The 43rd Annual South Downs Way Walk
This is an annual, nine day walk along the full 100 mile length of the South Downs Way, one of England's most popular national trails. The next walk is from 9th to 17th June 2023.
There are still places available and you can book now by clicking here
For 42 consecutive years it has beenyenjoyed by hundreds of people from all over the world. Although there are experienced team members to walk with you, this is not a guided walk, and everyone is free to walk at their own pace each day. However, you can rest assured that there will always be knowledgeable people nearby to help you with directions, first aid or just a friendly smile.
DailyTransport
With luxury coach transport provided to and from the South Downs Way each day, the annual supported walk is by far the simplest way of completing this inspiring and beautiful trail.The direction of the South Downs Annual Walk normally changes each year and in 2023 the walk will begin in Eastbourne and finish in Winchester. Each day averages around 11 miles; Next year's sectors are as follows:- Eastbourne - Alfriston - Newmarket - Devil's Dyke - Washington - Whiteways - Cocking - Q.E. Park - Exton - Winchester
The National Trail
The South Downs Way is one of 16 national trails in England and Wales. It was the first bridleway national trail in England (so there are no stiles) and is the only one to lie entirely within a national park, running right through the heart of the South Downs National Park. It is a truly beautiful walk, especially in June when the Spring flowers are at their best.
The chalk ridge
One hundred miles of chalk downland walking separate the Cathedral city of Winchester, the ancient Saxon Capital of Wessex and England, from the Victorian seaside resort of Eastbourne. Stretching over a rare, large Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the South Downs Way follows ancient tracks along the chalk escarpment and ridges of the South Downs from Winchester to the white chalky cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. The trail never rises above 900 feet (250m) and yet affords stunning views of over 30 miles in every direction - giving that feeling of being 'on top of the world'. On a clear day from Devils Dyke it is claimed you can see seven counties of England.
The Annual Walk organisers, Footprints of Sussex, have a great deal of experience in organising guided and self-guided walking holidays on the South Downs. They have been leading walks and offering holidays along the South Downs Way for well over 30 years and have been organising and leading the South Downs Way Walk, in co-operation with many friends along the way, for the past 23 years.