South Downs Way - 8 Days & 7 Nights
- Winchester with its attractive cathedral
- The viewpoints of Beacon and Butser Hills
- Wild flowers and butterflies that dominate the trail
- Devils Dyke - a stunning beauty spot carved by glaciers into a deep valley
- Magnificent chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Winchester and overnightThe Saxon capital of England, Winchester is a charming city full of character and history. The cathedral remains the largest attraction and at over 900 years old with impressive Gothic architecture, it’s easy to see why. There is a bustling street market selling a variety of look crafts and food on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Winchester is also home to a number of historical pubs, including the Royal oak, which claims to be the oldest in England.
Winchester is easily reached by train from London in less than 1h30mins.
A spacious, beautifully presented four-star hotel, offering a superior level of comfort in stylish yet warm and restful surroundings. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and the amenities you require for a lovely overnight stay. Extras include bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries. Their historic bar retains all the charming period features of an 18th-century building, with contemporary style where you can relax over a glass of fine wine or a refreshing pint of real ale; Timothy Taylor Landlord is always available, with three guest ales (including beers from the local area) on rotation.
The Wykeham Arms is a unique 18th century coaching inn, situated between the Cathedral and the College. Retaining many original features, the Wykeham Arms is known for its charm, good food, fine wines, log fires and local ales. They have a range of individually-designed, bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, that have period features and elegant decor. The traditional restaurant and cosy bar are decorated with memorabilia and have a warm ambience.
One of Winchesters most popular desitnations for weekend get aways and spa breaks for over for over 20 years. Perfectly situated a short 10 minute walk from Winchesters historic city centre. Recharge and relax at The Spa with a range of facilities and luxurious treatments. Dine in the beautiful Alfreds Bar and Restaurant with a range of culinary experience and rest after a day of exploring winchester in one of their 96 comfortable bedrooms.
Your first day walking quickly takes you away from the hustle and bustle of Winchester into the countryside. The pretty village of Chilcomb with its thatched cottages and village green is a real highlight today. As you climb Beacon Hill National Nature Reserve you are rewarded with views across the Meon Valley to Old Winchester Hill. The trail continues around the edge of the picturesque village of Exton, which is definitely worth a short detour. From here, continue to Old Winchester Hill. On clear days you may even spot the Isle of Wight in the distance. From here, it's a short distance to the town of East Meon, your overnight stop.
Ascent/Descent: 410m/350m
Ye Olde George Inn is a delightful 15th century coaching inn, set in the heart of some of Hampshire's most beautiful countryside. The pub is a beautiful historic building with the River Meon running by the side. They have 5 guest rooms that have hypoallergenic pillows, TV with freeview, beverage tray, complimentary toiletries and free WIFI.
This friendly B&B provides a warm welcome to walkers located just outside the village. Each bedroom has a Flat Screen Television & a Radio. There is a Garden Room with sunset views for guests use & also a kitchen with tea, coffee & hot chocolate making facilities. The kitchen is also available for guests who wish to make a snack or sit and put the world to rights after their exertions. Wifi access is also available.
At the beginning of today's walk, you come to Buster Hill, which is the highest point on the walk with wonderful views across to the Isle of Wight. Shortly after you walk through the woodlands of Queen Elizabeth Country Park. Now you are the on the high ridge and the next few miles are through woodland, offering shade and protection. Once past the turn for South Harting, you reach Harting Down where the trees thin out and your views open up again. The path ascends Beacon Hill and then through the wooded Monkton Estate. Cocking Down leads you down to Warren Bottom and a short while after you see signs that take you off the trail to reach the village of Cocking. As there is limited accommodation in Cocking your accommodation for this evening may be in nearby Midhurst where we will arrange a taxi transfer to for you.
Ascent/Descent: 540m/580m
In the centre of Cocking village, immediately below the South Downs Way, and now owned by the local community, the Blue Bell at Cocking is a welcoming free house, serving fresh local produce and a choice of local ales, and excellent coffee. They have a garden with Downs views and are dog friendly in our public areas. They are also an official South Downs Information Point, providing comprehensive information on the surrounding area, and offer cycle repair facilities on site.
