South Downs Way Map and Information

The South Downs Way can easily be reached by public transport with airports, ferry ports, bus and rail stations all within a short distance.

Overseas visitors can arrive by ferry to Newhaven or Portsmouth.

Gatwick Airport is within easy reach of the Trail with a direct train taking only one hour between Gatwick Airport Station and Eastbourne. A direct train links Winchester and Southampton Airport Station taking only 24 minutes.

The Trail is well served by the rail network. Long distance walkers can get back to the start by train between Eastbourne and Winchester and there are intermediate stations at Petersfield, Amberley, Hassocks and Lewes that are helpful if you’re doing the walk in stages.

For detailed rail information please see National Rail

The Discovery bus ticket is a an all-inclusive cost-effective way to enjoy unlimited bus travel across the National Park and south of England. To find out more visit the South Downs National Park Authority website.

You can find up-to-date public transport information including a journey planner at Traveline.

We encourage you to come and visit the South Downs by public transport, however, if you do decide to drive then road connections are good. Car Parks are often small in the South Downs, with farm machinery sometimes passing through especially during harvest, so please park considerately. Long term parking is harder to come by so if you are planning to leave your vehicle in Eastbourne or Winchester we recommend contacting the relevant local authority for advice on the best and safest options.

There are plenty of campsites along the Trail and they can be viewed on the Interactive Map.

If you plan to camp please note in England and Wales, there are normally no rights for national trail users to wild camp along the way – so seeking the landowner’s permission is recommended.

There are several companies that will arrange to move your bags for you, help you plan your trip, or arrange a full package.

View a list of these companies Walking Holiday Companies.

The South Downs Way can be enjoyed at any time of the year. However it does get busier during school holidays and on weekends between May and September you should expect to come across larger organised events.

You can do it in either direction, and of course you don’t have to do the whole Trail in one go anyway. The guidebook is written from east to west, starting at Eastbourne and ending at Winchester. The Trail Officer’s personal recommendation is to do it the other way, start in the west and head east, ending at Eastbourne. There are two reasons for this; one is that the wind will be behind you rather than in your face. More importantly the Hampshire countryside is very attractive but the white chalk cliffs at Beachy Head are spectacular.

Keep the weight of your rucsack to a minimum – or alternatively take advantage of one of the baggage carrying services that operate on the Trail.

As a minimum you will need to carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Be properly equipped, take waterproofs and spare warm clothing. Wear robust walking boots. Take an emergency pack including whistle, torch, first aid kit, survival bag and spare rations. Don’t wear denim jeans – they don’t dry if they get wet. Plan your route properly – be aware of escape routes in the event of an accident. Make sure somebody knows your plans.

It is also worth remembering that except for a few exceptions most pubs, cafes and shops are off the Trail, therefore you should take some snacks and drink with you to ensure you don’t get caught out.

You should carry sufficient water with you for each day’s requirements – it is strongly advised that if you take water from streams then you should use purification equipment.

Mobile phone reception is generally good. Most of the Trail follows an open ridgeline and has mobile phone reception. Areas with no reception are short and a few minutes walk will find you back in signal.

Some accommodation providers offer Wi-Fi. If this is important to you please check when booking.

The UK is unique in having a network of paths that the public can use, this is the Public Rights of Way network. You can see these paths on Ordnance Survey maps.

National Trails are signed with an acorn symbol and/or the Trail name which you will see on stiles, gates and signposts. This is the symbol used by all the English and Welsh National Trails.

As you are walking along the Trail you will also see waymarkers pointing to other paths. You can use the public rights of way network to leave the Trail to explore places of interest, reach your accommodation and find places to eat and drink.

You will often find a coloured arrow on signs which indicates the status of that section of path. The most common are yellow arrows which are footpaths and blue which are bridleway.

GPX files for the walking route, cycling route and equestrian route can be downloaded from the Create Your Own Trip page (the buttons are below the map).

The official guidebook and map for the Trail are available from the The Trails Shop along with a wide range of gifts and other merchandise.

You can find a list of Ordnance Survey maps for the Trail here.

Wondering where to park your horsebox or refill your hydration bladder whilst exploring the trail? These questions and many more can be answered by downloading some of our useful the leaflets page.

Certificates are available from the The Trails Shop.