WAY

CHALK CLIFFS OF THE SOUTH COAST

THE - SELF GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY SUMMARY The South Downs Way stretches 100 miles from the historic city of to the coastal hills on the South Coast. Located within an hour from the country’s capital city, this National is the perfect escape from often hectic city life. Walk amongst vibrant yellow fields of corn, follow picturesque chalk cliffs and admire traditional thatched cottages with colourful English Gardens on this walk in Southern .

The walk starts in the historic city of Winchester, once the Capital of England, where the cathedral dominates the skyline and draws many visitors. Rolling hills dominate the West section of the walk as you pass through traditional villages with friendly country Inns. Mixed woodland walking and views as far as the can be seen from , the highest section of the trail. As you head down to the coast the scenery changes with grasslands full of wild flowers and after the climb up Devils Dyke you reach with its huge selection of historic pubs. The final section of the walk sees the magnificent chalk cliffs of Seven Sisters and before dropping down to the seaside town of . Tour: South Downs Way Code: WESSDW HIGHLIGHTS Type: Self-Guided Walking Holiday Price: See Website Single Supplement: See Website

Dates: March—October • Winchester with its attractive Cathedral Walking Days: 6-8 Nights: 7-9 • The viewpoints of Beacon and Butser Hills Start/Finish: Winchester/Eastbourne • Wild flowers and butterflies that dominate the trail Distance: 100 miles (160km) • Devils Dyke—a stunning beauty spot carved by glaciers into a deep valley Grade: Moderate • Magnificent chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head · Is It For Me? The rolling hills of the South Downs make WHY CHOOSE A SELF GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY WITH US? this walk the ideal escape from city life. Daily distances are sometimes long but only a Macs Adventure specialise in self guided walking holidays. As passionate and regular walkers we know couple of moderately steep sections are what makes for an unforgettable adventure and deliver outstanding holidays with every last detail taken care encountered. If you enjoy fantastic views, of. Great routes, breathtaking scenery and warm, welcoming accommodation can be expected. woodland walking and traditional village Inns then this is the walk for you! Each holiday can be tailor made to meet your requirements. From your first contact with Macs Adventure you will deal with a specialist who knows the region intimately. They help you to make the most of your time with their in-depth knowledge of the route, accommodation and must-see attractions on the way. What’s Included? Accommodation: Hand-picked B&B’s, We supply you with an informative guide book, map and info pack to guide you every step of the way. Your Country Inns and Guest Houses. baggage is collected and moved to your next accommodation, leaving you free to enjoy each days walking. Meals: A hearty breakfast is included. Lunch In the unlikely event you should require emergency support our office is always more than happy to help and dinner are not included but always with your queries. From the moment you decide to walk this path you can relax and look forward to an available at accommodation or nearby. unforgettable self-guided walking holiday along one of the easiest and most accessible National of Baggage Transfer: Door-to-door Great Britain. baggage transfer is included each day. Information Pack: Comprehensive Guidebook and Map will be supplied aswell as an information pack.

SOUTH DOWNS WAY

CHALK CLIFFS OF THE SOUTH COAST

DETAILED DESCRIPTION local landmarks and can be seen for miles around. Kingston is only a short climb and a to Cocking—11 miles detour of 15 minutes off the trail. Now you are the on high ridge and the next few Starting Point: Winchester to Alfriston—13.5 miles miles are through woodland offering shade and The Saxon capital of England, Winchester is a protection. Once past the turn for South Harting An easy section that passes Rodmell and charming city full of character and history. The you reach Harting Down where the trees thin out and then crosses the River Ouse. Cathedral remains the largest attraction and at and your views open out again. Back on the escarpment you have coastal views over 900 years old with impressive Gothic to the south, down to . At The path ascends Beacon Hill and then through architecture it’s easy to see why. Bostall Hill you begin to descent slowly to the the wooded Monkton Estate. Cocking Down picture postcard village of Alfriston with its Tudor Winchester is easily reached by train from leads you down to Warren Bottom and a short Beam cottages, village green, pubs and tea in less than 1h30mins. while after you see signs that take you off the rooms. Winchester to Exton—12 Miles trail slightly to reach the village of Cocking. Alfriston to Eastbourne—12.5 miles The first stage of the South Downs Way quickly Cocking to Amberley—13.5 miles The last section contains impressive coastal takes you away from the hustle and bustle into A chalk lane leads you back to the top of the scenery. Saving the best until last, this section the countryside. ’s thatched cottages ridgeway, through Heyshott and Graffham takes you through the Cuckmere Valley as the and village green are highlights on this first Downs nature reserves, then heading down river makes its way to the sea. The Seven stage. As you climb Beacon Hill National Nature crossing the old Roman road of Stane Street Sisters roll away in front of you as you stroll Reserve you are rewarded with views across the before climbing up Bignor Hill. The trail enters along the cliff tops. The grassy cliff path Meon Valley to . The route the Arun Valley and then enters the pretty village undulates to Beachy Head—a spectacular chalk has recently changed and now bypasses the of Amberley. village of Exton. However, a short half mile walk cliff with panoramic views in all directions. to the south takes you into the village. Amberley to —13 Slightly further on is the official end to the South miles Downs Way at Meads Village. Eastbourne is a Exton to Buriton/Overnight in half hour walk from here or if you are feeling —14.5 miles (3 miles There is a spell of easy walking today followed weary, a short bus ride. further to Petersfield) by gradual and gentle inclines. The path then climbs steeply to , an ancient Finishing Point—Eastbourne Back on the path you quickly ascend Old and magical circle of Beech trees. The path A traditional British seaside town, Eastbourne Winchester Hill where the remains of an descends slowly around the southern edges of has many guest houses, shops and restaurants impressive Iron Age hill fort can be seen. From the Bowl valley and into . and very well served transport links to London or here you can see in all directions, explaining the Steyning is about a 30 minute diversion to the back to Winchester. forts strategic military position. Butser Hill north and worth while if you need to replenish follows which is the highest point on the walk energy or provisions. A short while further is the If you’ve time there is a loop from the town to the with wonderful views across to the Isle of Wight. 15 minute diversion to and Upper East that takes you on the alternate final stage of Shortly after you walk through the woodlands of Beeding, home for the night for many walkers. the trail that starts at Alfriston. Queen Elizabeth Country Park before arriving at the village of Buriton. The larger town of Upper Beeding to Lewes —16.5 Petersfield is around 30 minutes walk off and you miles can either continue your walk to here (approx 3 An early start is best for this section. Mileage is miles) or we can arrange a from Buriton to not excessive but there are a number of climbs. Petersfield. Today you’ll need time for sightseeing as you pass many landmarks and beauty spots. The

highlight of this section is the glacial valley of Devils Dyke. After Pyecombe you’ll see signs for the Jack and Jill windmills which are famous SOUTH DOWNS WAY

CHALK CLIFFS OF THE SOUTH COAST

ITINERARIES ITINERARY: WESSDW2 We offer the South Downs Way in three Day Route Miles itineraries but we can tailor make any walk to suit includes some long days so previous long your plans. As the walking is on high ground you distance walking is advisable. 1 Arrive Winchester will occasionally have to walk down to the 2 Walk to Exton 12 Walking Days: 7 villages below for your accommodation but we 3 Walk to Buriton 14.5 Nights: 8 will provide all the details in your accommodation 4 Walk to Cocking 11 Average Daily Distance: 14 miles 5 Walk to Amberley 13.5 sheet. Grade: Moderate 6 Walk to Upper Beeding 13 7 Walk to Lewes 16.5 ITINERARY: WESSDW1 8 Walk to Alfriston 13.5 9 Walk to Eastbourne 12.5 Description: The full path over 8 Days walking 10 Onward Travel Description: For experienced walkers that enjoy a challenge, this itinerary allows you to complete Day Route Miles Total Distance 106 the whole South Downs Way in 6 walking days. 1 Arrive Winchester Walking Days: 6 2 Walk to Exton 12 Walking Direction Nights: 7 3 Walk to South Harting 16.5 Our itineraries and guidebook describe the walk Average Daily Distance: 16 miles 4 Walk to Amberley 20 in an West to East direction. Prevailing winds at Grade: Moderate to Strenuous 5 Walk to Upper Beeding 13 6 Walk to Lewes Area 16.5 your back and a finish at the white cliffs near 7 Walk to Alfriston 13.5 Eastbourne mean that this is generally the most 8 Walk to Eastbourne 12.5 popular way to walk. If however you wish to walk Day Route Miles 9 Onward Travel East to West we can arrange this for you.

1 Arrive Winchester Additional Nights and Extensions 2 Walk to 18 Total Distance 105 3 Walk to Cocking 20.5 Many of our clients choose to add extra nights 4 Walk to Washington/ 19.5 along the walk to sample more of the wonderful Overnight Upper Beeding gives you a bit more time to explore the many walking and attractions available on this walk. 5 Walk to Pyecombe 17 6 Walk to Alfriston 21.5 ITINERARY: WESSDW3 Winchester is a great place for an extra 7 Walk to Eastbourne 12.5 overnight stop before the walk to visit the 8 Onward Travel wonderful sights along the trail. Cathedral and Amberley and Steyning are both well placed for a mid section break. This can Total Distance 106 Walking Days: 8 allow extra time to be taken visiting the Castle Nights: 9 and Museum and Cathedral at along the Average Daily Distance: 12.5 miles way. Grade: Moderate Fewer Nights

If you wish to reduce the number of nights we

can tailor your trip to your requirements.

Description: This itinerary breaks the walk into slightly more manageable sections, it still Tailor Made Holidays SOUTH DOWNS WAY

CHALK CLIFFS OF THE SOUTH COAST

We are always more than happy to tailor our We welcome solo walkers on the South Downs On the 9 Days & 8 Nights South Downs Way standard itineraries to suit. Just let us know what Way although you should of course take extra itinerary please avoid booking your trip starting you would like and we will be happy to arrange care in the outdoors when walking solo. A on a Thursday. On the 10 Days & 9 Nights South tailor made walking holiday. supplement will apply to baggage transfers. Downs Way itinerary please avoid booking your trip starting on a Wednesday. The reason for this Grade Meals is your overnight stay in Amberley (Day 4 & Day Itineraries on this walk are graded Moderate as A hearty breakfast is included each morning. 5 respectively) would fall on a Sunday and all the path is on good surfaces with gentle and Lunch and dinner are not included so you are restaurants/places to eat are closed in Amberley gradual gradients, other than a few moderately free to choose from the available options. Most and the surrounding villages. steep sections. The highest point on the trail is accommodations are more than happy to provide Included only 245 metres– reached at Butser Hill and a packed lunch - this can be booked on arrival. again at . Dinner is available either at your accommodation • Bed and breakfast accommodation in ensuite or nearby pubs or restaurants. rooms wherever possible. Navigation • Door to door baggage transfer. Baggage Transfer The route is way marked extensively and clearly. • A detailed guidebook, map and info pack. Whilst there are opportunities to take trails off the Your bags will be transferred from your main path it is easy enough to retrace your steps accommodation as per your itinerary and moved • Emergency telephone support from our office in the event of a problem. to return to the South Downs Way. The map onto your next overnight accommodation. We and guidebook we provide will help you every ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to step of the way. 20kg per person. Excluded Accommodation Equipment • Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks. Travel Insurance. Your information pack has a detailed equipment • HOLIDAY INFORMATION list which includes standard walking gear such as • Transport should you need to skip a stage. good walking boots or shoes, warm and • Entrance fees (where applicable) One of the highlights of this tour is the high waterproof clothes and a day pack. standard of the accommodation. We specifically Dogs choose the Inns, Guesthouses and B&B’s to TRAVEL INFORMATION ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, walkers with dogs as many of the Getting to Winchester traditional hospitality and delicious local food. We accommodation providers do not accept pets. always try and book your accommodation as By Air—The closest regional airport to close as possible to the line of the trail. Price Winchester is Southampton. ‘Flybe’ serve most regional UK airports as well as Amsterdam, Occasionally, in busy summer months walkers Brussels, Paris and other European airports. may need to venture a mile or so off the trail as PRICE AND AVAILABILITY Further afield is London Gatwick with most the availability of quality accommodation can international connections. become scarce. Please refer to our website for up to date prices www.macsadventure.com By Rail/Bus—Winchester is situated on the Single Rooms Availability South West trains network and is 1hr from If you require single rooms we would be happy to London Waterloo station. Buses run regularly accommodate you although there is a single This walking holiday can be enjoyed between from all over the country to Winchester. From room supplement payable. March—October. London Victoria Coach station there are 5 daily services with ‘National Express’ coaches. Summer is when you’ll find most people either on the trail and of course this can affect availability By Car—We don't recommend travel by car due Solo Walkers of accommodation. to the environmental impact but if you do need to SOUTH DOWNS WAY