Bed & Breakfast accommodation in the heart of the South Downs National Park, in the village of Cocking, in close proximity to the South Downs Way. A peaceful location with view of open farmland.
The Spread Eagle Hotel and Spa in Midhurst is one of England's oldest coaching inns in the heart of the South Downs. The hotel offers a blend of traditional charm and contemporary comfort, and is the perfect place to explore the beauty of West Sussex. The hotel offers ammenities such as free wifi, a fitness center, a pool and breakfast.
After rejoinig the trail from Cocking, a chalk lane leads you back to the top of the Ridgeway, through Heyshott and Graffham Downs nature reserves, then heading down crossing the old Roman road of Stane Street before climbing up Bignor Hill. The trail enters the Arun Valley. From here it's an easy-going walk along a high ridge of the Way offering lovely views to the coast. The town of Washington is your overnight stop, a peaceful village of about 2,000 people.
Ascent/Descent: 530m/510m
You will be guaranteed a warm welcome when you check into Holt House. Anne is a very relaxed host very used to walkers who all need hot water and comfortable beds. Walking is rewarding and tyring. She hope she can supply a home from home, if not more, and that people will remember the lovely time they had there. All rooms have all the amenities you requite for a lovely overnight stay and some rooms have views over their lovely garden.
Val & Graham offer a friendly warm welcome right on the South Downs Way, their 2 guest rooms are comfortably furnished and have all the amenities that you will require for a lovely overnight stay. The two rooms share the one bathroom. In the morning you can look forward to a great cooked or continental breakfast.
Leaving Washington by way of a field trail, rejoin the SDW. From here the path then climbs steeply to Chanctonbury Ring, an ancient and magical circle of Beech trees. The path descends slowly around the southern edges of the Steyning Bowl valley and into Botolphs. The trail climbs again, taking in Truleigh and Fulking Hills and culminating in the spectacular Devil's Dyke, a deep dry valley said to have been carved out by Satan. One final steep climb to ascend West Hill from where you can enjoy views over the Jack and Jills windmills in the distance. From there it's all downhill to Pyecombe.
Ascent/Descent: 520m/500m
Val & Graham offer a friendly warm welcome right on the South Downs Way, their 2 guest rooms are comfortably furnished and have all the amenities that you will require for a lovely overnight stay. The two rooms share the one bathroom. In the morning you can look forward to a great cooked or continental breakfast.
Alison and Vladimir invite you to enjoy a relaxed and comfortable stay with them in the heart of Lewes. Their home is just a few minutes’ walk from the antique shops, restaurants and cafes in the centre of town. Their rooms are comfortably furnished with all the amenities you would require.
Aleberry B&B is in the vibrant Cliffe area of Lewes in East Sussex but offers a peaceful retreat, the guest rooms are simply furnished but have all the amenities you require for a lovely overnight stay. The accommodation is all on the first floor, with a bathroom offering tub and separate shower shared between the bedrooms. There are plenty of restaurants and pubs to choose from in Lewes for your evening meal.
An early start is best for this section. Leaving Pyecombe you’ll see signs for the Jack and Jill windmills which are famous local landmarks and can be seen for miles around. Then you reach an easy section that passes Rodmell and Southease and then crosses the River Ouse. Back on the escarpment, you have coastal views to the south, down to Cuckmere Haven. At Bostall Hill you begin to descend slowly to the picture-postcard village of Alfriston with its Tudor Beam cottages, village green, pubs and tea rooms.
Ascent/Descent: 540m/640
A 19th-century colonial-style country house, run by a small passionate team. Expect country charm, log beams, roaring log fires and rustic-chic rooms. A real home away from home that is perfectly located for exploring Alfriston and Rathfinny Wine Estate.
