Jump to: Our Verdict / Features / Specifications
Guidebook to walking the South Downs Way National Trail, a 100 mile (160km) route between Winchester and Eastbourne through the South Downs National Park, described in both directions over 12 stages. Easy walking on ancient and historical tracks, taking in wooded areas, delightful river valleys and pretty villages. With 1:25K OS map booklet.
Cicerone says
The South Downs Way National Trail is a 100-mile (160km) walk between Eastbourne and Winchester, staying within the glorious South Downs National Park for its entire length. Described in 12 stages of up to 12 miles (19km), the route is described in both east-west and west-east directions. The South Downs Way is a waymarked bridleway with very few stiles, and the trail can be walked at any time of year. The step-by-step route descriptions are illustrated with extracts from OS mapping for every stage and a separate conveniently sized booklet with 1:25,000 maps for the entire route is included. The guide also provides detailed practical information on getting to the trail, facilities and accommodation en route.
Our Verdict
For nearly 50 years Cicerone have been producing guidebooks on recognised treks, regions, areas and general tips for hikers.
We have used them countless times and they've always provided excellent insight and knowledge that you only get through experience, giving you the edge to make your trip a success and more enjoyable too.
If you're a gram counter you can easily remove sections of the book to take with you making your own ultra-lightweight guidebook with only the essential sections that you require.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Seasons: Can be walked at all times of year - this is one of the driest and warmest parts of England
- Centres: Eastbourne, Alfriston, Lewes, Amberley, Burint, Exton, Winchester
- Difficulty: The South Downs Way is a waymarked bridleway; very few stiles; few towns/villages en route; 12 stages (max length 12 miles)
- Must See: Beachy Head, Long Man of Wilmington, Ditchling Beacon, Clayton Windmills, Butser Hill, Winchester
Specifications
- Edition: Fourth
- Number of pages: 200
- Size: 17.2 x 11.6 x 1.2cm
- Weighs 310g
Contents
Introduction
The Downs
The South Downs Way
Accommodation
Walking holidays and baggage transfers
Getting there – and back
Using the guide
Trail Description – Westbound
Stage 1: Eastbourne to Alfriston (Footpath route via the Seven Sisters)
Stage 1(a): Eastbourne to Alfriston (Bridleway route inland via Jevington)
Stage 2: Alfriston to Southease
Stage 3: Southease to Housedean (A27)
Stage 4: Housedean (A27) to Pyecombe
Stage 5: Pyecombe to Botolphs (Adur Valley)
Stage 6: Botolphs to Washington
Stage 7: Washington to Amberley
Stage 8: Amberley to Cocking
Stage 9: Cocking to South Harting
Stage 10: South Harting to Buriton (Queen Elizabeth Forest)
Stage 11: Buriton to Exton
Stage 12: Exton to Winchester
Trail Description – Eastbound
Stage 1: Winchester to Exton
Stage 2: Exton to Buriton
Stage 3: Buriton to South Harting
Stage 4: South Harting to Cocking
Stage 5: Cocking to Amberley
Stage 6: Amberley to Washington
Stage 7: Washington to Botolphs (Adur Valley)
Stage 8: Botolphs to Pyecombe
Stage 9: Pyecombe to Housedean (A27)
Stage 10: Housedean (A27) to Southease
Stage 11: Southease to Alfriston
Stage 12: Alfriston to Eastbourne (Footpath route via the Seven Sisters)
Stage 12(a): Alfriston to Eastbourne (Bridleway route inland via Jevington)
Appendix A Useful addresses
Appendix C Recommended reading
