south downs way - a walk in the country

017687 71656www.awalkinthecountry.com

South Downs Way

To book visit www.awalkinthecountry.com or call 017687 71656

South Downs Way

The South Downs Way runs across England’s newest National Park – the South Downs National Park – giving youthe opportunity to experience some of our finest countryside between Winchester, the first capital of England, andthe white cliffs at Eastbourne.

The South Downs Way runs along a chalk ridge which means that the path drains and dries out quickly making itgood walking all year round. The elevated position ensures you are rewarded with breathtaking views across theEnglish Channel and Isle of Wight to the south, and over the wooded Weald and heathland ridges to the north.

It is one of the easiest National Trails to traverse, with limited steep sections, apart from when the route drops downinto river valleys, and for the descent into the towns and villages along the way. You’ll also pass iron age hill forts,as well as the spectacular chalk formations of The Devil’s Dyke and the Seven Sisters. If you’re looking for anabundance of wildlife, woodland, sites of scientific interest, traditional pubs and quaint villages, then the SouthDowns Way is the walking holiday for you.


South Downs Way


Why do this walk?

- The South Downs Way passes through or closeby five National Nature Reserves, as well asdozens of sites of scientific interest, where youcan enjoy the stunning landscapes and wildlife atclose quarters.- Wander through the ancient city of Winchester,once the seat of King Alfred the Great, consideredby some to be the first true king of England.- Explore the varied landscape of protectedhabitats which include chalk rivers, rich chalkgrasslands, and beautiful ancient woodlands. Youmight even be lucky enough to spot some of theresident wildlife, such as otters, the skylark, barnowls and brown trout.- Take a moment to enjoy the viewpoints atBeacon Hill - which is also known as HartingBeacon - and Butser Hill - the highest point on thechalk ridge of the South Downs - along the way.- Experience the heady heights of the chalk cliffsat the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head - thehighest chalk sea cliff in Britain, rising to 162metres (531 ft) above sea level, which allowsviews of the south east coast from Dungeness inthe east, to Selsey Bill in the west.

Essential Info

Length: From 5 days / 6 nightsFull Route Length: 105 miles / 169 kmShortest Break Length: 54 miles / 87 km

Easy to Moderate

Grade The individual day walks themselves are nothugely strenuous, but the fact that you will be walkingon consecutive days (unless you include a rest day)does mean that you will need to be prepared. Thewalk should be well within the limitations of those witha good level of fitness or who are regular walkers.There are some climbs.Terrain A variety of terrain - riverside paths,meadows, open fells and moorland.What’s it like underfoot? Varied! Much of the route ison well-defined paths, tracks, and country lanes, butthere are sections that can be muddy, wet, rough, andsteep (although not often all at the same time!)How much up and down? An overall height gainof around 7,700 feet (2,350 m) and an equal amountof descent. The most difficult section is likely to be theday that includes the ascent of Great Shunner Fell,between Hawes and Keld. This involves a long climbbut it is not steep and has a good path.Signposting Although the route itself is notsignposted it follows established Rights of Way alongits whole length, for example on some parts of thePennine Way, footpaths or bridleways and these arenearly always signposted clearly. Follow your map andguidebook.Navigation With a map and a guidebook yournavigation should be quite straightforward.Weather You may be lucky enough to encounterwarm, dry weather over the whole route and enjoy drypaths and tremendous views, but you should beprepared because the weather can change quickly.Good clothing and waterproofs are essential!


South Downs Way


Our holidays

We have a choice of two walking holidays along the South Downs Way. We'd strongly recommend that if you can,you choose the longer option and explore the whole of the South Downs Way, however, you can always choose theshorter option which ends at the Seven Sisters, a series of imposing chalk cliffs situated between the towns ofSeaford and Eastbourne.

Route

The Whole South Downs Way

We offer a 9 day walking holiday along the entire route which can be completed at a leisurely pace

The South Downs Way - Eastern Section

The eastern section has wide panoramic views. It finishes with a spectacular cliff walk over the Seven Sisters,where the South Downs meet the sea


South Downs Way


What's Included

Every walking holiday includes:

Accommodation We’ll select your accommodation from a specially curated collection of hotels, farmhouses, country houses, andcoaching inns along each of our routes. When selecting accommodation our focus is a helpful, friendly host with good qualityaccommodation and superb facilities. All of our accommodation has been carefully chosen so that you can unwind after a long day’swalking and enjoy unique architectural features, quirks and interiors, whilst also experiencing a superb level of comfort and service.

Breakfast To make sure that you put your best foot forward after a good night’s sleep you can get your day started with either a FullEnglish breakfast or a Continental breakfast.

