Downs Link - Stile-Free
A shorter, easier alternative walk along the Downs Link, bypassing the ascent onto St Martha’s Hill.
6 to 8 nights
36 miles
Easy to Moderate
From £650 per person
Downs Link - Stile-Free
Contours Walking Holidays
Downs Link - Stile-Free
https://www.contours.co.uk/downs-link-stile-free
A shorter, easier alternative walk along the Downs Link, bypassing the ascent onto St Martha’s Hill.
From £650 per person
The Downs Link follows a disused railway line through the landscape between the North and South Downs. Since the trains departed in the 1960s, the embankments have become a green corridor for wildlife. The route connects a range of habitats, passing banks of wildflowers, woodlands, rivers and streams.
This holiday option follows the Wey South Path and River Wey Navigations for the first stage of the walk, avoiding the ascents onto St Martha’s Hill and Blackheath. This route is less challenging than the main trail, but is still very scenic and enjoyable.
Upon reaching Bramley, this route is identical to our main route option. You can then expect a relaxed amble through glorious woodland, with plenty of chances to spot a variety of wildlife.
As a Stile-Free route, this walking holiday along the Downs Link path has no stiles or other challenging obstacles to contend with. Any climbs or descents are short and/or gentle. It is suitable for beginners, young families and those with mild mobility impairments.
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Keeping an eye out for a variety of beautiful wildflowers and elusive animals, including butterflies, birds and small mammals.
Seeing the scenery change as you traverse the Weald, the naturally-formed basin that separates the North and South Downs.
Passing by a range of intriguing historic landmarks, including Guildford Boathouse, Baynard’s Station, West Grinstead Station, Bramber Castle and Shoreham Airport.
| Code | Tour | Duration | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DLA1 | From Guildford to Shoreham by Sea(L) | 5 days walking | £650 | |
| DLA2 | From Guildford to Shoreham by Sea(L) | 6 days walking | £760 | |
| DLA3 | From Guildford to Shoreham by Sea(L) | 7 days walking | £865 |
Travel to Guildford where your first night's accommodation has been booked
Guildford to Cranleigh. 8.5 miles (13.5km)
Cranleigh to Rudgwick(T). 4 miles (6.5km)
Rudgwick(T) to Southwater(T). 7.5 miles (12km)
Southwater(T) to Henfield. 7.5 miles (12km)
Henfield to Shoreham by Sea(L). 9 miles (14.5km)
Depart from Shoreham by Sea(L) after breakfast
This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this tour. Sometimes there may be a shortage of available accommodation in a preferred location, in which case we will transfer you from the trail to your accommodation and back again at no extra charge. Overnight stops marked with a (T) will always require transfers as standard.
Overnight stops marked with an (L) have very limited accommodation, and therefore more often than not will also require a transfer, particularly on bank holidays and weekends. We will use non-transfer accommodation wherever possible.
The daily mileages quoted are average trail miles only and do not include the distance from the trail to your accommodation. We do not expect you to have to travel more than a mile from the trail to your accommodation; should your accommodation be further than this, transfers will be provided as standard.
Below are the additional costs that may apply depending on your requirements. Dog-friendly tours are subject to a Daily Dog Charge, which will be listed below if applicable. Our standard prices per person are based upon two people sharing a room; if you are on your own, or are part of a group but require a room of your own, then the Solo Traveller or Single Supplements apply respectively:
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops:
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops:
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To find out more about the weather forecast for your chosen holiday's general location, please see the following websites:
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