South Downs National Park Route: 8 days
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Luggage transfer
24h telephone assistance
Hotel accommodations
The diversity of landscapes will be a main feature of this walking trail. Explore chalk hills, some of the world's oldest yew forests and slopes that are the habitat for protected plants such as moss.
In Winchester, where you'll start this adventure, you'll enjoy the best of the city and the countryside. You'll find everything from high-end architecture and great restaurants to country trails.
You'll explore the majestic English fields and landmarks such as the Buster Hill Geological Conservation Area, Graffham Down and the Chanctonbury Ring.
The last stretch of walk will be through Meads Village, where you can enjoy the Victorian architecture of its streets and the colourful homes built in the centre of the village.
- Get to know East Meon and its parish with Bronze Age burial mounds.
- Queen Elizabeth Country Park and its 2,000 acres of forests make up part of your route.
- Enjoy a beer at Pyecombe's most famous pub, a village that follows grazing history in the lowlands.
- Walk along the banks of the River Cuckmere.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Winchester
Winchester can be reached from Southampton or Gatwick airports. If you start your journey from London, you can take the train at London Waterloo station, or a bus from London Victoria Coach Station.
Winchester is one of England's historic capital cities, located on the edge of South Downs National Park, so you can enjoy both the city and the surrounding countryside.
Its best-known tourist attraction is Winchester Cathedral, visited by about 300,000 people a year.
Winchester is one of England's historic capital cities, located on the edge of South Downs National Park, so you can enjoy both the city and the surrounding countryside.
Its best-known tourist attraction is Winchester Cathedral, visited by about 300,000 people a year.
Overnight in Winchester
The Old Vine
Located 150 metres from Winchester Cathedral, this cosy and elegant guest house features a bar and a restaurant renowned for its cuisine.
Each room here will provide you with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, toiletries and a coffee making kit.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Each room here will provide you with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, toiletries and a coffee making kit.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Winchester to East Meon 18,5 miles I 29,8 km
Your tour of the English fields will take you east of Winchester, to the village of Chilcomb, known for its thatched houses. The path will continue through Exton, where you can get to know Exton Park and the Anglican Church of St. Peter and Paul.
You'll pass the Old Winchester Hill Nature Reserve and finally reach East Meon, where you can't help but visit its parish with Bronze Age burial mounds and an Iron Age fort.
You'll pass the Old Winchester Hill Nature Reserve and finally reach East Meon, where you can't help but visit its parish with Bronze Age burial mounds and an Iron Age fort.
Overnight in East Meon
Ye Olde George Inn
In this place, you will find a 15th century setting, surrounded by a hill so you can be very close to a natural landscape.
It features a pub and a restaurant with a menu of traditional British dishes. The rooms feature Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, a private bathroom. A tea and coffee making kit is also available.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It features a pub and a restaurant with a menu of traditional British dishes. The rooms feature Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, a private bathroom. A tea and coffee making kit is also available.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - East Mean to Cocking 20,5 miles I 33 km
You'll start the day walking through the Butser Hill Geological Conservation Area, located at the top of the South Downs limestone hills.
Continue through Queen Elizabeth Country Park, which covers an area of 809 hectares of woodland. You will then proceed through Beacon Hill and Harting Down to the village of Cocking.
Midhurst: If there is no accommodation available in Cocking, you will be accommodated here. We will make arrangements for you to have the necessary transfers between the locations.
Continue through Queen Elizabeth Country Park, which covers an area of 809 hectares of woodland. You will then proceed through Beacon Hill and Harting Down to the village of Cocking.
Midhurst: If there is no accommodation available in Cocking, you will be accommodated here. We will make arrangements for you to have the necessary transfers between the locations.
Overnight in Cocking
Moonlight Cottage
Spend the night in a cosy cabin built in 1815, renowned for its tea rooms.
Its rooms offer you all the comforts to have a quiet stay and rest after a day of walking.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Its rooms offer you all the comforts to have a quiet stay and rest after a day of walking.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Cocking to Washington 19 miles I 30,5 km
Today's tour will take you through the Heyshott Down Nature Reserve, a very important habitat for the conservation of mosses and plants belonging to the group of liverworts.
You will also walk along Graffham Down, with 31 hectares of green pastures and forests that are home to large populations of dormice and butterflies.
You will continue through the Arun Valley with beautiful views of the coast until you reach Washington.
You will also walk along Graffham Down, with 31 hectares of green pastures and forests that are home to large populations of dormice and butterflies.
You will continue through the Arun Valley with beautiful views of the coast until you reach Washington.
Overnight in Washington
Byre Cottages
This accommodation is located in the heart of the South Downs National Park with stunning views of the entire Sussex countryside.