Luggage transfer We’ll also transfer your luggage between each overnight stop. All you need to do is leave your bag at youraccommodation when you set off in the morning, and it will be moved to your next overnight stop for when you arrive later that day. Allyou’ll need is a small day sack with any clothes and provisions that you’ll need during your day’s walk

Personal itinerary An itinerary setting out the relevant information for each overnight stop, including large scale maps for eachlocation and details of where we’d recommend you head for your evening meal.

Maps OS map/s (1:25,000) covering your whole route.

Guidebook Detailed route information, including maps and photos.

Services information An information sheet detailing cash points, banks, post offices, village shops, inns, cafes and taxisavailable along the route.

Emergency support We are always on hand to help if you experience any difficulties during your holiday, including outside ofnormal office hours.

15% discount at Cotswold Outdoors As a little thank you from us you will get a 15% discount at all Cotswold Outdoor stores -online and high street - for twelve months following confirmation of your booking.

Options:

Off road parking If you are travelling to your start location by car just let us know and we will see what we can do to organiseparking for the duration of your trip. There may be a small charge for this.

Return transport We can also arrange transfer back to your car - it’s no problem, just ask - and we’ll even advise you when publictransport is a better option!

What’s not Included:

Evening meal Your evening meal isn’t included in your walking holiday package, however your itinerary will include details of thebest local eateries along your route - it could be a pub, a restaurant or even the accommodation that you’re staying in - so you’ll beable to relax and refuel after a good day’s walking. We always do our best to pick somewhere within walking distance of youraccommodation, and you should allow approximately £20.00 per night for your evening meal.

Packed lunch We don’t include a packed lunch as part of your walking holiday.

Transport to and from your start and finish points Click on the “Travel Info” tab on your chosen walking holiday for ourrecommendations. Alternatively just get in touch with us directly and we’ll help you sort it all out.

Travel Insurance For your own peace of mind we’d recommend you make sure that you’ve got ample travel insurance before youset off on your holiday.


South Downs Way


Rest days

Winchester

Winchester is one of England’s most historic cities andwell worth an extra day. It was the ancient capital ofWessex, and seat of King Alfred the Great. WinchesterCathedral has been a place of worship for 900 years andhouses, amongst other treasures, Jane Austen’s tomb.King Arthur’s famous Round Table is worth a visit, in theGreat Hall, and the City Museum has many fascinatingdisplays and artefacts. There are many places to eat anddrink, too.

Amberley

Nestling at the foot of the Downs, Amberley, with its manythatched cottages, is a lovely place for a day off. AmberleyMuseum and Heritage Centre covers a 36 acre site, and isdedicated to the industrial heritage of the area. There is anarrow gauge steam train and vintage bus service to takeyou around the site, as well as many traditional craftsmen,such as stained glass makers and wheelwrights.Amberley also has a castle, which can be viewed form theoutside, and a train station with regular services to thenearby historic town of Arundel.

Kingston-nr-Lewes

Kingston is a beautiful village with many historic buildingsin its centre, including the Norman St Pancras church, andthe 14th Century pub The Juggs. The historic market townof Lewes lies 2 mile away, with Lewes Castle sitting abovethe town. There are a number of other historic buildings,including the remains of Lewes priory, as well as shops,inns and restaurants.

Eastbourne

This Victorian seaside town boasts the title of the sunniestplace in Britain, thanks to its sheltered position. If theweather is warm, there are some great beaches to lazeon, giving those feet a well-earned rest and even perhapsdipping them in the sea. There’s also the elegant seafrontand famous pier to stroll along, as well as the RedoubtFortress and Military Museum to explore. There areregular concerts at the Eastbourne Bandstand, and a widevariety of galleries and studios to explore, as well as 5theatres. There’s a huge range of restaurants and cafes tochoose from, offering you a change if you’ve had one toomany pub meals. And if you’re in need of some retailtherapy after your walk there’s a wide selection of shopsto choose from, from high street names to quaint Victorianshopping streets and exclusive boutiques.