Situated in a peaceful, rural location with breath-taking views of the Cuckmere Valley in East Sussex, Riverdale House is a rare blend of elegant period accommodation and relaxed, laid back atmosphere. Each of their five rooms has been designed to provide luxury and comfort within the period setting. All rooms have private en suite facilities, flat screen television with integrated DVD players, tea and coffee making facilities, hot water bottles, hairdryers and comfortable beds.
The George Inn is a historic, building dating back to the 14th Century. With timber beams, a roaring log fire, and a large walled beer garden it is a cosy, comfortable home from home in the heart of Alfriston. It offers five beautiful bedrooms, the majority containing wonderful period features and amenities.
The last section contains impressive coastal scenery. Saving the best until last, this section takes you through the Cuckmere Valley as the river makes its way to the sea. The Seven Sisters roll away in front of you as you stroll along the cliff tops. There's the chance to take a refreshing swim at the shingle beach at Birling Gap or to grab an ice cream. The grassy cliff path undulates to Beachy Head, a spectacular chalk cliff with panoramic views in all directions. Slightly further on is the official end of the South Downs Way at Meads Village. Eastbourne is a half-hour walk from here or if you are feeling weary a short bus ride. Eastbourne is a traditional English seaside town. A popular holiday destination during the Victorian-era, it has many Victorian style seaside buildings and a grand pier. Enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants in town.
Ascent/Descent: 420m/420m
The Pier Hotel is situated on the elegant Eastbourne seafront opposite the iconic Eastbourne Pier. Majority of the rooms are newly refurbished in 2019 giving a modern twist to this beautiful Victorian building. There's a laid-back grill restaurant and bar with terrace dining, and a tearoom.
A friendly, family run guest house offering relaxed accommodation in the quiet Lower Meads district of Eastbourne and just a short walk from the beach. All rooms have their own character and are equipped with everything you need. There's a small outdoor courtyard where you can relax beneath the cherry tree or inside there is a comfortable public lounge where you can help yourself to tea or coffee or perhaps purchase a beer and snack from their honesty bar. They are well known for their breakfast menu, which is mouth wateringly good and with a range of options there's sure to be something that you will love.
Number Ninety One Bed and Breakfast is situated in a great location directly opposite the sea front. Set back slightly with easy on-road free and unrestricted parking, it's a quiet location and yet close to Eastbourne's many attractions. The beautiful pebble beach and esplanade is opposite and visitors will enjoy the flat walk to the Pier which is a ten minute walk away. Guests can relax in the pretty Number Ninety One front garden if they wish. This Edwardian three storey house, is warm and welcoming, it has many original features, with sea view rooms, and has been refurbished and decorated to a high standard. The rooms are all en suite, well equipped with many extras and offers free WiFi.
After a decadent cooked English breakfast, check out of your accommodation in Eastbourne and start your onward journey. Eastbourne has a train station and the journey to London takes about 1.5 hours.
If you have more time to explore, why not consider one of our other adventures in England?
This trip has a carbon score of 8kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our greenest trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 8kg is equivalent to 12 pints of local beer at the bar. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?The rolling hills of the South Downs make this walk the ideal escape from city life. Daily distances are sometimes long but only a couple of moderately steep sections are encountered. If you enjoy fantastic views, woodland walking and traditional village Inns then this is the walk for you.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers
This is our most challenging South Downs Way itinerary suited only for experienced walkers looking for a challenge. There are some very long days, however tearrain is mostly easy-going with moderate ascents and descents. If you are looking for something more relaxed please consider our 10 day & 9 nights itinerary.
We choose the country hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&B’s to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, and traditional hospitality. We always try and book your accommodation as close as possible to the trail. Occasionally walkers may need to venture a mile or so off the trail as the availability of quality accommodation can become scarce. Please note in some cases in the South Downs Way you may at times be staying in old traditional buildings that might have slightly smaller room sizes than others.
Single Rooms
If you require single rooms we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of your accommodations will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs or restaurants.
Additional Nights
If you wish to add additional nights along the trail or at the beginning and end of your itinerary please contact us. You may choose to add an additional night at any of the overnight locations, all are great places to spend more time exploring.
