A Guide to Walking the South Downs Way

You might be up for an adventure or maybe you try to steer clear off of it. If you fall into the former category, a thrilling walk down the South Downs Way is something you need to experience once in your lifetime.

It goes without saying that the experience itself is one of a kind, one that requires a lot of enthusiasm and offers an adrenaline rush.

Familiarising yourself with the South Downs Way Walking Holidays and Routes is definitely something that you would struggle to pass up on.

The beauty surrounding these spots is not just enigmatic but enthralling as well.

The beauty of the place and the serenity that the walk brings along is nothing short of heavenly.

If you have been planning for a walking trip, this is most definitely one of the very best that you can opt for.

Visiting the South Downs Way is an experience that will leave a lasting impression.

All that being said, it is best to know about the ins and outs when it comes to the trail and everything that it represents.

Know a little about South Downs Way

South Downs Way is one of the most popular long-distance footpaths and bridleway which runs along the South Down in the southern part of England.

Given that England is praised for its beautiful scenic beauty, it is not surprising that this is one of the 16 national trails around in the country.

The trail of South Downs Way is around 160 km long and extended on from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne located in East Sussex.

It comprises of 4150m of both ascent and descent altogether.

If the folklore is to be believed, it is said that people have been using this trail for over 8000 years now.

The best thing about this trail is the fact that it is quite easy to follow and is well marked.

It is predominantly used by the horses and the cyclists as well.

People who have walked along this trail have described it as an experience surmountable.

It is not technically the beauty of the surroundings but also the breathtaking lush greenery that encompasses every single person.

A guided knowledge about the route

The most important factor about the South Downs Way is the fact that there are sites that you can opt for walking.

It depends on the capabilities and the endurance of those travelling through this path.

If you want, you can either opt for travelling through the entire route or even try and walk through sections of it.

Majority of the guided tours that you get are all prepared based on the requirements and choices of the people.

It goes without saying that you should be very cautious of the consequences through the route.

Pick the route that you know you will be able to embark on based on your personal ability.

There are predominantly four different routes that you can opt for.

They include:

– The entire trail
– Eastern section
– Western section
– Seven sisters and the long man

The last option being the short break option for the people who want to indulge in a small tour to just relinquish the beauty of the place.

To explain it better to you, we are going to be discussing through each one of these trails without any further ado.

The entire trail

The entire walk down the South Downs Way stretches from Winchester to Eastbourne.

It is 167 km long and is nothing but beautiful experience in itself.

Based on the stamina and the endurance of an individual, the guided tours are planned accordingly.

Majority of this range from either 4 days to 9-10 days long trips.

If you are fit enough to walk through the days, the least days trip is a good option and won’t technically cost you a lot.

But, if you are not that well off physically, it is best suggested to refrain from letting your body go through a lot altogether.

Eastern trail

The eastern trail of the South Downs Way includes a trip from Amberley to Eastbourne.

It is around 85 km in entirety and is perfect for the people who don’t want to go overboard with the walking.

If you want to experience the place and refrain from walking a lot, this is it.

It provides with breathtaking panoramic views that you just can’t miss out on.

The trip often ends with the spectacular view over the cliffs of the seven sisters where the South Downs finally meets through the sea.

If you are here wondering what needs to be done, you do have a plethora of option under this trail.

Western trail

The western section of this trail stretches on from Winchester to Amberley.

It is around 80 km in length and offers a plethora of amazing views from across the place.

Apart from the lush greenery, this side of the trail also offers wooded areas and shady trees to have a relaxing walk and experience.

Seven Sisters and the Long Man

The last finishing part of this entire journey includes the short break through the seven sisters and the long man.

It includes a small yet eventful 2 days walk in Alfriston.

Majority of the people refer to this as the circular day walk, mainly because you start from Alfriston and end your journey at Alfriston only.

The entire trip is around 31 km long and offers one of the best views of the Seven Sisters that you get before you start heading inland. From there, you can again come back to Alfriston via the Cuckmere River.

Tips for walking holiday trips

It is not surprising that walking holiday trips are exciting and one of a kind but they bring forth a number of challenges as well.

It is thus important to keep certain things in mind that will help cope with the process all the more.

– Be careful and cautious of the route you choose. Don’t overdo it. It is necessary that you stay aware of your limitations and endurance
– Carry all the essentials that would be required along the trip.
– Some of the necessities include flashlight, snacks and water bottles
– Ensure to get everything checked out on the medical terms. This will ensure that you don’t face any emergency during the trip

This trip is nothing but one of a kind that you just can’t get anywhere else.

It goes without saying that it is always best to keep the safety precautions in mind.

Never rush through the process and ensure that you take in the surroundings as well as sorting out some pre-planning before you get started to ensure that your personal ability matches the route you wish to take.

It is in the beauty of the small things that make the trip worth everything and more.