs Way
• Beachy Head – spectacular chalk cliff jutting into the English channel with fine views west across the Seven Sisters and east over Eastbourne and beyond.
The spectacular Seven Sisters make a fitting finale to the South Downs Way. You can then either depart Eastbourne in the afternoon or stay over and depart the following day, giving you a chance to explore this elegant seaside resort or just put your feet up!
Accommodation:
