Where is South Downs Way?

South Downs Way is in West Sussex, South-East England, United Kingdom (postcode RH20 4HN), in the parish of Parham.

How do I get to South Downs Way?

The nearest railway station is Cragside, about 2.4 km away. Drivers can use postcode RH20 4HN.

Is South Downs Way a protected site?

Yes — South Downs Way is part of the Amberley Mount to Sullington Hill SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Is South Downs Way free to visit?

Yes, South Downs Way is free to enter.

How do I get to South Downs Way?

The nearest railway station is Cragside, about 2.4 km away. Drivers can navigate to postcode RH20 4HN.

Long-distance walking trails · South East England

South Downs Way

In or near South Stoke.

ModernFree admission

100-mile chalk-ridge trail across the South Downs National Park.

Bridleway on top of the South Downs - geograph.org.uk - 1018731 — Andy Potter — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons licence

Plan your visit

Typical visit: 1 h–2 h
Nearest railway station: Cragside · 2.4 km

Free entry
Dog-friendly

Getting there & planning your visit

The South Downs Way is located in Horsham, West Sussex, with the postcode RH20 4HN. The nearest railway station is Cragside, which is 2.4 km away. Entry to the trail is free.

Directions on Google Maps →

The South Downs Way is the 100-mile National Trail (1972) along the chalk South Downs ridge from Winchester to Eastbourne. The only National Trail in a single national park; bridleway-status throughout, so popular with walkers, riders and mountain bikers.

Photo gallery

Summary from the official site

The South Downs Way is a scenic trail that stretches the length of the South Downs, showcasing diverse wildlife, historical sites, and charming villages. Visitors can enjoy walking through beautiful landscapes and experiencing the rich cultural heritage of the area.

Read more on the official property page.

Protected designations

Site of Special Scientific Interest: Amberley Mount to Sullington Hill SSSI

Designations sourced from Natural England open data under OGL v3.

From the Wikipedia article

The South Downs Way is a long distance footpath and bridleway running along the South Downs in southern England. It is one of 16 National Trails in England and Wales. The trail runs for 160 km (100 mi) from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex, with about 4,150 m (13,620 ft) of ascent and descent. In 2016, over 60,000 people passed a single trail point.

Excerpt from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0. See the source article linked in Sources below.

Background

History

People have been using the paths and tracks that have been linked to form the South Downs Way for approximately 8000 years. They were a safer and drier alternative to those in the wetter lowlands throughout the Mesolithic era. Early occupation in the area began 2000 years after that in the Neolithic era. Early inhabitants built tumuli in places on the hills and hill forts later, once tribal fighting became more common. Old Winchester Hill is an example of one of these hill forts along the path. The trail was probably used by the Romans, despite the fact that they built one of their roads across the path at Stane Street (Chichester), this use possibly evidenced by the existence of Bignor…

Sourced from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Coordinates: 50.9000, -0.5000
County: West Sussex
District: Horsham
Parish: Parham
Postcode: RH20 4HN
Parliamentary constituency: Arundel and South Downs
Nearest railway station: Cragside — 2.4 km
Official site: www.nationaltrail.co.uk

Sources

manual: south-downs-way (manual)
wikipedia: South Downs Way (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Other places nearby

Nearby

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Museums · South East England

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Mountains & hills · South East England

Rackham Hill

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Mountain bike trails · South East England

South Downs Way

South Downs Way — a mtb trail in england south east.

Bridleway 2252, Storrington and Sullington - geograph.org.uk - 7667497

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Museums · South East England

WW2 Churchill Tank

WW2 Churchill Tank — a museum in england-south-east, United Kingdom.

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Museums · South East England

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West Sussex — a museum in england-south-east, United Kingdom.

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Historic churches · South East England

Church of St Peter, Parham

Church of St Peter, Parham — Grade I listed building-listed church in england-south-east, United Kingdom.

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Where to eat & stay near South Downs Way

Places to stay

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Campsites · South East England

North Stoke Farm Campsite

North Stoke Farm Campsite — a campsite in england south east.

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Hostels · South East England

Southdowns Bunkhouse

Southdowns Bunkhouse — a hostel in england south east.

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Hotels · South East England

The White Horse

The White Horse — a hotel in england south east.

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Hostels · South East England

Sussex Heritage Centre

Sussex Heritage Centre — a hostel in england south east.

Norfolk House seen from footpath across field - geograph.org.uk - 4666768

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Campsites · South East England

Fox Wood Campsite

Fox Wood Campsite — a campsite in england south east.

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Hotels · South East England

Chequers

Chequers — a hotel in england south east.