South Downs Way Walk in 2026/27

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The South Downs Way starts at the ancient and historic city of Winchester and follows the northern crest of the chalk escarpment of the South Downs, all the way to the sea. Stretching for over 100 miles through England’s newest National Park, to the seaside town of Eastbourne, this walking holiday offers a fabulous taste of this lovely rural area, with spectacular views, expansive fields, beautiful woodlands, picturesque villages and a good helping of history.

The South Downs Way is well marked and easy to follow. It is used by horse riders and cyclists, so is very accessible, with almost no stiles. It links many ancient and historic tracks, used by travellers and traders since the Stone Age. It is one of the easier National Trails, with few steep sections, apart from when the route drops down into river valleys, and for the descent to overnight stays in the pretty towns, villages and farms along the way.

Although seldom exceeding 250m (820ft), this walk gives a real sense of space and a feeling of being ‘on top of the world’. You’ll pass Iron Age hill forts, the spectacular chalk formations of The Devil’s Dyke and the Seven Sisters, as well as rolling countryside dotted with fields of grazing sheep, corn, and wildflowers. This journey offers a magnificent sense of solitude, centuries of history, and a cross-section of one of the most beautiful parts of southern England, with sweeping panoramas from Winchester’s historic streets to Eastbourne’s dramatic coastline.

Our Holidays

We have a choice of 4 holidays on the South Downs Way. You can walk the whole route in anything from 6 to 9 days. If you don’t have time to do the whole route, we have separate holidays covering the eastern and western sections. Finally, there’s our South Downs Short Break, a round walk over Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters, between Eastbourne and Alfriston.

Please bear in mind that the distances each day are trail distances only. They do not take into account walking to your accommodation. On some days the accommodation might be on or close to the trail but on other days you may need to walk one or two miles to get to your overnight stop.

Why do this walk?

Walk from Winchester to Eastbourne through England’s newest National Park.

Follow ancient trails used since the Stone Age by travellers and traders.

Explore picturesque villages, Iron Age hill forts, and historic landmarks.

Admire the dramatic chalk formations of The Devil’s Dyke and Seven Sisters.

Enjoy the solitude and beauty of southern England’s tranquil landscapes.

South Downs Way

Winchester to Eastbourne 104 miles/167 km

We offer 4 itineraries covering the full route from Winchester to Eastbourne, a journey from England’s ancient capital to the coast. Walk through rolling chalk downland, peaceful woodlands, and past historic villages before finishing with the dramatic clifftop scenery of the Seven Sisters.

Code	Length	Average per day	Price range
SD7	6 days (7 nights) 6 days walking (7 nights)	17 miles/27 km	£997 – £1189	Info Book
SD8	7 days (8 nights) 7 days walking (8 nights)	15 miles/24 km	£1143 – £1367	Info Book
SD9	8 days (9 nights) 8 days walking (9 nights)	13 miles/21 km	£1230 – £1486	Info Book
SD10	9 days (10 nights) 9 days walking (10 nights)	12 miles/19 km	£1410 – £1698	Info Book

South Downs Way West: Winchester to Amberley

Winchester to Amberley 51 miles/82 km

The western section of the South Downs Way winds through rolling chalk hills and shaded woodlands, offering a mix of open downland and historic landscapes. Choose from 2 itineraries.

Code	Length	Average per day	Price range
SDW4	3 days (4 nights) 3 days walking (4 nights)	17 miles/27 km	£614 – £710	Info Book
SDW5	4 days (5 nights) 4 days walking (5 nights)	13 miles/21 km	£734 – £862	Info Book

South Downs Way East: Amberley to Eastbourne

Amberley to Eastbourne 53 miles/85 km

The eastern section has wide panoramic views. It finishes with a spectacular cliff walk over the Seven Sisters, where the South Downs meet the sea. Choose from 2 itineraries.

Code	Length	Average per day	Price range
SDE5	4 days (5 nights) 4 days walking (5 nights)	13 miles/21 km	£734 – £862	Info Book
SDE6	5 days (6 nights) 5 days walking (6 nights)	11 miles/18 km	£870 – £1030	Info Book

Seven Sisters and the Long Man: South Downs Short Break

Alfriston to Alfriston 19 miles/31 km

This is a 2 day circular walk from Alfriston, passing the famous Long Man of Wilmington, Britain’s largest chalk figure. After spending the night in Eastbourne, you walk along the top of the spectacular Seven Sisters before heading inland, via the Cuckmere River, back to Alfriston.