A stone’s throw away from London, the South Downs National Park is the perfect place for walks for anyone wanting to escape the city. From rolling hills trails to coastal paths, passing by picturesque villages, the variety of the landscape is mesmerising. For the best day out and long-lasting memories, go take on a walk on the South side!
At a Glance
In a hurry? No problem. Take a look at the table below summarising the best walks in the South Downs National Park. I go into more detail about these walks in this article.
| Distance | Total Ascent | Duration | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lewes Circular | 15 miles (24 km) | 2067 feet (630 m) | 5 hours 45 min | Intermediate |
| Amberley to Arundel | 9.55 miles (15.4 km) | 777 feet (236 m) | 3 hours 40 min | Easy/ Intermediate |
| The Haunted Hills | 12.24 miles (20 km) | 1204 feet (367 meters) | 4 hours 30 min | Intermediate |
| Devil’s Dyke | 12.1 miles (19.5 km) | 1654 feet (504 m) | 5 hours 10 min | Intermediate |
| Ditchling Beacon | 9.8 miles (15.7 km) | 1010 ft (307.8 m) | 4 hours | Intermediate |
| Seven Sisters | 12.3 miles (19.8 km) | 1539 feet (469 m) | 4 hours 30 min | Intermediate |
| Hassocks to Shoreham | 13.1 miles (21 km) | 1312 feet (393 m) | 5 hours 50 min | Intermediate/ Challenging |
| Devil’s Punch Bowl | 11.62 miles (18.7 km) | 814 feet (248 m) | 4 hours 45 min | Intermediate |
| Winchester Circular | 26.59 miles (42.8 km) | 2495 feet (760.47 m) | 10 hours 40 min | Hard |
What is the South Downs National Park?
The Park
Before we go down the list of the best walks in the South Downs National Park, let’s take a closer look at what this National Park is.
The South Downs National Park is the most recent National Park in England, established in 2010. It stretches over 628 square miles (1627 square kilometres) from Winchester to Eastbourne, covering parts of counties such as Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex.
The park is composed mainly of chalk hills and sandstones. The chalk was formed approximately 100 million years ago when the sea covered the area. Beaches along the coast are perfect for fossils hunting.
Legend
The South Downs is a mystic place with folklore legends based on the Devil and his doing in the region. From the Devil’s Dyke to the Devil’s Punch Bowl passing by the haunted hills of Sussex, there are many ways in which the history of the South Downs is linked to the dark forces.
History
The South Downs National Park site has a rich history. Believed to be settled approximately 5,000 years ago, the South Downs offered the perfect landscape for both farming and defences. During Roman times, many Roman villas were built in the South Downs, some of which are still visible today. Later, the site witnessed the Norman Conquest led by William the Conqueror and beacons were placed across the site to alert in case of an attack.
Fast forward in history, the South Downs played a strategic role during World War II. For example in Cuckmere Haven, by the Seven Sisters Cliff, lights were placed to make the German Air Forces believe they were flying above Newhaven.
Video: Watch the Legend of the Devil’s work in the South Downs National Park
Best South Downs National Park Walks
So now, let’s dive into the best walks in the South Downs National Park.
1 – Lewes Circular
Best for Breathtaking Views
This is a walk to do on a bright day only due to the path being exposed from start to finish. It takes you up and down the 3 hills surrounding the medieval town of Lewes. Enjoy breathtaking views over the River Ouse Valley and from the top of the hills, you can see as far as the sea on a clear day. End in Lewes and roam around the Castle.
- Distance: 15 miles (24km)
- Total Ascent: 630m
- Walking Estimate: 5 hours and 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- How to get there: Train from London Victoria to Lewes. The journey takes 1 hour
- What to pack: Comfortable clothing and footwear, a hairband or beanie to cover your ears as it can get extremely windy, a backpack with water (2litres recommended), snacks and a packed lunch.
- Additional Information: There are no public toilets on this walk
- Pub Stop: There is no pub stop on this walk
Access the full hiking guide here.
Lewes Circular Walk Map
Download the map of this walk by clicking on the button below. To learn how to upload the map on your navigation app, go to the end of this article for more information.
2 – Amberley to Arundel Walk
Best for Christmas Spirit
This is a magical walk, better done during Christmas time. From the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs near Amberley to a gentle stroll following the undulating River Arun, you arrive at the medieval town of Arundel. The town hosts a traditional Christmas Market at the bottom of the Castle on the main square. Get into the magic of Christmas in the South Downs National Park!
Logistics of the Amberley to Arundel Walk
- Distance: 9.55 miles (15.4 km)
- Ascent: 777 feet (236 m)
- Walking Estimate: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate due to the hill at the start. The rest of the walk is pretty flat
- How to get there: Direct train to Amberley from London Victoria. The journey takes 1 hour and 25 minutes. The return from Arundel takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. Both stations are operated by Southern trains so you can book an Arundel anytime return ticket and get off at Amberley.
- What to pack: Comfortable footwear and clothing, gaiters as the path by the Arun River is muddy, water (2L minimum recommended), beanie or headcover as it gets windy at the top of the hill, snack, food, money for the Christmas market and/or the pub
- Additional information: There are no public toilets on this hike, however, there is a pub in Burpham village where you can stop for a drink and toilet break
- Pub Stop: The White Hart
Access the full hiking guide here.
Amberley to Arundel Walk Map
Download the map of this walk by clicking on the button below. To learn how to upload the map on your navigation app, go to the end of this article for more information.
3 – The Haunted Hills of Sussex Walk
Best for fright seekers
The Devil is said to have created Cissbury Ring and Chanctonbury Ring whilst digging the Devil’s Dyke and throwing clods of earth in each direction. And of course, hills created by the Evil himself cannot go without some horror stories and other folklore legends. Will you dare follow me on this walk?
Logistics for the Haunted Hills of Sussex Walk
- Distance: 12.24 miles (20.00 km)
- Total Ascent: 1204 feet (367 meters)
- Walking Estimate: 4 hours and 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- How to get there: Direct trains from London Bridge to Worthing. The journey takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. The tickets are quite expensive so the trick is to book two journeys: London Bridge to Preston Park and then Preston Park to Worthing. Preston Park is on the same train line so you don’t need to get off the train and change, but splitting your train booking in two will save you money (depending on the price on the day you want to go, but it is worth checking if it makes a difference). For the return, take the direct train from Lancing to London Bridge. No need to split your journey for the return the train tickets are more affordable. The journey takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. Lancing and Worthing are not on the same train line so you cannot book an anytime day return.
- What to bring: Gaiters, gaiters, gaiters, waterproofs, waterproofs, waterproofs (ok I am being annoying here but you get the idea). If the weather has not been on the bright side make sure you pack all your rain gear with you and a pair of gaiters as the path can get extremely muddy. Additionally, wear comfortable clothing and footwear, bring water (2L minimum recommended), snacks, packed lunch, head cover, sunscreen and sunglasses if the sun is out, and money for the pub at the end.
- Additional Information: There are no public toilets on this walk
- Pub Stop: There is no pub stop on this walk
Access the full hiking guide here.
Haunted Hills of Sussex Walk Map
Download the map of this walk by clicking on the button below. To learn how to upload the map on your navigation app, go to the end of this article for more information.
4 – Devil’s Dyke Walk
Best for Hills Walk
Another doing of the Devil in the region. As he was jealous of the growing number of churches built in Sussex, the Devil decided to dig a valley and make the churches disappear underwater. This is in summary the legend behind this unexplained landmark of this dry valley between 2 hundred meters high hills. But if you have any other explanation, please let me know!
Logistics of the Devil’s Dyke Walk
- Distance: 12.1 miles (19.5 km)
- Total Ascent: 1654 feet (504 m)
- Highest Point: 673 feet (205 m)
- Walking Estimate: 5 hours and 10 minutes
- Difficulty: Challenging
- How to get there: Trains from Victoria to Hove and then change at Hove for a train to Fishergate. The total journey takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. For the return, take a direct train from Hassocks to London Victoria. As Hassocks and Hove are on the same train line you can buy a day return ticket to Hove.
- What to bring with you: Comfortable clothing and footwear. Make sure you break your shoes before this hike because it involves walking up and down hills. Gaiters if you are doing the walk after a day of rain as the path can get extremely muddy. Headcover, sunscreen and sunglasses if you are doing the walk on a bright day as the route is exposed and it is windy at the top of the hills. Bring an additional layer for staying warm during lunch break as the place is windy. Backpack with water (2L at least recommended), if you have a thermos flask carry a hot drink with you to keep warm during lunch break, identification, and money for the pub at the end.
- Additional Information: There are public toilets at Saddlescombe Farm where we stop for a break
- Pub Stop: Jack & Jill Inn
Access the full hiking guide here.