The South Downs Way is very well-waymarked and easy to follow. Navigation is straightforward as you can use the Macs Adventure Smartphone App which has maps, GPS tracks and daily route information. Simply download the GPS tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation on this tour will be made simple and you cannot get lost. You will find more information on downloading the app in your Macs Adventure Account.
- Bed and breakfast accommodation in ensuite rooms wherever possible
- Door to door baggage transfer
- Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
- All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
- Emergency telephone support from our office in the event of a problem
- Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
- Entrance fees (where applicable)
- Travel Insurance
- Transport should you need to skip a stage
- Additional nights
This walking holiday can be enjoyed from April to September. Summer can be hot on the South Coast and very busy, especially over the school holidays. We would advise walking in the spring to see the wildflowers that coast the fields you walk through. Please note if your itinerary has a night in Buriton, you are not able to start on a Friday as there is no-where available to have dinner on a Sunday in Buriton.
In Lewes if you would like to visit Harvey's Brewey Shop they are open from Tue-Sat, Anne of Cleves House is open Tue-Sun and the 15th Century Book Shop is open on a Sat and Sun only.
NOTE: This trip is not available to start between the 19 - 31 August 2023.
By Air—The closest regional airport to Winchester is Southampton. ‘Flybe’ serve most regional UK airports as well as Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris and other European airports. Further afield is London Gatwick with most international connections.
By Rail/Bus—Winchester is situated on the South West trains network and is 1hr from London Waterloo station. Buses run regularly from all over the country to Winchester. From London Victoria Coach station there are 5 daily services with ‘National Express’ coaches.
By Car—We don't recommend travel by car due to the environmental impact but if you do need to drive you can park in the long stay car park in Winchester. This needs to be prebooked in advance through the Winchester parking Office—01962 848346.
By Air—The closest airport to Eastbourne is London Gatwick with most regional UK and international connections. Travel time by car is 1h 30 mins
By Rail/Bus—Eastbourne is approx 1hr 30 by train from central London. Trains depart London Victoria and are very frequent throughout the day.
By Car—Most on street parking in Eastbourne is pay and display and you cant leave your car overnight. There is a car park at Beachy Head which you can buy an annual parking ticket but spaces are limited. Please contact the Parking Info Office on 08456 801129 A good source of reference for travel details is the Travelline website.
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
The distances and ascent/ descents are approximations of the recommended routes.
Walking Direction
Our standard itineraries describe the walk in an West to East direction. Prevailing winds at your back and a finish at the white cliffs near Eastbourne generally dictate that this is the best direction. If however you wish to walk East to West we can arrange this for you.
Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
The South Downs Way is one of the easiest and most accessible of all the National Trails of Great Britain. That said there will be a number of ascents and descents - most noticeably where the path crosses river valleys. It helps to have done some multi day walking before and regular cardio vascular exercise prior to your holiday will increase your fitness levels and therefore your enjoyment of the walk.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this route is very popular. Given its proximity to London and the more populated areas in the South of England the trail can get busy - especially in the summer months. To ensure you have quality accommodation, on or near to the trail its best to book as soon as you know your available dates.
You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. You can download a full equipment list from the downloads page of our website.
This walking holiday can be enjoyed from March to October. Summer can be hot in the South Coast and very busy especially over the school holidays. We would advise walking in the Spring to see the wild flowers that coast the fields you walk through.
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.
You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop. In some cases the baggage transfer service that takes your bags on to your next accommodation may be able to assist. Our office can assist with helpful advice should you need to arrange transport for yourself or anyone in your party.
Lewes is a great town for exploring on your arrival day with many good restaurants, the famed location of the Harvey Brewery, quirky antique shops and historical sites such as Anne of Cleves House and Lewes Castle. On a Monday a lot of the restaurants and attractions are closed, so we recommend you start your trip on any other day of the week to avoid missing out. It should also be noted If you want to visit the 15th-century bookshop, then you would need to start on a weekend also as it is only open on Saturday and Sunday. If you don't mind missing out on these attractions and wish to start on a Monday, please get in touch with the team directly and we can of course arrange this.
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