The South Downs Way route through Alfriston

The South Downs Way is a long distance footpath bridleway running along the South Downs in southern England. It is one of 16 National Trails in England and Wales. The trail runs for 160km (100mi) from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex, with about 4,150m (13,620ft) of ascent and descent.

People have been using the paths and tracks that have been linked to form the South Downs Way for approximately 8000 years.

The South Downs Way was approved as a National Trail in March 1963 and opened in July 1972.

The tracks of the South Downs Way have a rich history and have been used for thousands of years. The area was occupied in the neolothic era and remains of tumuli and forts can be seen along the South Downs Way today. The South Downs Way lies entirely within a National Park and is England’s newest National Park.

There are many points of interest along the way, with Iron Age forts such as Chanctonbury ring and Devils Dyke, Saxon and Norman churches and castles and plenty of timuli, which are burial mounds of the late Neolithic period. With plenty of places to stay en route.

An interesting historic sight along the route, The Long Man of Wilmington has been thought to originate in the Iron age or Neolithic period. However, recent evidence suggests that the figure may have been created in the 16th or 17th century AD. This is a lovely walking route from Alfriston in its own right.

Many, if not most, of our guests visit Beachy Head and /or Cuckmere Haven. The Seven Sisters is a well known viewpoint, and has featured in a number of films and shows over the years. The Beachy Head Lighthouse lies just below Beachy Head and is a distinct feature with its red and white stripes. It was manned by three lighthouse keepers until 1983 when it became fully automated.

For some, tackling the whole 100-mile long walk is usually completed over 6-10 days, depending on how far you want to walk each day. Completing in 6 days, will require you to walk 16.7 miles a day, whereas completing in 10 days will require you to walk 10 miles a day. Most people typically take 8 or 9 days to complete the walk.

We find many guests take their time and often do a part of the walk at a time, choosing to stay locally and make their time more of a relaxing break after a wonderful walk. There are train stations that enable people to complete the walk piecemeal and we have a private hire licence which enables us to pick up our guests within the local area with our electric people carrier.

To plan your next trip please see our website for availability www.alfristoncabins.co.uk and if you are looking for a transfer as well please contact us via our website, we are happy to answer any questions.