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Discover the rolling chalk hills, wide open ridges and timeless landscapes of the South Downs Way National Trail, one of England’s most accessible and rewarding long-distance walks. Stretching for 160 km (100 miles) from the historic city of Winchester to the dramatic white cliffs of Eastbourne, this classic route follows ancient tracks across the South Downs National Park, offering far-reaching views, wildlife-rich downland, and a strong sense of journey from cathedral to coast.
Ideal for first-time long-distance walkers as well as experienced hikers, this comprehensive guidebook divides the South Downs Way into 12 manageable stages. Walk through peaceful river valleys, hilltop villages and open downland, passing highlights such as Old Winchester Hill, Ditchling Beacon, Lewes, the Cuckmere Valley and the iconic cliffs of Beachy Head.
The route is described in both directions, east to west and west to east, giving you the flexibility to plan your walk to suit transport, accommodation or prevailing conditions. A separate, pocket-sized map booklet with detailed 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey maps ensures confident navigation throughout.
- 12 stage-by-stage route descriptions covering the full South Downs Way from Winchester to Eastbourne in both directions.
- Clear, step-by-step directions supported by detailed mapping and downloadable GPX files for navigation along this National Trail
- Each stage provides distance, estimated walking time and a summary of terrain, including the iconic white cliffs
- Separate map booklet with 1:25,000 OS maps with the route clearly marked for accurate, on-the-ground navigation
- Handy trek planner and route summary table to help you tailor your itinerary through the South Downs National Park
- Refreshment stops and accommodation options listed for each stage, including towns and villages such as Washington, Cocking and Exton and trail-side facilities
Plan your South Downs Way adventure with confidence and enjoy one of southern England’s finest long-distance walks with this definitive guidebook and map set.
Kev Reynolds
A lifelong passion for the countryside in general, and mountains in particular, drove Kev's desire to share his sense of wonder and delight in the natural world through his writing, guiding, photography and lecturing. Spending several months every year in various high-mountain regions researching guidebooks made him The Man with the World's Best Job. Kev enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Cicerone from the 1970s, producing 50 books, including guides to five major trekking regions of Nepal and to numerous routes in the European Alps and Pyrenees, as well as walking guides for Kent, Sussex and the Cotswolds. 'A Walk in the Clouds' is a collection of autobiographical short stories recording 50 years of mountain travel and adventures. He was also the contributing editor of the collaborative guide 'Trekking in the Himalaya' and Cicerone's celebratory anniversary compilation 'Fifty Years of Adventure'. A frequent contributor to outdoor magazines, Kev also wrote and illustrated brochures for national tourist authorities and travel companies. When not away in the mountains, Kev lived with his wife in a small cottage among what he called 'the Kentish Alps', with unrestricted walking country on the doorstep. But he also travelled throughout Britain during the winter months to share his love of the places he wrote about through a series of lectures. Sadly, Kev passed away in 2021. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him and by many more he inspired through his writing and talks.
More by Kev Reynolds
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