National Trail: Southern England
Eastbourne to Winchester160km/100 miles
Exhilirating route along the rolling chalk downs of Sussex and Hampshire, through the heart of the area that is eventually to become a new National Park, also open to cyclists and horse-riders.
The distance of 160km given above covers the recommended walking route from Eastbourne to Winchester. There are also three alternative bridleway loops, giving a slightly shorter end-to-end route of 154km/96 miles, and a total signed length of 182.5km/113 miles.
The Downs Link links the North Downs Way at St Martha's Hill, across the Weald via Horsham to the South Downs Way at Steyning, and on to the coast at Shoreham-by-Sea. Much of this 59km/37-mile multi-user route is along disused railway lines.
| National Trail |
 | The 111km/69.5-mile section from Queen Elizabeth Country Park to Jevington is part of European path E9. |
 | Some accessible sections: contact the National Trail Office for advice. |
Connects with
Highway Authorities
Tourist Information Centres
Accommodation
Click here to find bed & breakfast accommodation on this path recommended by the Ramblers, or for a comprehensive listing see website below.
Accommodation booking and luggage transfer
Holiday providers
include Contours, Explore Britain, Footprints, Freedom, Sherpa, Walking Women
Maps
- Explorer maps 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 132 and 134, 145 for Downs Link
- Landranger maps 185, 197, 198, 199 and 186, 187 for Downs Link
The Way is shown on these maps. Note Explorer 119 is only necessary for about 1.5km/1 mile of route not shown on the other sheets, and this section is easy to follow on the ground. of the whole route: South Downs Way, ISBN 1 85137 242 3. Harvey £9.95 + p&p.
Public transport
The eastern end of the Trail is well-served by public transport, though the western end if sparser. There are stations at Winchester, Petersfield (just off the Trail), Amberley, Shoreham (off trail), Hassocks (off trail), Brighton (off trail), Southease, Berwick (off trail) and Eastbourne. In addition there are various bus services., A free transport guide is available from the National Trail Office (see below). For details of special leisure buses connecting Newhaven and Brighton with the Downs see Public Transport: Southern England.
Publications
- Along the South Downs Way to Winchester by the South Downs Society, ISBN 0 907168 09 4. £6 + p&p. Order here!
Concise but useful route description in both directions. - South Downs Way by Paul Millmore, ISBN 1 85410 966 9. Aurum £12.99
Official National Trail Guide with OS 1:25,000 map extracts, describing route Eastbourne to Winchester. - South Downs Way Accommodation Guide from national trail office. See below.
- South Downs Way Winchester to Eastbourne by Jim Manthorpe, ISBN 1 873756 71 2. Trailblazer Publications £9.99.
Detailed compact publication with route description, extensive background notes, clear sketch maps, accommodation suggestions, public transport information. Describes route in opposite direction to official guide. - The South Downs Way described east-west and west-east by Kev Reynolds (2nd edition 2004), ISBN 1 85284 429 9. Cicerone £10.
Alternative guidebook describing route in both directions with OS Landranger maps and background details. - Downs Link: A Six Stage Route Guide. Pack of waterproof route cards with map, route description, background information, transport and some accommodation and camping details. £2 post free from West Sussex County Council County Planning.
www.westsussex.gov.uk/ccm/content/roads-and-transport/walking-and-cycling/maps-and-routes/cycle-maps-and-routes.en?page=7 - South Downs Way Video Guide written and presented by Anthony Burton. A visual guide to the history and landscape of the route. Available from TV Walks, www.tvwalks.com.
Contacts
