Routes changes, diversions and updates
The South Downs Way is a bit like the Forth Bridge; it is never finished. There is always maintenance to be done somewhere along the 100 miles of Trail. Changes in land use, developments and other opportunities appear that give us the chance to improve your experience by changing the route and sometimes the route is moved to give you a safer or more enjoyable experience. Therefore from time to time the official route of the South Downs Way changes or has to be temporarily diverted. This page shows all the major route changes and diversions in chronological order (with the most recent at the top). We have used the 2009 edition of the official National Trail guide for the South Downs Way by Paul Millmore (ISBN 978 1 84513 311 5) and the 2009 edition of Harvey Maps South Downs Way strip map as a baseline. If you have any other queries about the route from older editions of Trail guides, please contact the National Trail Officer.
May - June 2010
Southease Bridge to be closed 6-15th June 2010
The Southease river crossing will be closed to all users between 6th June and 15th June 2010 whilst the current bridge is lifted off and a temporary bridge is installed.
The Southease swing bridge which carries the SDW over the river Ouse is currently undergoing essential restoration, maintenance and safety works by the Environment Agency. It is expected that works will be ongoing on the grade II listed bridge until late October 2010.
During the full closure between 6th June and 15th June 2010 there will be no public access and walkers, cyclists and horse-riders must find an alternative route. Cyclists and horse riders are advised to use the road network and use the crossing points over the River Ouse at Lewes or Newhaven. A recommended alternative route for walkers is here.
The full closure will allow a temporary scaffold bridge to be constructed across the river for walkers and dismounted cyclists (there will be a narrow ramp on the staircase to allow a bicycle to be pushed across). Unfortunately despite considering every option there will not be an off-road alternative in place for horse riders. The nearest alternative crossing points over the River Ouse are at Lewes and Newhaven.
All up to date information will be posted on this website and advance warnings of additional closures will be listed on this page. Alternatively you can contact the Environment Agency National Customer Contact Centre on 08708 506 506.
We are sorry for any inconvenience this closure will cause, however it is essential in order to maintain such a historic feature in the South Downs landscape.
February 2010
Cheesefoot Head Car Park to be closed 1st-19th March 2010
From the 1st-19th March 2010 Cheesefoot Head car park in Hampshire on the A272 will be closed to the public whilst improvement works are carried out on the adjacent bridleway. This closure is to ensure the safety of the public and the car park will be reopened at the earliest opportunity.
Resurfacing works will be taking place on the South Downs Way running north-east from the A272. A temporary route will be in place along the field edge.
March 2009
New Temporary route for Cyclists and horse riders across the Meon Valley.
A new temporary route for horse riders and cyclists has been opened between Old Winchester Hill and Beacon Hill in Hampshire. This new route replaces the old temporary route that ran though Warnford. The route has been changed to improve the safety of users until agreement can be reached on a permanent route across the valley. The route benefits from stunning views from the top of Beacon Hill National Nature Reserve. The old route is still usable but is not recommended and is not signed as the South Downs Way. The new route is signed along its length. This route is likely to be in place until March 2011.
Click here to download a map showing the new route. (Adobe Acrobat pdf document, 1125kb)
May 2009
Temporary closure between 11th - 15th May at Botolphs, Nr. River Adur, West Sussex.
A short section of the South Downs Way will be temporarily closed to allow repairs to be made to the surface of the route. The closed section will be on the east side of the River Adur in West Sussex at Grid ref. TQ 197 093. A short diversion will be in place to allow all users to continue along the SDW.