South Downs Way – National Trail

100 MILES OVER 9 GLORIOUS DAYS

I walked the full South Downs Way from Seven Sisters to Winchester (East to West) in 9 days, taking my Ford Transit Connect along for the ride. I had days off in between, because when you are near places like Brighton and Worthing, it is pointless not stopping to explore. As a vegan, Brighton offered me so much to choose from food-wise. I could have stayed a week just on a gastronomical adventure.

While you can go either way, and most suggest going West to East, I recommend starting at the Eastbourne end, for two reasons:

The Seven Sisters stage (Eastbourne to Southease) is arguably the finest coastal hike in England, and it’s an experience you definitely don’t want to miss. Even if you don’t manage to complete the entire trail, rest assured that you’ve witnessed some of the most breathtaking scenery along the way.

Parking in Seaford and then Brighton is pretty convenient, with decent public transport options and services, so getting back to your van or finding a toilet isn’t much of a hassle. However, as you head further west, you move away from the larger towns, and public transport becomes less frequent and reliable. In those areas, you might need to consider taking a taxi or booking a B&B for a couple of stages. That said, I’ve included where I stayed, along with some places I think would be great to stay if I were to do it again.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Take in the amazing views from Beacon Hill and Butser Hill. 360 views of the South East of England. On a good day you can see the North Downs.
  • In Spring and Summer the chalk grassland (the Rainforest of England) comes alive with a huge diversity of wildflowers.
  • Check out Devil’s Dyke, a breathtaking valley carved by glaciers.
  • Marvel at the stunning white cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head.

PARKING

In your Ford Transit Connect you are stealth REMEMBER, so remember residential parking is an option. In places like Brighton and Worthing there will be street parking restrictions nearly everywhere, but see the map for my park-up spots – all free.

 

SCHEDULE

Park Up: Seaford Seafront

Stage 1: Eastbourne to Alfriston

  • Distance: 10 miles (16 km)
  • Highlights: Beachy Head, Seven Sisters, Cuckmere Haven.
  • Public Transport:
    • Start: Eastbourne has a train station with regular services to London, Brighton, and other nearby towns.
    • End: Alfriston is accessible by bus from Seaford

Park Up : Stay in Seaford – Don’t move. It’s stunning.

Stage 2: Alfriston to Southease

  • Distance: 7 miles (11 km)
  • Highlights: Views across the River Ouse and downland ridges.
  • Public Transport:
    • Start: Bus from Seaford to Alfriston.
    • End: Southease has a small train station with services to Seaford.

Park up: Move the van to Brighton.

This spot is free, it is a little outside of central brighton but it is close to to Marina for facilities and not many free park-ups in Brighton all day. From Brighton you can get the bus and jump off at Rodean Crescent or Rodean Cafe bus stop.

Stage 3: Southease to Pyecombe

  • Distance: 19 miles (30 km)
  • Highlights: Sweeping views from the top of Ditchling Beacon, rolling downland. Mount Caburn, Lewes Castle views, and panoramic vistas from Ditchling Beacon.
  • Public Transport:
    • Start: Train from Brighton to Southease train station.
    • End: Buses from Pyecombe to Brighton

Park up: Stayed in Brighton another night

Stage 4: Pyecombe to near Upper Beeding

  • Distance: 7 miles (11 km)
  • Highlights: Clayton Windmills, Devil’s Dyke.
  • Public Transport:
    • Start: Bus from Brighton to Pyecombe.
    • End: Upper Beeding is served by buses to Shoreham-by-Sea train station. You catch one from the road that runs south from Upper Beeding called the A283 (marked on Map). From Shoreham-by-sea can get there you can get the train back to Brighton.

Park up: Moved to Worthing (residential street near station)

Stage 5: Upper Beeding to Amberley

  • Distance: 13 miles (21 km)
  • Highlights: Views from Chanctonbury Ring. South Downs ridgelines, the peaceful Amberley village.
  • Public Transport:
    • Start: Train from Worthing to  Shoreham-by-Sea then bus to Upper Beeding
    • End: Train to Worthing station but will have to change train stations.

Stage 6: Amberley to Cocking

  • Distance: 12 miles (19 km)
  • Highlights: Bignor Hill, ancient woodlands.
  • Public Transport:
    • Start: Amberley train station.
    • End: Cocking is accessible by bus from Midhurst, which has bus services to Petersfield and Chichester train stations.

Park up: Move to Petersfield

Stage 7: Cocking to Queen Elizabeth Country Park

  • Distance: 11 miles (18 km)
  • Highlights: Harting Down, Beacon Hill.
  • Public Transport:
    • Start: Buses from Cocking to Midhurst.
    • End: Queen Elizabeth Country Park has bus services to Petersfield train station.

Stage 8: Queen Elizabeth Country Park to Exton

  • Distance: 11 miles (18 km)
  • Highlights: Butser Hill, peaceful villages.
  • Public Transport:
    • Start: Buses from Queen Elizabeth Country Park to Petersfield.
    • End: Exton is best reached by bus via Fareham train station.

Stage 9: Exton to Winchester

  • Distance: 12 miles (19 km)
  • Highlights: Beacon Hill, Winchester Cathedral.
  • Public Transport:
    • Start: Bus from Exton to Winchester or Fareham train stations.
    • End: Winchester has a major train station with frequent services to London, Southampton, and beyond.