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The South Downs Way

Start	Winchester
Finish	Eastbourne
Distance	160km (100miles)

The 160km (100-mile) SDW route is set out below in three day stages between 46.5km and 61km in length. These stages are intended as a guide that is very much open to adaptation – subject to your preferred way of tackling the route. You might want to take more or less time to complete the route; you might want to do it all in one go over the course of one, two, three or more days or you might prefer to complete stages at different times.

The length of stages you ride is contingent on several factors: your fitness; available time; the time of year, weather and ground conditions; transport links and where you choose to stay (see Appendix A for camping and accommodation). If attempting to complete the route in two days, Amberley is roughly halfway, has good train links, pubs and a campsite at nearby Houghton Farm. You will, however, have the tougher of the two days to come if riding west to east (there is no law against riding east to west, but you will be against the prevailing winds). Riding as far as Truleigh Hill YHA (101.5km) gets you well on the way, with a tough 56.5km to Eastbourne to tackle the following day. A four-day itinerary might be approximately: day 1: Winchester to Queen Elizabeth Country Park (QECP) (next to the A3); day 2: QECP to Amberley; day 3: Amberley to Housedean Farm (on the A27 between Brighton and Lewes); day 4: Housedean Farm to Eastbourne.

There are plenty of pubs, quite a few cafés (listed at the beginning of route descriptions) and sufficient water points (see Appendix B) along or near the SDW. However, make sure you have plenty of water and high-energy snacks with you. Make sure also that you have adequate clothing, tools (including spare inner tubes, a pump and puncture repair kit), maps (or GPS) and a first aid kit. A mobile phone is invaluable in an emergency (see the equipment section above).

The beech trees near Cheesefoot Head (Day 1)

ROUTE 1

South Downs Way: Day One – Winchester to Cocking

Start	Winchester train station SU 478 300
Finish	Cocking Hilltop car park SU 875 167
Distance	56.5km (35 miles); 61km (38 miles), via Old Winchester Hill
On Road	16.75km (10½ miles); 16.75km (10½ miles)
Off Road	39.75km (24½ miles); 44.25km (27½ miles)
Percent Off Road	70%
Ascent	1295m (4250ft); via Old Winchester Hill 1370m (4495ft)
Grade	hard
Time	4hrs 30mins–5hrs 30mins
Pub	Various in Winchester; The Bluebell at Cocking
Café	Various in Winchester; QECP café; Moonlight Cottage at Cocking

Overview

The terrain at the start of the South Downs Way (SDW), particularly between Winchester and the Meon Valley, is considerably gentler than the more hilly country encountered further east, easing the mountain biker in at the beginning of this long distance, off-road epic. This first day’s route is marginally longer than the following day and arguably that bit easier. However, it should not be underestimated. Climbs include the steep (on-road) then steady (off-road) pull up from Chilcomb to Cheesefoot Head near the start; a tough, steep climb from Coombe Cross to Salt Hill; a long, steady ascent through Queen Elizabeth Country Park (QECP); a fairly steep, steady climb through woodland around Tower Hill and a steep ascent on chalk track to Philliswood Down. The variant route includes Old Winchester Hill, which is a stop-start sort of climb and the final 200m are a killer. The route traverses some fine countryside, with great views south to the Solent and the Isle of Wight near the beginning, and north across the Low Weald, especially from Butser Hill (270m) – the highest point on the South Downs. The route follows a combination of well-maintained bridleways, byways and minor roads and conditions are generally excellent, although some farm tracks can get a bit churned up in wet weather. There are several pubs, cafés and water points at intervals along the route (see map). Many sections of the SDW are popular with mountain bikers, walkers, horse riders and other users – slow down and give way.

Directions

1 From Winchester train station head along Station Hill, keep over a mini-roundabout and take the third exit at the onto City Road. At the next continue onto North Walls (B3330). Continue to a fork, bearing to continue on the B3330 along Union Street. Union Street becomes Eastgate Street and continues to a roundabout. Keep onto High Street then turn off the next mini-roundabout onto Chesil Street. Continue to a and turn onto East Hill (SDW). Climb to a fork, bear and continue along Petersfield Road to join a path at the end of the road. Follow the path then turn and continue round to a bridge over the M3. Once across, turn onto a path (SDW) running parallel to the A31. Follow the path to a roundabout, turn and continue alongside the A31, before bearing onto King’s Lane.

2 Continue as the road bends right; turn at the first junction then again to climb, steadily at first then more steeply, through Chilcomb. At the top of the road, turn onto a bridleway and climb steadily to a . Turn and climb fairly steeply up to and around the flank of Telegraph Hill. After the path levels, arrive at a . Turn and continue to a with the A272.

