The South Downs Way

These pages record perhaps the slowest traverse of this famous trail across the South Downs of southern England.
 
But there is a reason. Peter walked the route with Matthew, who was only 7 years old when we started, with five mile days once or twice a year. On completion, aged 14, Matthew could do full 14-mile days.
 
The South Downs Way makes a good introduction to walking for children for several reasons:
 
• Because many road and rail routes cross the Way, it can easily be broken into short stages;
 
• The weather in Sussex and Hampshire is as good as any in Britain;
 
• For almost its whole 100 miles, the Way follows the scarp slope of the South Downs, giving good views in all directions;
 
• Gradients are gentle yet there is a clear impression of height;
 
• The Downs are chalk hills, so much of the Way rarely gets muddy (though for many children that is not a bonus!). 

 
These two views, from near the centre of the walk, show the fine scenery visible along the way - even in cloudy weather. Left: looking eastwards along the scarp. Right: looking westwards from Littleton Down. The map below is taken from one of my favourite bookmarks!

Links

Click here for the official site.
 
The National Trail Office is based at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Gravel Hill, Horndean PO8 0QE. Telephone: +44 (0)23 9259 7618. E-mail the trail office.
 
Information on the route and area from national and local organisations
 
Ramblers Association information page on the route. Includes lists of guidebooks and tourist information offices.
 
British Tourist Authority guide to the route
 
Walking pages
 
West Sussex County Council guide
 
Hampshire County Council guide
 
The South Downs Way Virtual Information Centre includes links to all local Councils
 
Society of Sussex Downsmen 
 
Walks and Walking on the North and South Downs

Public transport to and on the route

Eastbourne and Winchester both have main rail stations with regular services to London. Winchester is also on the cross-country route to the midlands. Southease and Amberley stations are right on the Way. You cross over the main lines to Brighton and Portsmouth - literally over, both are in tunnels where the Way would cross. 
 
There are many useful bus services, including routes to Beachy Head, Alfriston, along the A27, A23 (Pyecombe), A24 (Washington) and A29, Devil's Dyke, Cocking, South Harting, Buriton, QE Country Park (seasonal) and Exton. These can be surprisingly frequent - there are buses from Cocking to Chichester every half hour, for example - but it's as well to plan in advance.
 
Use the Transport Direct website to plan your journey. 
 

 
Winchester Cathedral makes a fitting end to this fine walk.

Site created by Peter Aylmer of London

page created 2 January 2005