South Downs Way

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The South Downs Way is a long-distance footpath and bridleway, running along the South Downs in southern England. The hundred-mile long trail runs east from Winchester in Hampshire, to Eastbourne in East Sussex.

The undulating path moves past the town of Arundel, the village of Steyning, Devil's Dyke viewpoint near Brighton, and miles of chalk downland. Several youth hostels are along the route to accommodate walkers. It also passes Birling Gap, a beach area with Hotel and restaurant. Other highlights include The Long Man of Wilmington, Ditchling Beacon, Chanctonbury Ring and Rodmell where Virginia Woolf drowned herself in the River Ouse in 1941.

The South Downs Way is arguably the finest long distance path in Southern England. Much of it is on high chalk downland and the views are dramatic. There is plenty of historic interest along the way. Without exception it is a very well maintained and signposted route. While it crosses various villages for provisions much of it is surprisingly isolated and quiet considering the density of the population in South East England.

It can be walked in about a week while a horse rider or cyclist would take two or three days. It is thankfully closed to motorised traffic along the route and this rule is generally observed.

The National Trail Guide to the South Downs Way by Paul Millmore ISBN 1 - 85410-966-9 gives all the details needed including OS maps.

[edit] External links

• The South Downs Way from NationalTrails.gov.uk
• Walk 100km of this amazing trail in 30 hours in Oxfam's biggest fundraising event
• Charity Walking event on South Downs
• South Downs Way Journal from kevanliz