3 Cross over and continue along the SDW, passing through a stand of beech trees, soon descending steadily to pass some farm buildings and arrive at a . Turn to continue on the SDW, taking in a few minor ups and downs and passing through several gates and over several s along the way. After descending a short way across Gander Down, pass through a gate and – forking – climb a little, passing through another gate. Continue along the field edge and, on approaching another gate, swing sharp along the field edge instead (this is one of the easiest places to go astray on the whole SDW). Take the first through a gate (SDW) and continue to a road (A272).

4 Cross over and continue along a byway track through Holden Farm. Continue along tracks for 1.5km before emerging onto a country road. Continue for 1km, turn at a then pass The Milburys pub and turn at a . Continue along the road (the path runs parallel to the left-hand side of the road, but is best avoided if there are walkers) for 1km, then turn off the road and go through a gate at Wind Farm; turn following signs for the SDW. Continue along a track to Lomer Farm then dogleg then then again to pass through the farmyard and exit along the SDW. Continue along a track before passing through a gate onto a country road. Turn ( along a road and continue to a parking area by an area of woodland.

The SDW divides into three variants here – both bridleway routes are open to mountain bikers. The quicker, easier main route is described first: the longer, harder variant follows below.

5 At the parking area, turn first through a gate onto SDW/Monarch’s Way bridleway variant. Descend through woods, pass through a gate and continue to descend along Wheely Down, passing through a couple more gates before turning through a gate and then to descend on a track to Wheely Down Farm. Turn onto a road and continue to a with the A32 at the SW edge of Warnford. Turn into the village then take the first RH turn off the A32 onto Old Winchester Hill Lane. Climb steadily along the lane for 2.75km before arriving at a gate just beyond a LH turn.

Variant via Exton and Old Winchester Hill

1 At the parking area, bear along the road signposted for Exton. Turn sharp at the first junction and keep () at the second. Descend steadily at first, becoming much steeper, along a narrow road known as The White Way. Shortly after the gradient eases, the road bends sharp right; continue to a with Allen’s Farm Lane, turn then again after 200m and continue to a . Turn onto Beacon Hill Lane and follow this road through the village to the A32 (at time of writing there were signposts for the temporary SDW route through Exton). Cross over the A32 and continue along Stock’s Lane for 500m, keep at a fork then turn onto a bridleway (SDW) along a wooded dismantled railway line. Continue for 1km before turning to drop off the dismantled railway line and stay on the SDW bridleway route. Emerge from woods and turn along the field edge, then before beginning to climb fairly steeply up the western flank of Old Winchester Hill. The path levels before climbing more steeply. Turn sharp and descend a short way along a track then turn sharp . Continue for 700m before turning sharp and climbing very steeply for 200m.

2 At the top of the climb, the path bears right and leads round to a gate near the summit of Old Winchester Hill. Go through and turn along a bridleway track. Follow the track around to a gate by Old Winchester Hill Lane but don’t go through. Instead, turn along the bridleway, which runs parallel to the road for 500m before it crosses over just before a car park and runs along the other side of the road. Arrive at a gate near a fork in the road.

6 Go through the gate, descend a track across a very steep escarpment – control your speed – and pass through a gate at the bottom. Continue on a track to Whitewool Farm, turning past a large barn and continuing through the farm and past Meon Springs fishing ponds, before turning along a farm road at a . After 500m, turn along a concrete track and soon begin climbing quite steeply to a ridge. At a turn on a tree-lined track along the ridge. Cross over a road at Coombe Cross to continue on a bridleway and soon begin climbing very steeply along a path up Salt Hill, which is very slippery when wet. At the top, the path continues along a field edge and passes a radio mast before emerging onto Droxford Road. Turn and continue along the road. At a bear then keep over two more s to continue along track. Continue and climb almost imperceptibly for over 2km before arriving at a .

Approaching Butser Hill

7 Turn along the road and continue towards the car park near the summit of Butser Hill, before bearing onto a bridleway (SDW) and arriving at a gate. Go through and follow the obvious track as it descends, gradually at first – becoming much steeper, along the grassy S flank of Butser Hill. Go through a gate halfway down and continue to descend the grassy slope before arriving at a gate along the field edge. Go through and up a slight rise; cross over two tracks – following signs for the SDW – and join a slip road to descend under the A3 road bridge.