Devil’s Dyke Walk Map
Download the map of this walk by clicking on the button below. To learn how to upload the map on your navigation app, go to the end of this article for more information.
5 – Ditchling Beacon Walk
Best for Sunset (or Sunrise)
The Ditchling Beacon is the perfect spot for outstanding sunset or sunrise pictures, should the sun make an appearance. With a clear view over the South Downs National Park, the Ditchling Beacon was used to inform Queen Elizabeth I of the arrival of the Spanish Armada. No wonder why it is such a well-thought-after spot for pictures!
Logistics of the Ditchling Beacon Walk
- Distance: 9.8 miles (15.7 km)
- Total Ascent: 1010 ft (307.8 m)
- Highest Point: 814 ft (248 m)
- Walking Estimate: 4 hours
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- How to get there: Direct trains from London Victoria to Lewes. The journey takes 1 hour. For the return journey, take a direct train from Hassocks to London Victoria. The journey takes 55 minutes. Lewes and Hassocks are not on the same train line therefore you would have to buy your inbound and outbound tickets separately.
- What to bring: Comfortable clothing and footwear. Bring a pair of gaiters if it has been raining before the big day as the path can get muddy. Take a headcover with you as it gets windy on the top of the hills. Bring sunscreen and sunglasses if you are going on a sunny day as the path is exposed. Backpack with water (2L minimum recommended), identification and money for the pub at the end.
- Additional Information: There are no public toilets on this walk
- Pub Stop: Jack & Jill Inn
Access the full hiking guide here.
Ditchling Beacon Walk Map
Download the map of this walk by clicking on the button below. To learn how to upload the map on your navigation app, go to the end of this article for more information.
6 – Seven Sisters Cliffs Walks
Best for Coastal Walk
This is the most popular walk in the South Downs National Park. The chalk cliffs of The Seven Sisters, stretching from Seaford to Eastbourne, are a famous British landmark and movie set location. Lace up your hiking boots and up and down the chalk cliffs we go!
Logistics for the Seven Sisters Walk
- Distance: 12.3 miles (19.8 km)
- Total Ascent: 1539 feet (469 m)
- Walking Estimate: 4 hours and 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate / Challenging
- How to get there: Trains from London Victoria to Lewes and change at Lewes for a train to Seaford. The total journey takes around 1 hour and a half depending on how long you need to wait when changing trains. For the return take a direct train from Eastbourne to London Victoria. You won’t be able to book a day-return on this walk as the train back from Eastbourne is not on the same line as Seaford. You, therefore, need to book two separate journeys.
- What to bring with you: Sunscreen, a head cover, sunglasses and a lot a lot a lot of water! As this walk is better done during nice weather days, I recommend that you take with you all that you need when hiking on an exposed path on a sunny day. Wear comfortable footwear and clothing, and don’t forget an additional layer to wear at the end as you will get cold when you stop moving. Bring an additional bottle of water with electrolytes to balance the fluid lost in your body through perspiration. Don’t forget to bring snacks and a packed lunch.
- Additional Information: Public toilets are available at Seaford Beach and Birling Gap
- Pub Stops on the Way
- Cuckmere Inn
- Birling Gap Cafe
- The Tiger’s Inn, East Dean
- The Hiker’s Rest Cafe, East Dean
- Beachy Head Inn
Access the full hiking guide here.
Seven Sisters Walk Map
Download the map of this walk by clicking on the button below. To learn how to upload the map on your navigation app, go to the end of this article for more information.
7 – Hassocks to Shoreham-by-Sea
Best for beach
This is another hike passing by the Devil’s Dyke, but this time ending by the sea. Walk through the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, before joining the River Adur passing in front of the Lancing College. End the walk in the lovely seaside town of Shoreham-by-Sea and head to the beach to dip your toes in the English Channel. Trust me after a long hike, cold water on your feet is all that you need!
Logistics of the Hassocks to Shoreham-by-Sea Walk
- Distance: 13.1 miles (21 km)
- Ascent: 1312 feet (393 m)
- Walking Estimate: 5 hours and 50 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate/Challenging
- How to get there: Day return tickets from London Victoria to Shoreham-by-Sea and get off at Hassocks. The journey from London Victoria to Hassocks takes 55 minutes and the journey back from Shoreham-by-Sea to London Victoria takes 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- What to bring: Comfortable footwear and clothing, hiking poles can be useful, beanie or ear cover as it gets windy on the top of the hills. Head cover, sunscreen and sunglasses as well as your rain gear; it is England after all and the weather can take a turn at any time. A backpack with a minimum of 2 litres of water, snacks, packed lunch, identification and money.
