South Downs Way

The South Downs Way is a long-distance footpath and bridleway that follows the chalk ridges of the South Downs in southern England. It stretches for 160 kilometres from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex. The trail crosses rolling downland, passes through quiet villages, and skirts high chalk cliffs. It is one of 16 National Trails in England and Wales and is used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Sections of the route have been in use for thousands of years, linking Mesolithic hunting tracks to later Roman roads. The path is worth the journey for the variety of landscapes and historical features it offers. It passes hill forts such as Old Winchester Hill and crosses the site of the Battle of Lewes fought in the 13th century. Two large hill figures, the Long Man of Wilmington and the Litlington White Horse, lie close to the trail. Pillboxes and coastal defences from the Second World War can be seen near the sea. In 2016, over 60,000 people were recorded passing a single point on the route. Visitors find a changing landscape of open downland, wooded combes and seaside cliffs. Youth hostels provide places to rest along the way. The trail passes through villages like Petersfield and Steyning and offers views from landmarks such as Ditchling Beacon. At Birling Gap, a beach area with a hotel and restaurant provides a place to pause. The easternmost section follows the high chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters, where the path sometimes runs along the cliff tops.