Self-guided holidays : Self-guided paths and trails walking holidays
South Downs Way
The South Downs Way is a superb outing. This well-known National Trail runs for 99 miles following a route along the crest of the chalk downs from the south coast at Eastbourne to historic Winchester cathedral. The initial coastal section traverses the magnificent clifftops of Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters before following the Cuckmere estuary inland to pick up the high ridge of the South Downs. The sense of space is truly exhilarating, with far-reaching views over both the English Channel and the Sussex Weald. The underfoot conditions are excellent, even during wet weather, and the chalk grassland supports a marvellous variety of flora and butterflies as well as numerous birds of prey.
Highlights of the route include Beachy Head; the downland viewpoints of Ditchling Beacon, Firle Beacon, Chanctonbury Ring and Butser Hill; the historic village of Alfriston; the ‘Jack and Jill’ windmills and Devil’s Dyke.
Approximate daily distances:
• Eastbourne to Alfriston - 11 miles (18 kms)
• Alfriston to New Market Inn - 14 miles (23 kms)
• New Market Inn to Upper Beeding - 15 miles (24 kms)
• Upper Beeding to Houghton Bridge - 14 miles (23 kms)
• Houghton Bridge to Cocking - 12 miles (19 kms)
• Cocking to Buriton - 11 miles (18 kms)
• Buriton to Exton - 12 miles (19 kms)
• Exton to Winchester Cathedral - 12 miles (19 kms)
Holiday options
| Code: SDWSGP |
| Grade: 2/3 |
| Nights: 9 |
| Price: £695 |
- All of the above prices are per person, and based upon two guests sharing a double or twin-bedded room.
- Extra nights; £55 per night
- Single traveller supplement; £40 per night (More about single supplement).
- Discounts available for parties of three or more guests.
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Travel information - start
Rail: Eastbourne
Onward travel: On foot or taxi
Travel information - finish
Rail: Winchester
Onward travel: On foot or taxi