Poppy fields along the way

South Downs Way (9 Days & 8 Nights)

For experienced walkers that enjoy a challenge, this itinerary allows you to complete the whole South Downs Way in 7 walking days. The trail stretches 100 miles from the historic city of Winchester to the coastal chalk hills on the South Coast. Walk amongst vibrant yellow fields of corn, along picturesque chalk paths, and admire thatched cottages with colourful gardens. Rolling hills dominate the West section of the walk as you pass through traditional villages with friendly country Inns. Mixed woodland walking, and views as far as the Isle of Wight can be seen from Butser Hill. As you head down to the coast the scenery changes with grasslands full of wild flowers until you reach the iconic Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. Offering peaceful, easy-going walking by day and traditional cosy pubs by night, this National Trail is a fantastic countryside escape.
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Sarah Stone
updated on: March 29, 2021
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Hiking route · United Kingdom
Winchester to Exton
recommended route Difficulty easy
Distance 19.9 km
Duration 5:30 h
Ascent 248 m
Descent 208 m

The first stage of the South Downs Way begins in the historic city of Winchester and takes you to Exton via Beacon Hill Nature Reserve.

from Sarah Stone,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · United Kingdom
Winchester to Warnford
recommended route Difficulty easy
Distance 20.1 km
Duration 5:30 h
Ascent 237 m
Descent 185 m

The first stage of the South Downs Way begins in the historic city of Winchester and takes you to Exton via Beacon Hill Nature Reserve.

from Laura Paterson,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · United Kingdom
Exton to South Harting
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 27.3 km
Duration 7:30 h
Ascent 438 m
Descent 427 m

A lovely day of hiking with two possible view points of Old Winchester Hill and Buster Hill, opening up views over rolling green hills, the Isle of ...

from Sarah Stone,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · United Kingdom
Warnford to South Harting
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 27.5 km
Duration 7:30 h
Ascent 457 m
Descent 457 m

A lovely day of hiking with two possible view points of Old Winchester Hill and Buster Hill, opening up views over rolling green hills, the Isle of ...

from Laura Paterson,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · United Kingdom
South Harting to Amberley
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 34.1 km
Duration 9:15 h
Ascent 641 m
Descent 686 m

A long yet rewarding day of hiking from South Harting to the picturesque village of Amberley.

from Sarah Stone,   Macs Adventure
recommended route Difficulty easy
Distance 17.5 km
Duration 5:00 h
Ascent 331 m
Descent 323 m

Hike from Amberley to Steyning passing Chanctonbury Ring, a hill with a mystical past and a local landmark. 

from Macs Adventure,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · United Kingdom
Amberley to Upper Beeding
recommended route Difficulty easy
Distance 22.1 km
Duration 6:00 h
Ascent 340 m
Descent 344 m

Hike from Amberley to Upper Beeding passing Chanctonbury Ring, a hill with a mystical past and a local landmark. 

from Sarah Stone,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · United Kingdom
Steyning to Lewes Area
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 29.1 km
Duration 8:00 h
Ascent 516 m
Descent 480 m

A varied day of walking on undulating terrain from Steyning to Lewes. You are rewarded with fasntastic views from today's highlight; the Devil's ...

from Sarah Stone,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · United Kingdom
Upper Beeding to Lewes Area
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 25.5 km
Duration 7:00 h
Ascent 491 m
Descent 457 m

A varied day of walking on undulating terrain from Upper Beeding to Lewes. You are rewarded with fasntastic views from today's highlight; the Devil ...

from Sarah Stone,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · United Kingdom
Lewes to Alfriston
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 18.2 km
Duration 5:15 h
Ascent 215 m
Descent 205 m

Walk from Lewes to the charming village of Alfriston - a real highlight of the South Downs Way. 

from Macs Adventure,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · United Kingdom
Alfriston to Eastbourne
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 19.7 km
Duration 6:00 h
Ascent 423 m
Descent 423 m

A superlative day of walking to finish your South Down's Way with a bang. 

from Sarah Stone,   Macs Adventure