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This itinerary has been created by Footprints of Sussex who are local experts in the South Downs. Footprints have been organising this annual walk for over 40 years and will ensure you get the very best experience of the South Downs.
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This is a 9 day lead walking tour including, knowledgeable expert walk leaders and pick up and drop off coach travel to and from the start and finish of each days walk. This package does not include accommodation. The tour starts in Winchester, the ancient capital of Wessex on the edge of the South Downs ending 160 kilometres (100 miles) later at the dramatic coastal cliffs of Eastbourne.
Day 1 – Winchester to Exton.
Day 2 – Exton to Queen Elizabeth Country Park
Day 3 – QECP to Cocking
Day 4 – Cocking to Amberley
Day 5 – Amberley to Steyning
Day 6 – Steyning to Pyecombe
Day 7 – Pyecombe to Southease
Day 8 – Southease to Alfriston
Day 9 – Alfriston to Eastbourne
Bus & Rail
Ferry & Air
Anyone who is reasonably fit can walk the South Downs Way. The tour is graded as ‘Moderate’ with straight forward undulating walking, often on farm tracks and chalk down. Each day ranges from 9.5 miles / 15.2km to 18 miles / 29 km. From 4 to 7 hours walking.
The Trail can be enjoyed at any time of the year. However it does get busier during school holidays and on weekends between May and September you should expect to come across larger organised events.
You’ll be spoiled for choice with so much great local food and drink on offer. You will pass through many small villages and towns with good pubs and cafes.
The official guidebook and map for the Trail are available from the National Trails Shop along with a wide range of gifts and other merchandise.