Buriton to Cocking Hill 

From here on the trail follows the ridge-line nearly continuously to Eastbourne with constant views north over the wooded Weald of Sussex and south to the English Channel. This section passes the National Trust’s Uppark House with its distinctive folly on Tower Hill and on to Harting Down. There are good links here to Harting village with good public transport links to Chichester, shops, accommodation and pubs. Harting Down is a wonderfully unspoilt network of dry chalk valleys where you can feel miles from any civilisation and worth exploring the valleys running off the trail. The South Downs Way contours around Beacon Hill and for those with the energy it is worth climbing straight up to the summit to take in the panoramic views. Carrying on eastwards the trail passes the Devil’s Jumps. These are a line of well preserved large Bronze Age Burial mounts that can be accessed from the Trail. Continuing east on an undulating route the trail passes on of Andrew Goldsworthy’s large chalk ball sculptures before descending to Cocking Hill, from where you can drop down to Cocking for food and accommodation.

10 miles (16.1 Km)

Cocking Hill to Amberley

This section of the trail is a mix of woodland, pasture and wild flower glades. It is the most wooded section of the trail. From Cocking Hill the trail ascends a long but gradual hill towards Charlton Forest. You can then enjoy a number of connected reserves managed by the Murray Downland Trust and the Graffham Downland Trust. The trail passes some more fine examples of Bronze Age burial mounds and this is a great spot to stop and picnic. After crossing the A285 the route ascends once again to Bignor Hill where you can see a fine example of a surviving Roman road. A short detour down the hill will take you to Bignor Roman Villa which boasts the finest preserved mosaic in the country. A short distance on brings you to stunning views across the Arun Valley from where the trail descends to the River Arun and the village of Amberley. Amberley has a direct train line to London, cafes and pubs. This is also the halfway point! If you have the time visit Amberley Museum; a museum of rural and industrial heritage.

12 miles (19.3 Km)

Amberley to the Steyning and the River Adur

From here on the trail becomes gradually more and more open through a landscape of mixed farmland. A steep climb starts this section up to Amberley Mount but then levels off before descending to Washington. This section is bounded by almost continuous open access land where you can escape from the trail and enjoy the species rich chalk grassland. A short detour to the south of Kithurst Hill will reward you with the unusual sight of an old WWII Churchill tank. Used by troops for target practice and riddled with bullet holes she remains there as a reminder of the importance of the South Downs as a training area during the Second World War. The trail has 2 routes to cross the A24 at Washington. The safer route uses a bridge after heading north and down Barnsfarm Hill and passed the lovely flint church at Washington. Washington has a good pub and shop (attached to the pub). After Washington the trail ascends steeply up towards Chanctonbury Ring. This ring of Beech trees planted by the Goring Estate is surrounded by myth and legend and planted on an Iron Age Hill fort that also has the remains of a Roman temple within. After rounding the hills above Steyning (Drop down for shops, refreshment and accommodation) the trail descends towards the River Adur.

13 miles (20.9 Km)