Page 1 The runs across England s newest National Park the South Downs National Park giving you the opportunity to experience some of our finest countryside between Winchester, the first capital of England, and the white cliffs at Eastbourne. The runs along a chalk ridge which means that the path drains and dries out quickly making it good walking all year round. The elevated position ensures you are rewarded with breathtaking views across the English 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 down into 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 an abundance of wildlife, woodland, sites of scientific interest, traditional pubs and quaint villages, then the South Downs Way is the walking holiday for you.
Page 2 Why do this walk? Essential Info - The passes through or close by five National Nature Reserves, as well as dozens of sites of scientific interest, where you can enjoy the stunning landscapes and wildlife at close quarters. - Wander through the ancient city of Winchester, once the seat of King Alfred the Great, considered by some to be the first true king of England. - Explore the varied landscape of protected habitats which include chalk rivers, rich chalk grasslands, and beautiful ancient woodlands. You might even be lucky enough to spot some of the resident wildlife, such as otters, the skylark, barn owls and brown trout. - Take a moment to enjoy the viewpoints at Beacon Hill - which is also known as Harting Beacon - and Butser Hill - the highest point on the chalk ridge of the South Downs - along the way. - Experience the heady heights of the chalk cliffs at the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head - the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain, rising to 162 metres (531 ft) above sea level, which allows views of the south east coast from Dungeness in the east, to Selsey Bill in the west. Length: From 5 days / 6 nights Full Route Length: 105 miles / 169 km Shortest Break Length: 54 miles / 87 km Easy to Moderate Grade The individual day walks themselves are not hugely strenuous, but the fact that you will be walking on consecutive days (unless you include a rest day) does mean that you will need to be prepared. The walk should be well within the limitations of those with a 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 is on well-defined paths, tracks, and country lanes, but there are sections that can be muddy, wet, rough, and steep (although not often all at the same time!) How much up and down? An overall height gain of around 7,700 feet (2,350 m) and an equal amount of descent. The most difficult section is likely to be the day that includes the ascent of Great Shunner Fell, between Hawes and Keld. This involves a long climb but it is not steep and has a good path. Signposting Although the route itself is not signposted it follows established Rights of Way along its whole length, for example on some parts of the Pennine Way, footpaths or bridleways and these are nearly always signposted clearly. Follow your map and guidebook. Navigation With a map and a guidebook your navigation should be quite straightforward. Weather You may be lucky enough to encounter warm, dry weather over the whole route and enjoy dry paths and tremendous views, but you should be prepared because the weather can change quickly. Good clothing and waterproofs are essential!
Page 3 Our holidays We have a choice of two walking holidays along the. We'd strongly recommend that if you can, you choose the longer option and explore the whole of the, however, you can always choose the shorter option which ends at the Seven Sisters, a series of imposing chalk cliffs situated between the towns of Seaford and Eastbourne. Route The Whole We offer a 9 day walking holiday along the entire route which can be completed at a leisurely pace The - 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
Page 4 What's Included Every walking holiday includes: Accommodation We ll select your accommodation from a specially curated collection of hotels, farmhouses, country houses, and coaching inns along each of our routes. When selecting accommodation our focus is a helpful, friendly host with good quality accommodation and superb facilities. All of our accommodation has been carefully chosen so that you can unwind after a long day s walking 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 Full English 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 your accommodation when you set off in the morning, and it will be moved to your next overnight stop for when you arrive later that day. All you 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 each location 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 taxis available along the route. Emergency support We are always on hand to help if you experience any difficulties during your holiday, including outside of normal 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 organise parking 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 public transport 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 the best local eateries along your route - it could be a pub, a restaurant or even the accommodation that you re staying in - so you ll be able to relax and refuel after a good day s walking. We always do our best to pick somewhere within walking distance of your accommodation, 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 our recommendations. 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 you set off on your holiday.
