South Downs Way Walking Itineraries
Get in touchWhat better way to escape the pressures and stresses of life than to get out walking in the beautiful South Downs countryside? The South Downs National Park offers some fantastic walking routes, including the South Downs Way, stretching 100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne.
South Downs Way Walking Routes
You can walk the South Downs Way in either direction, but we recommend walking west to east from Winchester to Eastbourne. This is the way our walking holidays normally run. On these routes, the prevailing wind should be at your back most of the way and nothing beats the spectacular finish over the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head into Eastbourne. For more useful info on walking the South Downs Way see: https://southdownsway.org/activities/walking
Here’s a brief description of common South Downs Way walking routes but if you click ‘More info’ you’ll find out full details of the itinerary so you can learn about the highlights of each sector and what to look out for. If you don’t have the time (or energy!) to walk the whole route, we offer a range of short breaks from 2-5 days.
Walking Route Very Quick Pace - 6 Days
You can walk the South Downs Way in either direction, but we recommend walking west to east from Winchester to Eastbourne. This is the way our walking holidays normally run. On these routes, the prevailing wind should be at your back most of the way and nothing beats the spectacular finish over the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head into Eastbourne.
Here’s a brief description of common South Downs Way walking routes but if you click ‘More info’ you’ll find out full details of the itinerary so you can learn about the highlights of each sector and what to look out for. If you don’t have the time (or energy!) to walk the whole route, we offer a range of short breaks from 2-5 days.
Walking Route Very Quick Pace – 6 Days
Area: South Downs Way
This should only be attempted if you are very fit and short on time. It involves 5 very long days so won’t give you much of a chance to look around the towns and villages you are staying in or take time to stop at some of the highlights en route.
Walking Route Quick Pace – 7 Days – option 1
Area: South Downs Way
This is suitable for anyone with a good level of fitness but there are three very long days. To really make the most of the wealth of things to see and do along the way, we’d recommend taking an extra day or two if you can spare it.
Walking Route Quick Pace – 7 Days – option 2
Area: South Downs Way
This is suitable for anyone with a good level of fitness but there are some very long days. To really make the most of the huge variety of things to see and do along the way, we’d recommend taking an extra day or two if you can spare it.
Walking Route Medium Pace – 8 Days
Area: South Downs Way
This is suitable for anyone with a decent level of fitness. There is one very long day but generally this will allow you to enjoy your surroundings and have a little time to explore the towns and villages you are staying in.
Walking Route Relaxed Pace – 9 Days
Area: South Downs Way
This is ideal if you want to take things at a steady pace with no very long days. This will allow you to really enjoy your surroundings and have some time to explore places of interest along the way.
