What is the South Downs Way?

The South Downs Way is tranquil island of quiet in the busy South East of England, running entirely within the South Downs National Park. The Way is a 100 mile walking trail starting in the ancient & historic city of Winchester and ending in the ocean-side resort city of Eastbourne on the English Channel coast.  Running along a chalk ridge means that the Trail drains and dries out quickly making it good for year round walking and ensuring that we will be rewarded by breathtaking views across the English Channel and Isle of Wight to the south and over the wooded Weald and heathland ridges to the north.

 

The South Downs Way passes through a varied landscape of protected habitats including beautiful chalk steams like the Meon and Arun rivers, rare species of rich chalk grasslands and beautiful ancient woodlands. The Trail passes through or passes by five National Nature Reserves and dozens of Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Most people take 8 or 9 days to walk the whole 100 miles at 12-15 miles a day. We’re planning on 9 walking days plus a day of rest at the start (jet lag, you know), in the middle to explore our name-sake sister city of Arundel and at the end to explore around Eastbourne and (hopefully) congratulate ourselves. We’ll also take two nights and a day in London on the way home. We’re both looking forward to seeing the Tower of London and other sites. We were last in London back in 1989!

The villages where we’ll be staying at B & B’s and inns are at the foot of the escarpment so we’ll have to walk down in the evening and up in the morning. Some days will be “taxi-assisted”. There’s about 12,600 ft. of climbing involved as well as 100 miles of walking the trail.

Our blog is named “tothe7sisters” and here’s why. The long chalk escarpment ends at seaside near Eastbourne & Beachy Head and ancient streams have eroded the cliff face into seven hills, all with names (in good British style). They are: Haven Brow, Short Brow, Rough Brow, Flagstaff Brow, Flat Hill, Baily’s Hill and Went Hill. Of course, between the hills are the valleys but nothing looks too tough and the excitement of being close to our destination should kick in the adrenaline!