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Best trails in South Downs National Park

Best trails in South Downs National Park

4.4(82,150 reviews)

·

England
#5 of 10 national parks

The South Down National Park is one of the UK's newest national parks and is a popular destination year round. The national park covers the chalk hills of the South Downs (which on the English Channel coast form the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head) and a substantial part of a separate physiographic region, the western Weald, with its heavily wooded sandstone and clay hills and vales. The South Downs Way spans the entire length of the park and is the only National Trail that lies wholly within a national park. The park also offers stunning views, walking and many opportunities for cycling.

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Trail reviews for South Downs National Park

84,316 trailgoers Busiest in May
Aug 24, 2025Hiking
Not crowdedGreat views

A lovely amble along easy paths through the villages in the South Downs national park close to Winchester.

Difficulty: Easy
Winchester and Itchen Abbas Circular
Aug 24, 2025Hiking
Not crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Beautiful views of the South Downs and Arundel Castle plus a great stop at The Black Rabbit on a sunny day!

Arundel River Circular
Aug 24, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Great trail - beauty or the Hampshire South Downs all the way round

Parking: Free, Medium lot
Meon Valley and Old Winchester Hill Circular
Aug 17, 2025Hiking
Great conditionsGreat views

Spectacular - easy and short enough for casual walkers like me, if you can make it up the initial climb (nah, it's not really that bad and at least you've got it out of the way). As you'd expect from the South Downs Way, it has a bit of everything: views (incl of the sea), woodland, climb, descent, flowers, animals. Very enjoyable. Would have been even nicer with a well placed pub en route but I guess you can't have everything.

Hassocks to Lewes
Aug 16, 2025
Not crowdedDog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

Stunning South Downs views, massive poppy field roughly in the middle of the hike, lots of sheep, cows and horses. The scenery is so worth the effort! Having trekking poles is a plus, as there is a steep incline or two.

Brighton to Lewes
Aug 12, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableDog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

A beautiful circular walk starting and finishing at the old Winchester mill house. The walk takes in parts of the South Downs Way, the Itchen river trail, and the Hockley rail viaduct. The tail has well made paths along the Itchen river and chalk streams. There is an optional diversion up to St Catherine's Hill for the more adventurous, with stunning views across Winchester and the surrounding countryside.

Winchester Cathedral and St. Catherine Hill Circular
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in South Downs National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in South Downs National Park is Seaford to Eastbourne, which has a 4.8 star rating from 2,039 reviews. This trail is 13.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,761 ft.

What is the longest trail in South Downs National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in South Downs National Park is Old Way Complete. This trail is estimated to be 235.9 mi long.

How many trails are in South Downs National Park?

There are 1,057 trails in South Downs National Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 82,150 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in South Downs National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, South Downs National Park has you covered. Old Way Complete boasts the most elevation gain with 24,845 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Wessex 100 Circular Walk, which will get you 15,209 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in South Downs National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 69 camping trails in South Downs National Park and the most popular is Seven Sisters and Friston Forest Circular with an average 4.8 star rating from 2,198 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in South Downs National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 896 running trails in South Downs National Park and the most popular is Seaford to Eastbourne with an average 4.8 star rating from 2,039 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in South Downs National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 261 biking trails in South Downs National Park and the most popular is Seaford to Eastbourne with an average 4.8 star rating from 2,039 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in South Downs National Park?

Yes, there are 587 trails with scenic mountain peak views in South Downs National Park, including Seaford to Eastbourne, Seven Sisters and Friston Forest Circular, Seven Sisters, Beacon Hill and Exton Circular, and Eastbourne to Exceat.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in South Downs National Park?

Are there any trails with archaeological sites in South Downs National Park?

Are there any trails with ponds in South Downs National Park?

Are there any trails with rivers in South Downs National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in South Downs National Park?

Yes, there are 120 trails with scenic viewpoints in South Downs National Park, including Seaford to Eastbourne, Seven Sisters and Friston Forest Circular, Seven Sisters, Seven Sisters and Seaford, and Devil's Dyke and Poynings Circular.

Are there any trails with cliffs in South Downs National Park?

Yes, there are 59 trails with cliffs in South Downs National Park, including Seaford to Eastbourne, Seven Sisters and Friston Forest Circular, Seven Sisters, Seven Sisters and Seaford, and Eastbourne to Exceat.

Are there any trails with castles in South Downs National Park?

Are there any trails with huts in South Downs National Park?

Are there any trails with historical ruins in South Downs National Park?

Are there any trails with lakes in South Downs National Park?

Are there any trails with springs in South Downs National Park?

Are there any trails with historical monuments in South Downs National Park?

Are there any trails with beaches in South Downs National Park?

Yes, there are 36 trails with beaches in South Downs National Park, including Seaford to Eastbourne, Seven Sisters and Seaford, Seaford to East Dean, The Slater Trail Circular, and Undercliff Walk.

Are there any trails with picnic areas in South Downs National Park?

Are there any trails with forts in South Downs National Park?

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