CHALK CLIFFS OF THE SOUTH COAST

drive you can park in the long stay car park in Travel and our business activity does of course Winchester. This needs to be prebooked in contribute to carbon output and climate change. BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE advance through the Winchester parking Office— We have put several policies in place to minimise 01962 848346. our carbon footprint. Financial Security Getting to/from Eastbourne Sensitive & Sustainable In accordance with "The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours By Air—The closest airport to Eastbourne is Macs Adventure has worked hard to ensure that Regulations1992" all passengers booking with London Gatwick with most regional UK and our holidays are sensitive to the community you Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the international connections. Travel time by car is are visiting and sustainable over the long term. initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all 1h 30 mins This tour is operated responsibly because: monies paid to us, including repatriation if By Rail/Bus—Eastbourne is approx 1hr 30 by • Walking is a low impact method of travel. required (this insurance will not cover repatriation train from central London. Trains depart London to the country of origin for the passengers • Tourism is a vital industry in the South Downs outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or Victoria and are very frequent throughout the and we use locally owned and operated day. accommodation and suppliers to ensure curtailment of your travel arrangements due to maximum benefit accrues to the local the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd By Car—Most on street parking in Eastbourne is economy. pay and display and you cant leave your car • We build long term partnerships with our local ABTA Member Statement overnight. There is a car park at Beachy Head suppliers, encouraging green business Macs Adventure Holidays is a Member of ABTA. which you can buy an annual parking ticket but practices and pay a fair price for all locally ABTA and ABTA spaces are limited. Please contact the Parking sourced elements of your holiday. members help Info Office on 08456 801129 We supply detailed pre-departure information • holidaymakers to get to all clients suggesting ways to minimise any A good source of reference for travel details is negative social or environmental impact. the most from their the travel line website: www.traveline.org.uk travel and assist when things don’t go according to plan. We are We operate holidays in some of the most HOW TO BOOK obliged to maintain a high standard of service to beautiful areas of the British Isles and try to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. operate in an environmentally aware and Once you have read all the information in this sustainable manner. We do this by following our factsheet or our website, please visit our website For more information on ABTA, the Code of M.A.C.S. Responsible travel policy. or give us a call to confirm availability. Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to You can then book by any of the following you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 methods: Park Street, London SE1 9EQ, tel 020 3117 RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL 0581 www.abta.com • Book Securely Online: www.macsadventure.com Minimise Impact & Maximise Benefit • Telephone: +44 (0) 141 530 8886 Our operating policies, office policies, holidays • Fax/Post: Download or request a booking form and tours are all designed to minimise impact and post it to Macs Adventure, 44 Speirs and maximise benefit to the environment and Wharf, Glasgow, G4 9TH, UK or fax it to +44 (0) 845 527 5688 local communities. Please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone on Action & Advocacy +44 (0) 141 530 8886 or email:

We believe that by engaging our team and [email protected] if you have any clients in environmental and community projects queries and one of our expert team will be happy we can make a real difference. to help.

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