Cymraeg

COVID 19 Update

There is guidance in England and Wales on staying safe and protecting others in greenspaces.

Exercise is important for health and wellbeing, but please follow guidance to stay safe and protect others.

Read the full advice for England here

Relevant advice when using of public rights of way in England :

  •  Wash your hands as soon as you are back indoors.
  •  Make space and stay at least 2 metres apart from anyone outside your household or support  bubble where possible, or at least 1 metre with precautions, such as wearing a face mask.
  •  Take hand sanitiser with you in case there are no handwashing facilities.
  •  Follow the Countryside Code. Leave no trace of your visit, take all your litter home and don’t  light fires or barbecues.
  •  Keep dogs under effective control and on a lead when you are around farm animals.
  •  Leave gates as you find them or follow instructions on signs.
  •  Use footpaths and follow signs where they suggest alternative route other people and protect  the natural environment.
  •  Remember your actions can affect people’s lives and livelihoods.

WASH HANDS. COVER FACE. MAKE SPACE. 

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Introducing the Trail

Find useful facts and learn more about the South Downs Way below. Select the blue tabs below for more details.

  • About the Trail
  • What is special about the Trail?
  • Latest News
  • Events

About the Trail

Exercise is important for health and wellbeing, but please follow guidance to stay safe and protect others.

Read the full advice for England here

Relevant advice when using of public rights of way in England :

  •  Wash your hands as soon as you are back indoors.
  •  Make space and stay at least 2 metres apart from anyone outside your household or support  bubble where possible, or at least 1 metre with precautions, such as wearing a face mask.
  •  Take hand sanitiser with you in case there are no handwashing facilities.
  •  Follow the Countryside Code. Leave no trace of your visit, take all your litter home and don’t  light fires or barbecues.
  •  Keep dogs under effective control and on a lead when you are around farm animals.
  •  Leave gates as you find them or follow instructions on signs.
  •  Use footpaths and follow signs where they suggest alternative route other people and protect  the natural environment.
  •  Remember your actions can affect people’s lives and livelihoods.

WASH HANDS. COVER FACE. MAKE SPACE. 

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

What is special about the Trail?

The South Downs Way is tranquil island in the busy South East running entirely within the new South Downs National Park. You can feel a million miles from the hustle and bustle of modern life, but only be a few minutes from civilisation.

Running along a chalk ridge means that the Trail drains and dries out quickly making it good year round. The elevated position ensures you are rewarded by breathtaking views across the English Channel and Isle of Wight to the south and over the wooded Weald and heathland ridges to the north.

Whether you’re walking, on a mountain bike or on horseback the South Downs Way passes through a varied landscape of protected habitats including internationally important chalk rivers, internationally rare species rich chalk grasslands and beautiful ancient woodland. The Trail passes through or passes by 5 National Nature Reserves and dozens of Sites of Special Scientific Interest where you can enjoy stunning wildlife at close hand.

Latest News

Visit our News Page for the latest interesting and exciting news on the South Downs Way National Trail.

Events

Take a look at our Events calendar to find details of the enjoyable events that are taking place along the trail.  If you want, you can even add your own event.

Trail Itineraries

With its the breath-taking views across the English Channel and stunning scenery you can get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life on the South Downs Way, while being a few minutes from civilisation. Explore the South Downs Way for three days, a week or even longer. Find inspiration for your walking adventure using our suggested itineraries, or select one of our bookable itineraries which are highlighted with a star.

Annual South Downs Way walk

Enjoy the rolling hills and stunning coast of the South Downs Way on this 9 day walk fully supported by…

160 KM

Moderate

Well signed

Top locations on the itinerary
Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Hampshire's biggest Country Park with 2,000 acres of open access woodland and downland set within…
Seven Sisters Country Park

The site is famous for the classic meanders of the River Cuckmere, which seem to…
A journey along the South Downs

Experience some of our finest countryside between Winchester, the first capital of England, and the white chalk cliffs at Eastbourne

160 KM

Moderate

Well signed

Top locations on the itinerary
Bignor Roman Villa

Bignor Roman Villa is situated in the centre of the South Downs National Park, only…
Seven Sisters Country Park

The site is famous for the classic meanders of the River Cuckmere, which seem to…
South Downs Way: Housedean Farm to Alfriston

From Housedean Farm to Alfriston

22.5 KM

Gentle

Well signed

South Downs Way: Buriton to Steyning

From Buriton to Steyning

72.4 KM

Gentle

Moderately signed

Create your own trip

Feeling inspired? Build a bespoke itinerary and start planning your visit to this great National Trail here.

Create Your Own Trip

South Downs Way

Click the play button to see the highlights of the South Downs Way

DAYS

9

DISTANCE

160km

Click here to view more videos of the South Downs Way.

Discover Roman sites, living history and stunning views

Explore the chalk South Downs and visit country parks and world famous landscapes such as Seven Sisters, Devil's Dyke and Winchester Hill.

Bignor Roman Villa

Bignor Roman Villa is situated in the centre of the South Downs National Park, only metres from the Downs themselves. The site commands unrivaled views of the Downs to South,…
Amberley Working Museum

Amberley Working Museum is a 36 acre open-air museum dedicated to the industrial heritage of the south-east. The museum is also home to a number of resident craftspeople, who work…
Devil's Dyke

At nearly a mile long, the Dyke valley is the longest, deepest and widest 'dry valley' in the UK. Legend has it that the Devil dug this chasm to drown…
Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Hampshire's biggest Country Park with 2,000 acres of open access woodland and downland set within the South Downs National Park, including the Butser Hill National Nature Reserve. Good site for…
Seven Sisters Country Park

The site is famous for the classic meanders of the River Cuckmere, which seem to feature in every school geography textbook. The park has much to offer in the way…
Old Winchester Hill

Old Winchester Hill has been a famous and popular beauty spot since Victorian times and beyond. The views across the valley to Beacon Hill and down to the sea are…
The Long Man of Wilmington

If you walk or ride the inland bridleway route of the South Downs Way you will pass over the head of the Long Man of Wilmington and many never know…
Alfriston Clergy House

Alfriston Clergy House is a rare 14th Century Wealden Hall House. This delightful thatched and timber framed house and gardens was the first property acquired by the National Trust in…
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway

A magical place in the New Forest National ParkThe Gardens are a spectacular 200 acre (80 hectare) site, world-famous for the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, rare trees and shrubs.…

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