Page 5 Rest days Travel info Winchester General travel information for the will be included in your holiday pack, including train and bus timetables where available. Detailed instructions on getting to your first night's accommodation by car, or on foot from the nearest train or bus station, will also be included in the holiday pack on individual accommodation maps. To view train times please visit national rail where you can also purchase tickets in advance. For information on bus timetables please visit traveline. Getting There: By Air: The nearest International Airports to the trail are Southampton (European and domestic flights only) and London Heathrow. There is a railway station at Southampton Airport (Southampton Airport Parkway) with fast and frequent trains to Winchester (journey time approx. 10 mins). Trains also run frequently between London Heathrow (Terminals 1, 2 and 3) and Winchester changing at Hayes & Harlington and Reading (journey time approx. 2 hours). By Public Transport: There is a railway station at Winchester (WIN). Winchester Railway Station is located on the South Western Main Line with frequent trains to and from London Waterloo station (journey time approx. 1 hour). There is a taxi rank at the station if needed. By Road: Winchester is located not far off the M3 motorway at Junctions 9 and 10. If travelling from the North, follow the M6 motorway onto the M40. Leave the M40 at Junction 9 (Bicester/Oxford) and follow the A34 towards Oxford and Newbury. Continue on the A34 until you reach Winchester. Getting Away: By Public Transport: There is a railway station at Eastbourne (EBN). Eastbourne Railway Station is located on the East Coastway Line with frequent trains to and from London Victoria Station (journey time approx. 1 and a half hours). Winchester is one of England s most historic cities and well worth an extra day. It was the ancient capital of Wessex, and seat of King Alfred the Great. Winchester Cathedral has been a place of worship for 900 years and houses, amongst other treasures, Jane Austen s tomb. King Arthur s famous Round Table is worth a visit, in the Great Hall, and the City Museum has many fascinating displays and artefacts. There are many places to eat and drink, too. Amberley Nestling at the foot of the Downs, Amberley, with its many thatched cottages, is a lovely place for a day off. Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre covers a 36 acre site, and is dedicated to the industrial heritage of the area. There is a narrow gauge steam train and vintage bus service to take you 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 the outside, and a train station with regular services to the nearby historic town of Arundel. Kingston-nr-Lewes Kingston is a beautiful village with many historic buildings in its centre, including the Norman St Pancras church, and the 14th Century pub The Juggs. The historic market town of Lewes lies 2 mile away, with Lewes Castle sitting above the 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 sunniest place in Britain, thanks to its sheltered position. If the weather is warm, there are some great beaches to laze on, giving those feet a well-earned rest and even perhaps dipping them in the sea. There s also the elegant seafront and famous pier to stroll along, as well as the Redoubt Fortress and Military Museum to explore. There are regular concerts at the Eastbourne Bandstand, and a wide variety of galleries and studios to explore, as well as 5 theatres. There s a huge range of restaurants and cafes to choose from, offering you a change if you ve had one too many pub meals. And if you re in need of some retail therapy after your walk there s a wide selection of shops to choose from, from high street names to quaint Victorian shopping streets and exclusive boutiques.
Page 6 Accommodation A good night s sleep is critical on your walking holiday. We want you to wake refreshed and recharged ready for a new day, and selecting the right accommodation for you is our priority.we have spent time and energy rigorously curating our collection of hotels, farmhouses, country houses, and coaching inns. When selecting accommodation our key focus is a helpful, friendly host with good quality accommodation and superb facilities. All of our accommodation has been carefully chosen so that you can unwind after a day s walking and enjoy their unique architectural features, quirks, and interiors whilst also experiencing a superb level of comfort and service.some examples of the collection of accommodation we have curated for this route include: Lainston House A 5 star country house hotel set in 63 acres of beautiful Hampshire countryside. Dating back to the late 17th Century, with spacious period bedrooms. Enjoy a drink in the ornately panelled Cedar Bar before dining in The Avenue Restaurant, with views of the magnificent mile long avenue of lime trees. The Old Drum The Old Drum is a contemporary country pub in the centre of Petersfield. Dating back to the 18th Century, it still retains character and charm, with real ales, log fires, and leather sofas. Thatched House Thatched House is a 4 star country guest house B&B set in the heart of 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 its name from being an old "Beer House" until the late 1960's.
Berkeley House Berkley House is a fine Grade II Listed Regency house dating from the 1820s. This B&B has four bedrooms, and it is located in the centre of Lewes, just a few steps away from the high street with its array of cafés and restaurants, and bookshops. Deans Place Country Hotel Deans Place is a 3 star hotel set on the banks of the Chuckmere River. This 14th Century country house, originally part of a vast farming estate, now offers luxurious accommodation and fine dining. Page 7
Page 8 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
Page 9 Booking Form Contact Details Address: Telephone: Mobile/Alternative Tel: Email: Emergency Contact No: Your Holiday Hoilday Name: Holiday Code: Date of First Night: Date of Last Night: Party Members Title First Name Last Name Date of Birth Other Options Options Rooms Required: Off Street Parking: No. Double Rooms: Transfer Required: No. Twin Rooms: Rest Days No. Single Rooms: 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: Number in group: Total group cost: Deposit (20% of Total Cost): I authorise A Walk in The Country to charge a 20% deposit to my card now and the remaining balance 6 weeks before commencement of my holiday, (for card payments only). I confirm that the above details are correct and that I have read and accept the terms and conditions available on the website. Signed: Date: Name: