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South Downs Way National Trail |
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South Downs Way National Trail
Eastbourne to Winchester The western part of the Trail runs through rolling Hampshire countryside, including the attractive Meon valley and the National Nature Reserve at Old Winchester Hill. The West Sussex Downs are more wooded, but with some wonderful open areas. As the views of the Isle of Wight fade to the west the Downs get progressively more open, and the last stretch in East Sussex is classic downland with big skies and views across the Weald to Ashdown Forest far to the north. Near Eastbourne the Trail splits; the bridleway route goes inland above the Long Man of Wilmington hill figure, while the footpath route goes along the spectacular cliffs of Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. There are some fine wildlife sites along the route – chalk grassland is full of flowers in spring and summer, and butterflies are also very common. Chalk grassland depends on grazing for survival, and Trail users will meet sheep and cattle munching away all along the route. The Trail mostly runs along the crest of the Downs, but there are many fine pubs and pretty villages all along the bottom of the slope, well worth a detour to sample. The eastern portion of the path follows a ridge of open chalk downland dotted with clumps of trees through agricultural areas given to sheep grazing. Several species of wild orchids can be found on the Downs, which also abound in butterflies. The views across the Weald and the Channel are wonderful. The South Downs Way connects with the North Downs Way via the Downs Link at Shoreham-by-Sea and with the 1066 Country Walk at Eastbourne. Although the route is probably the driest and warmest of all the national trails, the weather can turn cold and unpleasant in the winter months. Come prepared for the weather, and take particular care to carry enough water on hot days. Two litres per person is the recommended amount – it can be difficult to find drinking water on top of the Downs. Highlights: Maps Ordnance Survey maps covering the South
Downs Way National Trail: Landranger OS maps (Scale: 2cm
= 1km / 1: 50000) All OS maps are available at 10% off retail price, by special arrangement if you order through Britain Express. Both laminated waterproof and plain paper maps are available.
National Trail Guide: South Downs Way, by Paul Millimore, Aurum Press, £12.99 Along the South Downs Way to Winchester, by the Society of Sussex Downsmen, from the Ramblers Association (address below) £5.00 plus postage Walkers Route: South Downs Way by Drusilla Beyfuss, GeoCenter International, £6.36 The South Downs Way and the Downs Link, by Kev Reynolds, Cicerone Press, £5.99 South Downs Way Accommodation Guide £4.50 (but free to addresses overseas) from South Downs Way National Trail Officer, address below (Cheques payable to Hampshire County Council). Stillwell's National Trail Companion by Tim Stillwell and Dean Conway, Stillwell Publications, £7.96 - lists accommodation on and near national trails throughout the UK and Ireland The Rambler's Yearbook and Accommodation Guide published by the Rambler's Association, £4.99 - lists accommodation and walking resources. Useful Contacts Ramblers Association South Downs Way Officer Sussex Downs Conservation Board |
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