Discover the heart of England's countryside on the South Down’s Way

The South Downs Way is a gentle, unhurried 192km pathway that begins in medieval Winchester and stretches across the chalky ridgeway of the South Downs National Park to elegant Eastbourne on the shores of the English Channel. We offer a 12-day itinerary for the full route. 

The best time to walk the South Downs Way is late spring (May) or early autumn (September-October). These months offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery, including wildflowers in spring and autumn foliage.

Yes. You can walk the full length of the South Downs Way or complete the section from Winchester to Arundel or Arundel to Eastbourne. We can also tailormake the perfect itinerary for you. Ask us for more information.

Along the South Downs Way, you’ll stay in a delightful mixture of accommodation, including small B&Bs, welcoming pubs and guesthouses owned by locals who take pride in hosting walkers. Most places are conveniently close to the trail, ensuring a comfortable and authentic experience. You’ll enjoy friendly service, cosy rooms, and delicious home-cooked breakfasts, offering the perfect start to your day on the trail.

The South Downs Way has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s most accessible trails, thanks to its moderate terrain and well-maintained paths. Its gentle undulations make it a welcoming option for walkers of all levels, while still offering a satisfying sense of achievement as you cross the landscape. 

For many, the gentle slopes of the downs are a welcome contrast to the rugged peaks of other UK trails, and it’s this consistent, rolling beauty that makes the South Downs Way so beloved.

The trail itself is well-connected, with easy access to mainline train stations and bus routes, making it easy for walkers to access the path. The trailhead, at the bustling city of Winchester offers direct train connections to London and beyond, while Eastbourne offers trains to London and other popular destinations on the South Coast. Between these two endpoints, towns such as Alfriston, Amberley, and Pyecombe lie just off the trail, making them easily accessible as rest stops, lunches and overnight accommodation.

The highest point is at Butser Hill (270m). 

Arundel, where you stay overnight, with its iconic castle, provides a cultural highlight. In Amberley, the thatched cottages seem plucked from a storybook, their honey-hued exteriors nestled against the rolling downs. Alfriston, one of the most beloved stops on the trail, captivates with its ancient timber-framed buildings, welcoming pubs, and a village green that seems frozen in time. The Seven Sisters cliffs near Eastbourne offer some of the most photographed views in the country. The charming Cuckmere Haven provides good opportunities for wildlife watching and offers walkers a chance to further enjoy the area’s history and wildlife.

The South Downs is a unique landscape, home to a remarkable variety of plants and animals found nowhere else in the UK. In May and June, the trail bursts into colour with wildflowers like poppies, daisies, wild thyme, rare orchids, bluebells, and harebells. These vibrant floral displays not only enhance the beauty of the landscape but also attract a wide range of insects, butterflies, and birds – boosting the region’s biodiversity. The Downs also provide important habitats for wildlife such as stoats, smooth snakes, and other small mammals. Blending natural beauty with rich human and geological history, the South Downs Way offers a fascinating window into England’s natural heritage.

RAW Travel is Australia’s most trusted company for walking holidays in the UK. We have always booked our arrangements directly and selected the best accommodation. Walk across England on the iconic Coast to Coast Walk, discover the charm of the Cotswold Way, explore ancient Roman history on Hadrian’s Wall Path, or walk England’s longest trail, the South West Coast Path. For a Scottish island adventure, try the scenic Arran Coastal Way.

You can choose from guided and self-guided itineraries.