Getting there
- Flights to Southampton (SOU) 15 km from the start
- Flights to London (LHR) 75 km from the start
Treks / United Kingdom (England)
South Downs Way
United Kingdom (England) · Nearest city: London (also Brighton, Winchester)
TypeMulti-day trek
Days8–9
Distance≈ 160 km
Climbingvaries
Highest point271 m
A walk along the chalk hills of southern England from Winchester to Eastbourne, ending at the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters.
Fitness
Moderate
Best seasonApril to October
High pointButser Hill
Watch out: Exposed to wind and rain on the tops, with few shops directly on the route.
Why people choose it
It's the easiest long-distance walk to reach from London, on rolling chalk hills ending at the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters.
What makes it different
- Close to London by train
- Chalk downland and white cliffs
- Country pubs in villages below the ridge
Before you go
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only list services that fit this trek.
Phone and data
EU 'roam like at home' doesn't apply in United Kingdom, and many plans charge extra there. A Europe data eSIM covers United Kingdom too.
Expect long stretches with no signal on the trail. Download offline maps and our GPX before you start.
Insurance that covers this trek
Most travel insurance includes hiking at this height. Check that hiking is listed and that medical evacuation is covered.
Rescue is not the same as evacuation. Travel insurance usually pays to fly you to hospital, but not always for the search and rescue itself. Read the policy's "search and rescue" section.
True Traveller sells only to UK and EEA residents. Always check the altitude limit and your country of residence in the policy wording. Our trekking insurance guide explains what to look for.
Camping and where to sleep
Wild camping is not generally allowed in England without the landowner's permission. Use campsites, bunkhouses and B&Bs along the route.
Rules change and differ between parks. Check with the local park or tourist office before you pitch a tent.
Route map
Map layers load on the live site. Use the overview below meanwhile.
Trail from OpenStreetMap (163.3 km) Start / finish Stop on the way Nearest city
Switch between Topo, Satellite and Street layers with the layer button, and turn on the marked hiking trails overlay. The trail line is the OpenStreetMap hiking route and may differ from the variant you choose. Always carry a proper hiking map on the trail.
Stops: Winchester → Butser Hill → Amberley → Devil's Dyke → Alfriston → Eastbourne
Simple overview map
Step by step
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Months before
Plan and book
- Book your first and last nights, and check whether accommodation along the way needs reserving.
- Best time to go: April to October.
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6–12 weeks before
Train and test your gear
- Take the readiness quiz to see how many weeks of training you need.
- Break in your boots and train with the pack you'll carry.
- Tick off the packing list to see what you still need.
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Getting there
Travel to the start
- Most people start from London.
- Trains or buses reach the trailhead, so you don't need a car.
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On the trail
Walk it
- Start early each day, so you arrive before the afternoon weather and the rush for beds.
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The finish
Get home
- It's a one-way route, so plan your transport back from the finish in advance.
How the season changes things
Best time: April to October
April to May
Spring
Often the driest time of year, with long days and fresh green hills. Can still be cold and windy on the tops.
Bring
- Warm layer and hat
- Waterproof jacket
- Gloves for high ground
June to August
Summer
Longest days and warmest weather, but also rain showers, busier trails and, in Scotland, midges.
Bring
- Midge head net and repellent in Scotland
- Waterproofs, always
- Book accommodation early
September to October
Autumn
Fewer people and beautiful colours, but wetter, windier weather and shorter days.
Bring
- Full waterproofs, jacket and trousers
- Headlamp
- Waterproof boots
Be ready for
Rain
Plan for rain on most days. A proper waterproof jacket, a pack liner and quick-dry clothes keep you comfortable.
Strong wind
Exposed ridges and summits can be very windy and cold. A windproof layer and hat are worth carrying even on warm days.
What you'll see
8 photos taken on and around the route by Wikimedia Commons photographers. Tap one to see it bigger.
Gear for the South Downs Way
Photo credits: South Downs Way, towards Chanctonbury Ring by Dominic Alves, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Coastguard Cottages - view towards the Seven Sisters - geograph.org.uk by Ian Hawfinch, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Butser Hill Base Wide by Aprocryphan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Windmill Hill by the A3 by Tim Sheerman-Chase, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Looking east across the Meon Valley - geograph.org.uk by Peter Shimmon, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; South Downs near Upwaltham, West Sussex by sagesolar, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Southease Open Garden Weekend - Sussex by Mark, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Footpath from Eastbourne - geograph.org.uk by Hugh Venables, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Photos resized for the web. Figures are approximate and vary with the variant you choose.