Travel info

General travel information for the South Downs Way willbe included in your holiday pack, including train and bustimetables where available. Detailed instructions ongetting to your first night's accommodation by car, or onfoot from the nearest train or bus station, will also beincluded in the holiday pack on individualaccommodation maps. To view train times please visitnational rail where you can also purchase tickets inadvance. For information on bus timetables pleasevisit traveline.Getting There:By Air: The nearest International Airports to the trail areSouthampton (European and domestic flights only) andLondon Heathrow. There is a railway station atSouthampton Airport (Southampton Airport Parkway)with fast and frequent trains to Winchester (journey timeapprox. 10 mins). Trains also run frequently betweenLondon Heathrow (Terminals 1, 2 and 3) andWinchester changing at Hayes & Harlington andReading (journey time approx. 2 hours).By Public Transport: There is a railway station atWinchester (WIN). Winchester Railway Station islocated on the South Western Main Line with frequenttrains to and from London Waterloo station (journeytime approx. 1 hour). There is a taxi rank at the station ifneeded.By Road: Winchester is located not far off the M3motorway at Junctions 9 and 10. If travelling from theNorth, follow the M6 motorway onto the M40. Leave theM40 at Junction 9 (Bicester/Oxford) and follow the A34towards Oxford and Newbury. Continue on the A34 untilyou reach Winchester.Getting Away:By Public Transport: There is a railway station atEastbourne (EBN). Eastbourne Railway Station islocated on the East Coastway Line with frequent trainsto and from London Victoria Station (journey timeapprox. 1 and a half hours).


South Downs Way


Accommodation

A good night’s sleep is critical on your walking holiday. We want you to wake refreshed and recharged ready for anew day, and selecting the right accommodation for you is our priority.We have spent time and energy rigorouslycurating our collection of hotels, farmhouses, country houses, and coaching inns. When selecting accommodationour key focus is a helpful, friendly host with good quality accommodation and superb facilities. All of ouraccommodation has been carefully chosen so that you can unwind after a day’s walking and enjoy their uniquearchitectural features, quirks, and interiors whilst also experiencing a superb level of comfort and service.Someexamples of the collection of accommodation we have curated for this route include:

Lainston HouseA 5 star country house hotel set in 63 acres of beautiful Hampshirecountryside. Dating back to the late 17th Century, with spaciousperiod bedrooms. Enjoy a drink in the ornately panelled Cedar Barbefore dining in The Avenue Restaurant, with views of themagnificent mile long avenue of lime trees.

The Old DrumThe Old Drum is a contemporary country pub in the centre ofPetersfield. Dating back to the 18th Century, it still retains characterand charm, with real ales, log fires, and leather sofas.

Thatched HouseThatched House is a 4 star country guest house B&B set in the heartof the historic village of Amberley, with lovely gardens and views to‘The Wild Brooks’ nature conservation area. Despite being called"The Thatched House", the house is not in fact thatched, but gets itsname from being an old "Beer House" until the late 1960's.


South Downs Way


Berkeley HouseBerkley House is a fine Grade II Listed Regency house dating fromthe 1820s. This B&B has four bedrooms, and it is located in thecentre of Lewes, just a few steps away from the high street with itsarray of cafés and restaurants, and bookshops.

Deans Place Country HotelDeans Place is a 3 star hotel set on the banks of the ChuckmereRiver. This 14th Century country house, originally part of a vastfarming estate, now offers luxurious accommodation and fine dining.


South Downs Way


Our Itineraries

Winchester to Eastbourne (9 days walking): XSD10

Miles km

Day 1 Travel to Winchester for your first nights accommodation

Day 2 Winchester to Exton 12 19

Day 3 Exton to Buriton 14 23

Day 4 Buriton to Bepton 11 18

Day 5 Bepton to Amberley 14 23

Day 6 Amberley to Upper Beeding 13 21

Day 7 Upper Beeding to Pyecombe 7 11

Day 8 Pyecombe to Kingston-nr-Lewes 12 19

Day 9 Kingston-nr-Lewes to Alfriston 11 18

Day 10 Alfriston to Eastbourne (via Seven Sisters) 11 18


South Downs Way


Booking Form

Contact Details

Address:

Telephone: Mobile/Alternative Tel:

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Your Holiday

Hoilday Name: Holiday Code:

Date of First Night: Date of Last Night:

Party Members

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Other Options

Options Rooms Required: Rest Days

Off Street Parking: No. Double Rooms:

Transfer Required: No. Twin Rooms:

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No. Triple Rooms:

Comments (special diets, other requirements, etc):

Payment

Holiday cost per person: I enclose a cheque for the deposit value

Rest Days: OR please debit my Visa/Visa Debit/Mastercard/Mastercard Debit/Solo.Card number:Valid from: Expires: Security number*:*The last digits on the back of the card

Total cost per person:

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I authorise A Walk in The Country to charge a 20% deposit to my card now andthe remaining balance 6 weeks before commencement of my holiday, (for cardpayments only). I confirm that the above details are correct and that I haveread and accept the terms and conditions available on the website.

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south downs way - a walk in the country

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