England

South Downs Way official sections

9 official sections, spread across a 5–10-day itinerary.

Official sections by distance, walking time, and ascent
SectionDistanceTimeAscent
Section 1Winchester to Beacon HillCheesefoot Head, the view to the Isle of Wight, then high tracks to the reserve.11.3 mi18.1 km5–6 h320 m1,050 ft
Section 2Beacon Hill to Old Winchester HillA steep drop into Exton, then the climb to an Iron Age fort.3.7 mi5.9 km1–2 h140 m450 ft
Section 3Old Winchester Hill to BuritonButser Hill, the highest point on the Way, then the drop to Buriton.10.5 mi16.9 km4–5 h340 m1,100 ft
Section 4Buriton to Cocking HillHarting Down and the Devil's Jumps, then the drop toward Cocking.10.0 mi16.1 km4–5 h370 m1,200 ft
Section 5Cocking Hill to AmberleyCharlton Forest and Bignor Hill, then Amberley at the halfway point.13.0 mi20.9 km5–6 h380 m1,250 ft
Section 6Amberley to River AdurAmberley Mount, Chanctonbury Ring, and Steyning before the river.11.9 mi19.1 km5–6 h340 m1,100 ft
Section 7River Adur to River OuseDevil's Dyke, Ditchling Beacon, and the ridge above Brighton.21.9 mi35.3 km10–11 h840 m2,750 ft
Section 8River Ouse to AlfristonSeals in the Ouse, then the open crest over Firle Beacon.7.0 mi11.3 km3–4 h260 m850 ft
Section 9Alfriston to EastbourneThe Seven Sisters and Beachy Head, on the footpath, not the bridleway.11.4 mi18.3 km5–6 h580 m1,900 ft

Distances and ascent follow the trail's GPS route. Walking time is a range. A section can take more than one walking day.

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