Enjoy a delicious, high-quality breakfast at the rustic-style café housed in a building dating back to the 16th century.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Enjoy a delicious, high-quality breakfast at the rustic-style café housed in a building dating back to the 16th century.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Washington to Pyecombe 14,1 miles I 22,8 km
You will begin with an ascent towards Chanctonbury Ring, which has ancestral significance, and can be recognized by the ring of beech trees that were planted on its top by Charles Goring. You will follow a descent on the beautiful slope of Steyning Bowl, from it you will have views over the rural village of Steyning.
The route will continue through Fulking Hills, Devil's Dyke and the village of West Hill, until you reach Pyecombe, a village that continues the history of grazing in the lowlands and with a historic pub, The Plough Inn, a well-known place of passage for horse carriages in the Victorian era.
The route will continue through Fulking Hills, Devil's Dyke and the village of West Hill, until you reach Pyecombe, a village that continues the history of grazing in the lowlands and with a historic pub, The Plough Inn, a well-known place of passage for horse carriages in the Victorian era.
Overnight in Pyecombe
Tallai House B&B
Stay in a cosy, family-run house overlooking the nature of the South Downs.
It has spacious and comfortable rooms, with Wi-Fi and flat screen TV.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It has spacious and comfortable rooms, with Wi-Fi and flat screen TV.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Pyecombe to Alfriston 22,1 miles I 35,6 km
We recommend starting this day's walk early, starting on a quiet path overlooking the Jack and Jill windmills, passing through the village of Southease, located west of the River Ouse and with a church built in honour of St. Peter.
Once on Bostall Hill, you will begin the descent towards the finishing point for today, Alfriston, located on the banks of the River Cuckmere.
Once on Bostall Hill, you will begin the descent towards the finishing point for today, Alfriston, located on the banks of the River Cuckmere.
Overnight in Alfriston
Riverdale House
Riverdale House is located south of Alfriston, in a rural area with beautiful views of the Cuckmere Valley and very close to the town's main street, with tea shops, pubs and restaurants.
This accommodation offers you many home comforts, homemade cookies, hot chocolate and ground coffee can be found in your room.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
This accommodation offers you many home comforts, homemade cookies, hot chocolate and ground coffee can be found in your room.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Alfriston to Eastbourne 12,2 miles I 19,7 km
Today you will travel through Cuckmere Valley, home to the villages of Litlington and Westdean.
You will then descend to the edge of the cliffs. From there, you can see how the River Cuckmere meets the sea. Soon, you will reach the Seven Sisters Cliffs, which are located within a heritage-listed coastal area.
You'll move on to the beautiful shingle beach, Birling Gap. Further along, you will enjoy the cliffs at Beachy Head.
The last stretch of the walk will take you through the village of Meads, where you can admire the Victorian architecture of its streets and colourful houses, built in the centre of the village.
You'll continue on to Eastbourne, a town with a variety of activities and sights to see including theme parks, art galleries and zoos.
If you wish to shorten this stage, you can take a bus from Meads to Eastbourne.
You will then descend to the edge of the cliffs. From there, you can see how the River Cuckmere meets the sea. Soon, you will reach the Seven Sisters Cliffs, which are located within a heritage-listed coastal area.
You'll move on to the beautiful shingle beach, Birling Gap. Further along, you will enjoy the cliffs at Beachy Head.
The last stretch of the walk will take you through the village of Meads, where you can admire the Victorian architecture of its streets and colourful houses, built in the centre of the village.
You'll continue on to Eastbourne, a town with a variety of activities and sights to see including theme parks, art galleries and zoos.
If you wish to shorten this stage, you can take a bus from Meads to Eastbourne.
Overnight in Eastbourne
The Pier Hotel
This accommodation offers wonderful views of the Eastbourne waterfront and is just a few minutes' walk from the town center.
Enjoy its elegant rooms with sea views and a delightful lunch at its pub.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Enjoy its elegant rooms with sea views and a delightful lunch at its pub.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Eastbourne
The nearest airport for your return is London Gatwick, where you will find connections to both inside and outside the UK. You can travel to central London by train or bus.
End of our services.
End of our services.
Itinerary map
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & transfers
To start your walking holiday, we recommend that you get to Southampton or Gatwick airports.
If you start your journey from London, you can take a train at London Waterloo Station, or a bus from London Victoria Coach Station, to get to Winchester.
The route ends in Eastbourne, so the closest airport to this town is London Gatwick, where you will find connections for inside and outside the UK. You can travel to central London by train or bus.
If you start your journey from London, you can take a train at London Waterloo Station, or a bus from London Victoria Coach Station, to get to Winchester.
The route ends in Eastbourne, so the closest airport to this town is London Gatwick, where you will find connections for inside and outside the UK. You can travel to central London by train or bus.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
The best time to take this walking holiday is between March and October.
There can be high temperatures on the south coast in the summer, and be very busy during school holidays. If you travel in the spring season, you can enjoy beautiful flower-filled fields.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What should my physical preparation be?
Make the most of this walking holiday by doing cardio and walking on a regular basis before your trip.
The paths on this route are quiet, with ascents and descents in some sections.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you.
If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
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