South Downs Way: Housedean Farm to Alfriston

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From Housedean to Alfriston

A great 14 mile walk over the Downs from Housedean Farm, Nr. Lewes, East Sussex, following the ancient chalk path of the South Downs Way to the Picturesque Village of Alfriston. You can tackle this as a long day’s outing or break it up into a more relaxed two day adventure.

View from the South Downs looking into misty valley in the early morning

©Natural England

Tour Overview

The icons below highlight the distance, difficulty and theme of this itinerary.

Distance

14 miles/ 22.5 kilometres

Days

1 or 2

Grade

Gentle

Theme

Fantastic Downland views

Landscape Type

Rolling Countryside

South Downs Way - Housedean Farm to Alfriston

Here's everything you need to help you plan your very own walking adventure. Click on the blue arrow tabs below for more information.

Itinerary

A reasonable level of fitness is required to walk this undulating section of the South Downs Way. Expect good paths with dry, chalk valleys, superb panoramas and a few short steep climbs.

Day 1 - Housedean Farm to Southease

Housedean Farm to Southease

Begin your walk by ascending up onto Jugg’s ‘Road’, an ancient track that linked Brighton with Lewes. Brighton Fishermen used this path to transport their catch (in Juggs) to sell at the county Town of Lewes.

Along Jugg’s Road you will pass above Kingston and experience fantastic views across the Ouse Valley. Follow the chalk ridge and wind your way down into Southease village, where there is a rare example of a church with a Saxon spire.

End your first day by finishing at Southease Railway station where you can either stay over at YHA South Downs or catch a train to Lewes or Seaford to find alternative accommodation.

7 miles (11.2 Km)

Day 2 - Southease to Alfriston

Southease to Alfriston

On day two, start at Southease station and walk up Itford Hill and pass many bronze-age tumuli as you enjoy panoramas of the sea and the steep slopes of the Downs. Finally descend into the picturesque village of Alfriston where there are plenty of options for refreshment and accommodation.

7 miles (11.2 Km)

Accommodation

Accommodation is available at Southease (YHA Southdowns), also at the nearby towns of Lewes and Seaford which can be reached by train from Southease. Alfriston also has several accommodation options available.

In peak season (May to September) the Trail can be fairly busy and accommodation, especially in smaller villages, can fill up quickly so it is advisable to plan and book ahead. Accommodation along this stretch can be viewed on the itinerary map using the filter options.

To make your journey more enjoyable you may want to use a baggage transfer company to transport your luggage.

Travel

Bus and train are great ways to get out into the South Downs National Park and enjoy the South Downs Way without having to go back and pick up the car. This itinerary is designed to use public transport in order to get to and from the South Downs Way.

For further details please follow the link below:

South Downs Way bus and train guide.

Public transport -bus and rail

Public Transport details:

Day one: Catch the 28/29 bus from Brighton, Lewes, Uckfield or Tunbridge Wells to Housedean Farm. If arriving from Brighton, walk east, crossing the farm bridge over the A27 and joining the South Downs Way. If arriving from Lewes, simply turn left and join the South Downs Way. Head east to Southease (7 miles) and stay at the YHA South Downs. If you are planning a longer trip there is also a campsite at Housedean Farm.

Day two: Continue along the South Downs Way by crossing over the footbridge and heading east along the South Downs Way to Alfriston (7 miles).

On arrival why not relax in one of the many pubs and cafés before catching either the no.125 bus to Lewes, or the no.126 to Berwick and then the train to Lewes.

Download the South Downs Way Public Transport network map here: South Downs Bus Map.

Advice

This section of the South Downs Way is quite open and exposed to the elements and we advise that you choose footwear, clothing and sun protection appropriate to suit the predicted weather.

Food & Drink

Between Housedean Farm and Alfriston there are a couple of points where you can leave the Trail to find refreshment. Please bear in mind that they are a short walk off the trail so just factor that extra distance into your day:

The Juggs pub at Kingston serves food all day.

The Abergavenny Arms at Rodmell serves food and local ales.

YHA Southdowns at Southease has a cafe serving snacks and light lunches. The Trail passes right by here.

The Ram at Firle serves food and local ales.

The Cricketers at Berwick serves food and local ales.

Alfriston has several pubs, cafes and tea rooms in the village as well as a local shop selling groceries, sandwiches, pies and cakes etc.