SOUTH DOWNS WAY CHALK CLIFFS OF THE SOUTH COAST THE SOUTH DOWNS WAY - SELF GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY SUMMARY The South Downs Way stretches 100 miles from the historic city of Winchester to the coastal chalk hills on the South Coast. Located within an hour from the country’s capital city, this National Trail 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 England. 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 Isle of Wight can be seen from Butser Hill, 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 Alfriston with its huge selection of historic pubs. The final section of the walk sees the magnificent chalk cliffs of Seven Sisters and Beachy Head before dropping down to the seaside town of Eastbourne. 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 Trails 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 Buriton 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 Lewes 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 Southease 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 Cuckmere Haven. 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 London 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. Chilcomb’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 Old Winchester Hill. 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 Upper Beeding—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 Petersfield —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 Chanctonbury Ring, 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 Steyning Bowl valley and into Botolphs. 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 Bramber 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.