South Downs Way
A walking holiday from Winchester to Eastbourne along the chalk downs of Hampshire and Sussex.
7 to 11 nights
102 miles
Moderate to Demanding / Strenuous
From £750 per person
South Downs Way
Walk the full South Downs Way on a self-guided walking holiday tailored to you. Accommodation, luggage transfer and customised holiday pack included.
South Downs Way
https://www.contours.co.uk/south-downs-way
A walking holiday from Winchester to Eastbourne along the chalk downs of Hampshire and Sussex.
From £750 per person
This South Downs Way holiday option explores all 100 miles of this spectacular National Trail, setting off from Winchester and scrambling eastwards towards Eastbourne on the coast.
The walk traverses the fabulous chalk downs and offers far-reaching views along its length, however the best scenery arguably comes at the end of your journey, with magnificent coastal panoramas from the rolling clifftops of the famous Seven Sisters.
Exploring the cathedral city of Winchester, once the capital of Saxon England, and Alfriston’s parish church, the “Cathedral of the Downs”.
Visiting the downland viewpoints of Beacon, Butser and Bignor Hills, Ditchling Beacon and Firle Beacon.
Arriving in Eastbourne to breath-taking views from Birling Gap, Seven Sisters Cliffs, and Beachy Head.
| Code | Tour | Duration | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SDW1 | From Winchester to Eastbourne | 6 days walking | £750 | |
| SDW2 | From Winchester to Eastbourne | 7 days walking | £860 | |
| SDW3 | From Winchester to Eastbourne | 8 days walking | £965 | |
| SDW4 | From Winchester to Eastbourne | 9 days walking | £1070 | |
| SDW5 | From Winchester to Eastbourne | 10 days walking | £1180 |
Travel to Winchester where your first night's accommodation has been booked
Winchester to East Meon. 17 miles (27km) / 1772 ft (540 m) ascent
East Meon to Cocking. 18.5 miles (29.5km) / 2333 ft (711 m) ascent
Cocking to Washington(L). 17.5 miles (28km) / 2073 ft (632 m) ascent
Washington(L) to Pyecombe. 15 miles (24km) / 1942 ft (592 m) ascent
Pyecombe to Alfriston. 21.5 miles (34.5km) / 2365 ft (721 m) ascent
Alfriston to Eastbourne. 12 miles (19.5km) / 1742 ft (531 m) ascent
Depart from Eastbourne 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:
To find out more about the weather forecast for your chosen holiday's general location, please see the following websites:
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“It was delightful and very restorative. I rave about you to every cab driver and colleague that will listen. The views, particularly on the downs between Cocking and Alfriston, were spectacular. I love waking up each morning with nothing on my agenda except walking.”Ms Turnbull, USA
“So lucky with the weather. Views were stunning. Great trail. We have done a lot of trails and always used Contours.”Mrs Johnson, UK
“We have had many holidays around the world traveling to 6 continents staying in 5 star hotels and resorts and both my wife and myself enjoyed our walking holiday more than any ( despite not perfect weather). Wonderful countryside and everything went to plan. Have already recommended to a golfing friend. Taxis arrived on time baggage was always waiting for us and a varied selection of B&B , Guest houses and pubs.”Mr Styles, UK
“Contours Holidays do not disappoint. Well-organised holiday with three people used to walking together.”Mr McDonough, UK
“We had a lovely time doing the walk (apart from nursing blisters!) and arrangements went smoothly, so many thanks!”Ms Barnes, Australia
“It’s a beautiful walk and not many people get to walk parts of it in snow banks.”Mr Miller, USA
“We loved it. Beautiful paths, well signposted. Lovely villages and interesting things to see. Sometimes a bit busy but so clean. No litter. Well done Brits!”Mrs Baines, Netherlands
“Good”Mr Kerslake, UK
“The arrangements have worked out well and we have enjoyed a splendid walk. Luggage delivery faultless.”Ms Whittington, UK
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