England
South Downs Way itineraries
Most people start with the 8-day plan. We publish 5–10 walking days.
| Plan | Average | Longest day |
|---|---|---|
 5 days Challenge The cliffs sit on the last day, with nights at the Sustainability Centre, Cocking, Steyning and Housedean. | 20.1 mi 32.4 km | 24.7 mi 39.8 km |
| 6 days Express Stops at East Meon, Amberley and Pyecombe, and leaves the cliffs as their own short last day. | 16.8 mi 27 km | 21.4 mi 34.5 km |
| 7 days Compact One night at East Meon replaces Exton and Buriton, so Butser sits inside the walk to Cocking. | 14.4 mi 23.1 km | 18.4 mi 29.7 km |
| 8 days Classic Usual start The usual first walk, with Devil's Dyke on the day into Lewes and the cliffs the day after. | 12.6 mi 20.3 km | 17.7 mi 28.4 km |
| 9 days Relaxed Adds a night at Pyecombe, which splits the walk from Steyning to Lewes. | 11.2 mi 18 km | 14.3 mi 23.1 km |
| 10 days Leisurely Starts at Meonstoke, adds East Meon, and stops at Poynings under Devil's Dyke. | 10.1 mi 16.2 km | 14.3 mi 23.1 km |
Distances follow the trail's GPS route. Walking to your stay adds extra distance. A shorter plan is the same route with nights joined.