About this area
South Downs Way
The South Downs Way is a long distance footpath and bridleway running along the South Downs in southern England. It is one of 16 National Trails in England and Wales. The trail runs for 160 km (100 mi) from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex, with about 4,150 m (13,620 ft) of ascent and descent. In 2016, over 60,000 people passed a single trail point.
Place data from OpenStreetMap contributors. Always verify access rights and seasonal closures before travelling.
🥾 Walking & Footpaths — complete guide
🥾 WALKING & FOOTPATHS IN THE UK
England and Wales have over 140,000 miles of public rights of way — more than any country in Europe. Footpaths, bridleways and byways criss-cross the entire country, connecting villages, coastline, moorland and mountain.
Key facts
- 140,000+ miles of public rights of way in England & Wales
- The Pennine Way (268 miles) was Britain's first long distance trail, opened 1965
- OS maps show footpaths in yellow, bridleways in blue, byways in red
- You can walk on any footpath regardless of what the land is used for
Top spots in the UK
Pennine Way — 268 miles from Edale to Kirk Yetholm
South West Coast Path — 630 miles of coastal walking
Hadrian's Wall Path — 84 miles of Roman history
Offa's Dyke Path — England-Wales border, 177 miles
Cleveland Way — 110 miles through North York Moors
Essential kit
Waterproof jacket and trousers — the UK weather is unpredictable
OS 1:25,000 Explorer map for your area
Proper walking boots with ankle support
Spare warm layer even in summer
First aid kit and whistle
Access & legal
Public footpaths are legal to use in England and Wales regardless of landowner preference. You have the right to follow the defined path. You do not have the right to walk on open farmland unless on a designated path or access land.
Adventure footage
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Local conditions
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13°C
Feels like 12°C
Overcast
Wind 10 km/h · Humidity 97%
Wind
10 km/h
Humidity
97%
Feels Like
12°
Sunrise
🌅 05:29
Sunset
🌇 20:22
Sun
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15°/11°
1.1mm
Mon
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16°/10°
0.0mm
Tue
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16°/10°
0.0mm
Wed
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13°/10°
0.0mm
Thu
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14°/10°
0.0mm
Nearby Walking & Footpaths points
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1.8 km
information
1.8 km
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