- Additional Information: There are public toilets available at Saddlescombe Farm and customer toilets available at YHA Truleigh Hill Hostel
- Pub Stop: The Crown & Anchor
Access the full hiking guide here.
Hassocks to Shoreham-by-Sea Walk Map
Download the map of this walk by clicking on the button below. To learn how to upload the map on your navigation app, go to the end of this article for more information.
8 – The Devil’s Punch Bowl
Best for Folklore Legends
This is the last of our Devil’s landmarks in the South Downs National Park. As he got disturbed by the break of dawn whilst digging up the Devil’s Dyke, the Devil jumped into Surrey and created the Devil’s Punch Bowl where he landed. But it isn’t it! There are so many other legends and mysteries on this walk from Milford to Haslemere via the National Trust Devil’s Punch Bowl. Will you dare?
Logistic for the Devil’s Punch Bowl Hike
- Distance: 11.62 miles (18.7 km)
- Ascent: 814 feet (248 m)
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Walking Estimate: 4 hours and 45 minutes
- How to get there: Direct trains from Waterloo to Milford. The journey takes 1 hour. Milford and Haslemere are on the same line so you can book an anytime day return to Haslemere and get off at Milford. The return journey takes 1 hour and 10 minutes. For those who prefer to drive, please note that as this is a linear walk you would need to take the train back from Haslemere to Milford for 2 stops. Moreover, the train stops at Milford if it is not a fast train to Waterloo, which might be inconvenient.
- What to pack: Comfortable clothing and footwear, gaiters, gaiters, gaiters (did I say gaiters?) as the path is extremely muddy, trekking poles for the climb and also to assess how deep the mud puddles are, headcover as it gets windy at the top of the hill, snack, packed lunch, money for the stop at the National Trust Coffee Shop and the pub at the end
- Additional Information: There are public toilets at the National Trust Devil’s Punch Bowl site
- Pub Stop: The Swan Inn
Access the full hiking guide here.
Devil’s Punch Bowl Walk Map
Download the map of this walk by clicking on the button below. To learn how to upload the map on your navigation app, go to the end of this article for more information.
9 – Winchester Circular
Best for challenge seekers
This is the hardest of this selection of walks in the South Downs National Park. This hike marathon takes you up and down the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs around Winchester. If you are an experienced hiker and you are looking for a challenge, this is exactly what you need!
Logistics for the Winchester Circular Walk
- Distance: 26.59 miles (42.8 km)
- Total Ascent: 2495 feet (760.47 m)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Walking Estimate: 10 hours and 40 minutes at an average speed of 4.11km/hour
- How to get there: Train from Waterloo Station direct to Winchester Station. The journey takes just under an hour.
- What to pack: A lot! Comfortable clothing and footwear. As you will be walking a long-distance hike and climbing hills, make sure you break your shoes before to avoid foot pain. Water, at least 3 litres recommended, and to keep yourself hydrated add electrolytes. Sunscreen and a headcover if you are going on a nice day as a lot of parts of this walk are exposed. In terms of food, you need to carry with you snacks that are high in carbs such as dried fruits, bananas and dates. Bring fruit cakes for after you finish as they contain proteins that help with the recovery. Finally, bring a bottle of full-fat Coca-Cola to drink during the afternoon for a quick release of energy when you start feeling tired.
- Additional information: The only public toilets are in Owslebury Village Hall but there are not always open
- Pub Stop: There is no pub stop on this walk
Access the full hiking guide here.
Winchester Circular Walk Map
Download the map of this walk by clicking on the button below. To learn how to upload the map on your navigation app, go to the end of this article for more information.
Final Thoughts on the Best South Downs National Park Walks
Maps of the Best South Downs National Park Walks
To access all the maps, please check the Map page here.
Once you have downloaded the file, learn how to upload it on your navigation app by following my step-by-step guide here.
Other Walks
If you are looking for more walks accessible from London, why not check the North Downs Way? This trail running from Farnham to Dover and passing by places such as Guildford or Dorking is also a famous route in England. Here are some walks covering part of the North Downs Way to inspire you.
And you, what are your favourite South Downs National Park walks? Let me know in the comments below.
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