Looking back to Butser Hill

8 Continue into the QECP car park and pass around to the of the visitor centre and café to continue along the road past parking and picnicking areas. Follow the road as it bends left, climbing gradually. Where the road harpins left, keep on a broad gravel track, passing around a forestry gate. Continue climbing gradually for 1.5km. The track then descends, steadily at first then more steeply, as it swings E and drops through the Kiln Lane car park. Exit the car park and continue over Kiln Lane and onto a minor road.

9 Continue along the winding narrow road with a little up and down, then climb through woods, continuing () at a as the road emerges from the forest and descends a little towards Sunwood Farm. Pass the farm and, shortly after the road bends left, turn sharp onto a broad bridleway track and climb steeply up to Hundred Acres. Continue along a broad track for the next 2km or so, losing and gaining a little height and passing over a onto Forty Acre Lane before arriving at the B2146. Cross the road to continue along bridleway, climbing steeply through woods to arrive at the B2141. Cross the road to rejoin the bridleway and climb steadily to Harting Downs.

10 Continue along the ridge before descending steeply along a chalk track to a gate. Go through and descend a little further to a . Turn with the SDW and climb steeply around the W flank of Beacon Hill. At a turn along the E flank of Beacon Hill, then descend to a and continue to climb steeply up and over Pen Hill. Descend to the edge of woods, bear then keep over a to continue on the SDW. At the next (near Buriton Farm) dogleg then and soon begin climbing, steadily at first, becoming steeper, on chalk track. Keep at a fork shortly before the gradient eases then levels. At the next turn and climb gently around the flank of Treyford Hill. As the SDW bends E, continue along the ridge, over Didling Hill and Linch Ball before descending steeply over Cocking Down on chalk track that gives way to farm road. Pass some livestock sheds before arriving at the A286.

A The nearest train station is Chichester, 14km to the south. By bike, the best option is to ride along the A286 for 6km before joining the Centurion Way cycle route just south of West Dean for the remaining 8km.

ROUTE 2

South Downs Way: Day Two – Cocking to Ditchling Beacon

Start	Cocking Hilltop car park SU 875 167
Finish	Ditchling Beacon car park TQ 333 130
Distance	55.5km (34½ miles)
On Road	4km (2½ miles)
Off Road	51.5km (32 miles)
Percent Off Road	95%
Ascent	1395m (4580ft)
Grade	hard
Time	4hrs 30mins–5hrs 30mins
Pub	The Bluebell at Cocking; The Plough at Pyecombe
Café	Moonlight Cottage at Cocking; Hiker’s Rest at Saddlescombe Farm

Overview

This stage starts with a stiff climb up Manorfarm Down and then takes in five sections of the main South Downs ridge, which are variously intersected by the A285, the Arun Valley, the A24, the Adur Valley and the A23, before the final long, gradual climb to Ditchling Beacon. From the top of Manorfarm Down, the South Downs Way (SDW) traverses the ridge to Crown Tegleaze before descending precipitously to cross the A285, then climbing up and along the ridge to Bignor Hill and descending to the Arun Valley. After crossing the Arun, there is a long on-road then off-road climb to the summit of Amberley Mount; between Amberley Mount and Barnsfarm Hill, the SDW glides along the ridge on excellent tracks with a few minor ups and downs before the long descent to the A24. The very long, very tough climb from the A24 to Chanctonbury Ring is followed by a welcome coast along the ridge and then the descent to the Adur Valley. The long off-road, then on-road climb from the Adur to Truleigh Hill precedes a real rollercoaster ride along excellent chalk tracks taking in Edburton Hill, Perching Hill, Fulking Hill, Devil’s Dyke and West Hill before dropping down to cross the A23 and beginning the stage’s final climb to Ditchling Beacon. There are great views south and east across the Downs to the Channel coast and north across the Weald to the North Downs. The route follows a combination of well-maintained bridleways and byways and minor roads and conditions are generally excellent, although some tracks – especially those across the valleys and declivities – can get a bit churned up in wet weather. There are many pubs, several cafés and a few water points at intervals along the route (see map). Many sections of the SDW are popular with mountain bikers, walkers, horse riders and other users – slow down and give way.

The tough climb to Amberley Mount

Directions

1 From Hilltop car park, cross the road – beware fast-moving traffic – and continue along Hillbarn Lane before beginning to climb steeply up Manorfarm Down. When the gradient eventually eases, continue along the ridge, gaining and losing a little height as the SDW gently rolls along and enters woodlands. The track emerges from woods near Graffham Down and continues gently rolling along before climbing a little across the flank of Crown Tegleaze and entering woodland.

