Walk the South Downs Way by Train
Photo: Dominic Alves, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The South Downs Way follows a chalk ridge from Winchester to Eastbourne, crossing rolling downland, ancient woodland and the white cliffs of Beachy Head with wide views to the sea. Amberley and Southease stations give train access to the trail.
There are 12 stations within 2.6 miles of the South Downs Way National Trail.
The route passes 60 DoBIH-listed peaks, the highest being Butser Hill at 270m.
The South Downs Way in brief
- Length
- 100 miles (160 km)
- Time to walk it
- About 9 days
The time is for the whole route; you can also walk it a section at a time.
South Downs Way train stations
- SoutheaseSilver walking rating
- Amberley0.3 mi (about 0.3 to 0.4 mi on foot)Bronze walking rating
- Winchester0.7 mi (about 0.8 to 0.9 mi on foot)Bronze walking rating
- Falmer1.3 mi (about 1.5 to 2 mi on foot)Bronze walking rating
- Eastbourne1.4 mi (about 1.5 to 2 mi on foot)Bronze walking rating
- Hassocks1.4 mi (about 1.5 to 2 mi on foot)Bronze walking rating
- Glynde1.7 mi (about 2 to 2.5 mi on foot)Bronze walking rating
- Hampden Park (Sussex)1.9 mi (about 2.5 mi on foot)
- Cooksbridge2.0 mi (about 2.5 mi on foot)Bronze walking rating
- Berwick (Sussex)2.0 mi (about 2.5 mi on foot)Bronze walking rating
- Seaford2.3 mi (about 3 mi on foot)Bronze walking rating
- Petersfield2.4 mi (about 3 to 3.5 mi on foot)Bronze walking rating
Walking distances are estimates from the straight-line distance and the type of ground, not a measured route. Check a map before you set off.
Good to know
How long is the South Downs Way?
The South Downs Way is 100 miles (160 km) long.
How long does it take to walk the South Downs Way?
About 9 days for the whole route. You can also walk it a section at a time, from one station to the next.
Where does the South Downs Way start and finish?
It starts at Winchester and finishes at Eastbourne.
Which train stations are on the South Downs Way?
12 stations are within 2.6 miles of the South Downs Way, including Southease, Amberley and Winchester, the closest with regular trains.