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South Downs Chalk Cliff on the English Channel coast

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The South Downs Way

A designated National Trail, the South Downs Way attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year each looking to get a taste of the stunning South Downs National Park. Now is the time to indulge yourself in a little piece of the South Downs Way, whether by foot, wheel or hoof.

Plan your trip

Travelling

Staying

Activities

Walking

As one of the UK’s most challenging National Trails, the South Downs Way is enjoyed by a huge cross-section of walkers of various abilities. The trail is 160km long and stretches from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex. Take a look at our guide for recommended walks.

Cycling

Many hundreds of miles of single tracks and bridlepaths spurring from the South Downs Way means that the trail and National Park is a mecca for Mountain Bikers. Not all rides need to be on the path, why not take a leisurely tour between scenic villages on your road or regular bike. Plan a cycling adventure today with our comprehensive guide.

Riding

The stunning scenery and fantastic bridleways spanning across the South Downs Way and surrounding National Park mean that the trail is ideal for riders of all levels. Whether you are out for a leisurely hack or prefer to use the downs for fitness work, there is something for everyone. Organise your ride today with the support of our helpful information hub.

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The South Downs National Park

The South Downs National Park welcomes visitors from across the country, and the world to experience its natural wonder, far-reaching views and endless skies (on a good day of course!). The park is bountiful with many places to stay including hotels, bunkhouses, Bed and Breakfasts, campsites and even yurts and shepherds huts.

The provision of wonderful restaurants, cosy fireside pubs, rivers, seaside, hills, woods, walks and the transport links from London, Portsmouth, Southampton and beyond means this special part of the country consistently ranks as one of the most popular places to spend an afternoon, a day, a weekend or even a week!

Plan your Trip

Our comprehensive guide to the South Downs Way means that planning your trip has never been easier. Try using our intuitive route planning tools, transport, accommodation and activity sections, designed to help you make the most of your visit to the South Downs Way.

List of National Trails in the UK

  • The Pennine Way

    ‐ 268 miles (431 km) from Edale, Derbyshire through the Pennines to Kirk Yetholm, Scottish Borders.

  • Offa's Dyke Path

    ‐ 177 miles (285 km) following the Welsh–English border from Sedbury Cliffs, Chepstow to Prestatyn, North Wales.

  • The Thames Path

    ‐ 184 miles (294 km) following the River Thames from Kemble in the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier, London.

  • Hadrian's Wall Path

    ‐ 84 miles (135 km) following the Roman wall from Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend, Newcastle.

  • The North Downs Way

    ‐ 153 miles (246 km) from Farnham, Surrey across the North Downs to Dover, Kent.

  • The Cotswold Way

    ‐ 102 miles (164 km) along the escarpment from Chipping Campden to the city of Bath.

  • The Ridgeway

    ‐ An 87-mile track across southern England, often called Britain’s oldest road.

  • The Cleveland Way

    ‐ 109 miles (175 km) from Helmsley around the North York Moors and along the coast to Filey.