Passing Crown Tegleaze along Graffham Down (photo: Andy Dodd)

2 Emerge from the woods, go through a gate and descend SE (steadily at first becoming steeper) diagonally across fields along Littleton Down. Go through a gate and continue descending steeply to a . Descend on a farm road, passing Littleton Farm to arrive at the A285. Turn onto the road then dogleg onto a track road and continue . The track bends sharp left then right and begins to climb steeply, entering woods. The gradient eases then climbs steadily around the flank of Sutton Down. Continue over a and go through a gate and along a field edge on the flank of Glatting Beacon. Go through another gate, turn then next to continue past a parking area. Fork onto a bridleway and soon begin to climb steadily up and over Bignor Hill.

3 Pass a memorial stone and descend steeply on a flinty chalk track. When the track bends right, slow down, turn sharp at a and continue descending steeply. The track bends right near the bottom and arrives at a near some livestock sheds. Turn then continue past the sheds and climb steadily before contouring along the hillside. Continue at the next and descend to the A29. Turn along a track at the edge of the road for 100m, then cross the road to rejoin the bridleway and descend steeply along a chalk track. After 1km, the track swings right then left and descends to Houghton Lane.

Stane Street Roman road near Bignor Hill

4 Cross the lane, go through a gate and continue across a field to another gate. Go through, turn then and continue across a field to a further gate then bear along the river bank. Continue around to the bridge, cross over, turn then through a gate to leave the river bank. Continue along a track, which bends sharp right and crosses a bridge over a railway line to arrive at the B2139. Turn on a track along the road edge to a crossing, cross over and continue on a track along the road edge, which turns left onto a minor road. Continue to climb steadily along High Titten road. Shortly after the road bends to the right, turn onto a bridleway and climb a short sharp slope to a gate. Go through and continue to climb before the track levels and arrives at a . Continue () to climb very steeply up Amberley Mount on a rutted, grassy chalk track. At the top, go through gates and continue along the ridge on a gradual incline past Rackham Banks and Rackham Hill.

5 Continue along the ridge on a good track crossing Springhead Hill, then lose and gain a little height over Kithurst Hill – watch out for loose gravel on the track – and pass around two gates by Chantry Post car park. Continue over Sullington Hill, go through a gate and fork to climb steadily over Barnsfarm Hill before beginning the long descent across Highden Hill. The track descends to a gate and then continues steeply down a lane, bending sharp right at the bottom before arriving at the A24. Turn along a path next to the road and cross the northbound and southbound carriageways via the central reservation at the obvious point. Cut across a grass bank on a tarmac path and cross a slip road, bearing onto a bridleway track, which soon turns right into a car park. Begin climbing at length, steadily at first but becoming much steeper, up a winding flint and chalk track. The track levels and bends left at a to continue along the ridge, over a cattle grid and past the wooded Iron Age hill fort of Chanctonbury Ring.

6 The track bends SE, descends a little to another cattle grid then descends along a broad, grassy flint track, continuing over a . Continue along the ridge for another 2km before descending fairly steeply over another – beware loose asphalt – to arrive at a minor road. Turn and cross the road and follow the bridleway next to the LH side of the road for 800m, keeping over a . Turn through a gate and descend fairly steeply across a field on a narrow path, before climbing a little then passing through a gate to continue on a narrow path, which eventually merges with a track through arable fields. The track bends right, descends steeply, bends left through a gate and continues along a wooded lane before emerging onto a minor road. Turn and descend along a winding road through Botolphs. Leave the road on a bridleway, which forks left just before the bend by the Church of St Botolph.

7 Continue to the river bank and follow it along to a bridge. Cross the bridge and continue before turning sharp after 200m to emerge at a layby on the A283. Continue along to the end of the layby and cross the road – beware fast-moving traffic – and turn along a path next to the road before turning onto a bridleway. Climb very steeply on a narrow track, eventually arriving at a gate. Go through and continue climbing gradually across a field around the flank of Beeding Hill. Go through a gate and continue across a small parking area to a .

8 Turn onto a minor road and climb steadily along the ridge to Truleigh Hill. The road gives way to a rutted track and passes the YHA, houses, a farm and the communications masts at the top of Truleigh Hill, before descending steeply on a chalk track to a on a saddle. Continue through a gate and climb steeply around Edburton Hill before descending steeply again to another saddle. Go through a gate and climb steeply up and over Perching Hill, then Fulking Hill. Continue through a gate and head across the middle of a field on a trodden path, arriving at a gate after 600m. Go through, cross Devil’s Dyke Road, go through another gate and continue on a slight descent along Summer Down. After 1km, the descent becomes ever steeper – watch out for walkers and horse riders – and bends sharply left before passing through a gate and levelling out to cross a road.