The South Downs Way

The 100-mile South Downs Way National Trail starts in Winchester city centre, by Winchester City Mill.

Following ancient routes and droveways through the chalk hills of the South Downs National Park, the South Downs Way is a long-distance walking trail that links Winchester in Hampshire with Eastbourne in East Sussex. The elevated trail boasts amazing views of the countryside and the coast, passing protected habitats, pretty villages, chalk streams, ancient woodland and more. Those who travel the route will discover locations like Old Winchester Hill, Queen Elizabeth Country Park and Seven Sisters Country Park.

The South Downs Way can be walked in its entirety over 5 - 8 days, or in smaller sections. It is the only National Trail to lie entirely within a National Park, and is almost entirely off-road.

The physical marker for the trail is located within the grounds of the National Trust's Winchester City Mill, please check their website for opening times. If the mill is closed, the King Alfred Statue is another great alternative photo opportunity to mark the start of your walk.

Directions

From opposite Winchester City Mill, at the bottom of the High Street, head down the riverside path until it joins College Walk. Follow this left and turn left at the corner, then left again along Wharf Hill past the Black Boy pub. Go straight on, over the cross roads and up East Hill, then bear right onto Petersfield Road. Go straight ahead on the footpath, then turn right along a tarmac path to a footbridge over the M3. From here follow the South Downs Way sign posts.