South Downs Way
East Sussex, United Kingdom
Point-to-point trail in East Sussex, United Kingdom. Mountain biking & Horseback riding.
- Distance
- 28.7 mi (46.2 km)
- Elevation Gain
- 3,337 ft (1,017 m)
- Est. Time
- 5 hr 55 min
- High point
- 748 ft (228 m)
- Difficulty
- Expert
- Route type
- Point to point
Features
Along the way
- Peak: Willingdon Hill 3.3 mi (5.4 km) from start
- Peak: Windover Hill 6.3 mi (10.1 km) from start
- Attraction: Alfriston War Memorial Hall 8 mi (12.9 km) from start
- Historic site: Long Burgh long barrow 9 mi (14.4 km) from start
- Peak: Bostal Hill 10.2 mi (16.4 km) from start
- Peak: Firle Beacon 11.2 mi (18 km) from start
- Peak: Beddingham Hill 12.9 mi (20.8 km) from start
- Peak: Itford Hill 14.1 mi (22.7 km) from start
- Campsite: YHA South Downs 15.1 mi (24.2 km) from start
- Bike repair station 15.2 mi (24.5 km) from start
- Attraction: St Peter's 15.8 mi (25.4 km) from start
- Shelter 15.8 mi (25.5 km) from start
- Attraction: Spider Bench 16.7 mi (26.8 km) from start
- Peak: Mill Hill 17.1 mi (27.6 km) from start
- Attraction: Meridian Line 17.3 mi (27.9 km) from start
- Historic site: Tumulus 17.9 mi (28.8 km) from start
- Peak: Front Hill 18 mi (28.9 km) from start
- Historic site: Tumulus 18.6 mi (30 km) from start
- Peak: Castle Hill 20.2 mi (32.5 km) from start
- Peak: Ditchling Beacon 27.4 mi (44 km) from start
From OpenStreetMap. Check before you rely on water or toilets.
Questions about South Downs Way
How long is South Downs Way?
South Downs Way is 28.7 mi (46.2 km) long. Most people take about 5 hr 55 min. It climbs 3,337 ft (1,017 m) in total, up to a high point of 748 ft (228 m).
How hard is South Downs Way?
GoTrails rates it Expert, from its length and how much it climbs.
Where do you park for South Downs Way?
12 more lots along the route.
Are there water and toilets on South Downs Way?
Drinking water on the way at 4.4 mi (7.1 km), 15.8 mi (25.4 km), 22.2 mi (35.7 km). Toilets: Trailhead.
Is South Downs Way shaded?
Mostly exposed (12% under trees).
What can you do on South Downs Way?
Best for Mountain biking. Also: Horseback riding. Shared with bikes, horses.
Where can you eat near South Downs Way?
The Kiosk, 0 mi (0 km) from the start. 1 more places to eat. Shop: Tesco Express, 0.2 mi (0.4 km).
Is this a good week for South Downs Way?
GoTrails turns the 7-day forecast at the start and at the high point into a clear go / no-go: temperature, rain, storms, wind, heat, air quality and daylight, with a suggested start time. This week’s call is at the top of this page.
Trails near South Downs Way
- South Downs Way East Sussex · Expert · 30.8 mi (49.6 km)
- Alternative, Old South Downs Way Bridleway Route East Sussex · Easy · 1.4 mi (2.3 km)
- Wealdway East Sussex · Expert · 46.2 mi (74.4 km)
- Horsey Cycleway East Sussex · Easy · 3.1 mi (5.1 km)
- Downs View Lane East Sussex · Easy · 1.3 mi (2.1 km)
- Bounding Up to Belle Tout at Birling Gap, South Downs East East Sussex · Easy · 1.8 mi (2.8 km)
- European walking route E9, Queen Elizabeth Country Park to Jevington East Sussex · Expert · 24.4 mi (39.3 km)
- Cuckoo Trail Shinewater Park · Easy · 2.5 mi (4.1 km)
GoTrails · Route data: © OpenStreetMap