email: info@embarkwalkingholidays.com Tel:01873 379100 Mob:07399 330178
South Downs Way
Routes offered on this trail
The South Downs Way is a National Trail which runs along the old routes and drove ways of the South Downs in Southern England. The undulating path is mostly made up of bridleways, providing access for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Starting in the City of Winchester near the impressive Cathedral and finishing in the town of Eastbourne on the Sunshine Coast. The path consists of breath-taking scenery, with landscapes of chalk downs, woodlands, rivers and traditional English villages. Only offered in one direction, the route can be walked as a whole or as the West or East section. Itineraries for Short breaks are also listed.
This trail is considered to be moderate with some more challenging sections. Recommended for experienced and novice walkers.
On route you will have the opportunity to visit the mighty Winchester Cathedral- one of Europe's largest Cathedrals; walk through the beautiful village of Amberley, with buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th Centuries; visit the picturesque Seven Sisters chalk cliffs and take in the stunning views at Beachy Head.
The mileage shown below is from where the South Downs Way starts and finishes each day and is for your guidance only. A large part of this walk includes along rural areas, so you will find that sometimes the accommodations are very close to the path and other times you will need to walk a little further to reach your accommodation. You will not be asked to walk any further than one and a half miles from the path to your accommodation. Please see the Itinerary pages for more details.
Dates to avoid in the area, due to large events taking all of the accommodation.
***Eastbourne Carnival -Eastbourne area-Saturday 24th May 2025***
*** Goodwood Festival of Speed -Cocking and Amberley area – Thursday 10th to Monday 14th July 2025 ***
***Eastbourne Festival-Eastbourne area-Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August 2025***
***Goodwood Festival of Speed Revival- Cocking and Amberley area- Friday 12th to Sunday 14th September 2025***
South Downs Way
Full walk
100 miles / 160 Km
This route is classed as moderate to challenging
Walk the whole of the 100 miles of the South Downs Way. Over 7 to 11 nights. From £890.00 per person
South Downs Way
West Section.
47.5 Miles / 76Km
This route is classed as moderate to challenging
Walking the West section of the South Downs Way, Starting in Winchester and finishing in Amberley. Covering 47.5 miles. Over 4, 5 or 6 nights. From £520.00 per person
South Downs Way.
East Section.
52.5 Miles / 84 Km
This route is classed as moderate to challenging
Walking the East section of the South Downs Way. Starting in Amberley and finishing in Eastbourne. Covering 52.5 miles Over 5 or 6 nights from £650.00 per person
South Downs Way
Short breaks.
from 23 Miles / 37 Km
This route is classed as moderate to challenging
Short Breaks on the South Downs Way, with a selection of itineraries over 3 or 4 nights from £420.00 per person
Rest Days, explore or relax it's your choice.
A rest day is a great way to break up your walking Holiday. You could explore the area or just take it easy for the day.
A fabulous way to make your holiday more bespoke.
We give you some ideas below on choice places to stop for that extra day.
Winchester
Taking an additional day at the start of your walking holiday will allow you to have more time to explore the City of Winchester. You could take the opportunity to walk-up St Giles Hill, which offers spectacular views over the city. While a visit to Winchester Cathedral, one of Europe’s largest Cathedrals, offers an insight to a whole range of treasures, including Jane Austen’s tomb and the Winchester Bible. The Cathedral has also been used as a filming location for The Crown. For fans of Arthurian legend, the Great Hall of Winchester Castle features the round table, while a stroll through the city reveals Georgian buildings, Saxon streets and the gothic architecture of the Victorian Guildhall.
Lewes
A small bus ride or two miles walk from the South Downs Way at Kingston near Lewes, is the Town of Lewes. A pretty country Town with plenty to offer on your rest day. The Castle and Barbican House Museum, explore the archaeological history of Sussex. The town also has priory ruins and is the home to the house of Anne of Cleves, offering an insight into Tudor and Elizabethan life.
Amberley
Whether you are visiting Amberley as a finishing point, starting point or as a half way stop on your South Downs Way Walk. This is a lovely place to spend a rest day, in this quiet, pretty village. The village is comprised of beautiful thatched cottages and is surrounded by the superb countryside of the Arun Valley. The Amberley Museum is a must visit, an open-air heritage museum, housed in 36 acres, offering a Narrow-Gauge railway, vintage vehicles and exhibitions. Alternatively, just a few miles away lies the marvellous Arundel Castle, where you may wish to spend the day.
Eastbourne
Taking a rest day at the end of your walking holiday is a great way to conclude your trip. Eastbourne is a coastal town with beautiful beaches, famous for being located on the Sunshine Coast and it’s iconic Victorian Pier. With spectacular views from Beachy Head and a host of historic locations such as Redoubt Fortress as well as shops, parks, gardens, restaurants, museums and galleries, there is plenty for you to explore on your rest day.
What we offer
Please see listed below information for this walk. If you have any questions, please contact us- we will be happy to help.
What is included
- You will be accommodated as close to the path as possible in good quality accommodation using a mixture of Guesthouse, Bed and Breakfast, Farmhouse, local Inns and Hotels.
- All rooms are booked as en-suite or private bathroom wherever possible
- Breakfast is always included. Sometimes this is continental not always a fully cooked breakfast.
- Your luggage will be transferred for you between each of your accommodations.
- Where your accommodation is not within a reasonable walking distance of the path you will be provided with a transfer to your accommodation.
- Your route planning will be provided as part of your holiday pack.
- Your Holiday pack will included your Trail Guide and map, itinerary, accommodation directions and route notes, lunch information and evening meal recommendations, luggage transfer information and holiday planning details.
- A packed lunch and your evening meal are not included in your holiday cost.
- You will be responsible for getting to your first nights accommodation and departing from your last nights accommodation.
Additional Costs
Rest Days
If you would like to spend additional days in an area, a rest day can be included in your itinerary. This is great for exploring the area At £70.00 per person per night. Please let us know at the time of booking so this can be included.
Solo Walkers
Solo walker supplement is charged at £70 per night. All our walks are based on two people sharing a room. The Solo Walker supplement is applied per night for anyone holidaying on their own. It is charged to cover the extra costs passed on from the accommodations and luggage transfers.
Single Supplement
Single supplement applies if you are booking as part of a group but require a room of your own. Charged at £60 per person per night. Again, it is charged to cover the extra costs passed on from the accommodations and luggage transfers.
Postage Costs
Postage is calculated dependant on location, as listed below:
UK - £6.99 per pack
Europe - £17.99 per pack
Rest of World - £26.99 per pack
How to get to the South Downs Way
Railway stations: Can be found at Winchester, Amberley, Lewes, and Eastbourne.
Car Parking: There is very limited parking, please call the office to discuss Parking charges will apply.
If you would like any help with your arrival or departure arrangements, please contact us at the office where we will be happy to give advice. info@embarkwalkingholidays.com call us on +44 (0)1873 379100.
When would you like to start
We want to arrange your holiday to suit you. So you get to choose the start date and we will work from there.
Our walks are only offered between April and September, giving better daylight hours and safer walking conditions for you.
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