Walk the South Downs

5.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
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 Trip Length
4 Days
 Trip Starts
Bramber
 Trip Finishes
Bramber
4 Day Walk the South Downs Itinerary (Explore)
Countries Explored: England
Trip Style
Walk & Trek
Accommodation
Comfortable
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Moderate
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
WSD

Overview

Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Explore's 4 Day Walk the South Downs. A short break with beautiful walks and panoramic views exploring the South Downs National Park. From our comfortable hotel in Bramber we walk through pretty villages and rolling landscapes which have inspired literary greats such as Jane Austen, Virginia Woolf and the Bloomsbury set.

Itinerary

Arrive in the small village of Bramber, conveniently located near the South Downs National Park. Check in is possible from 3pm. There is a car park for hotel guests. If arriving by train, Pulborough Station is 25 minutes away by taxi and Shoreham-by-Sea is 10 minutes away. The hotel will be able to provide picnic lunches and the nearest shops are located close by in Steyning. Please note that during Covid there will not be a mini-bar fridge in your room.

The Tour Leader plans to meet you in reception at 6pm for the introductory briefing, followed by the option to enjoy a group meal (not included) to get acquainted with your fellow guests. Stay: Old Tollgate Hotel & Restaurant (Comfortable)

We start our first walk after breakfast directly from the hotel, heading quickly into Steyning Bowl and onto the Downs. We follow the paths of the Monarch's Way and the South Downs Way towards Chanctonbury Ring. The South Downs way is an ancient footpath and Chanctonbury Hill marks the site of a pre-historic hill fort dating back to the late Bronze or early Iron Age. We explore this small site with views of the North Downs, the Weald and the English Channel. The afternoon offers a choice of routes that lead to the beautiful rural town of Steyning, which dates back to Anglo-Saxon times. We then take the short walk to the hotel in Bramber. In the early evening there will be a small wine tasting event, sampling Sussex wines.

Today's moderately-graded walk will take approximately 7 hours and will cover a distance of 19 kilometres with a total ascent of 620m and 620m descent. Stay: Old Tollgate Hotel & Restaurant (Comfortable) (B)

After breakfast we travel by vehicle the short distance to a vineyard near Ditchling. Nestled below the South Downs, we visit the vineyard and learn about the vines and wine making. We then walk up to Ditchling Beacon - once the site of an Iron Age hillfort - which is one of the highest points on the South Downs at 248m. We hike all day along the South Downs Way in a westerly direction. We pass the Jack and Jill windmills at Clayton and pass the Devil's Dyke; a 100m deep V-shaped valley, with stunning views north towards the Sussex Weald. After around two and a half hours we leave the South Downs with a descent that leads to the River Adur and our hotel. Today's moderately-graded walk will take approximately 7 hours and will cover a distance of 21 kilometres with a total ascent of 620m and 720m descent. Stay: Old Tollgate Hotel & Restaurant (Comfortable) (B)

To make the most of this short break we have planned a walk today ending at around 2:30pm. You will need to check out of your room before the walk starts and can store luggage at the hotel. Today's circular walk retraces our steps through the village to the River Adur. We then follow the river path for about 6km towards the coast before heading west walking up to Lancing Hill for far-reaching sea views and the impressive and imposing Lancing College. The austere Gothic revival style college chapel built in 1868 is the largest school chapel in the world. Next we head north away from the coast up to Steep Down and to Annington Hill before finally descending back to our hotel in Bramber. We aim to end the walk by 2:30pm, so you will be free to head home or explore the area further yourselves.

Today's moderately-graded walk will take approximately 5 hours and will cover a distance of 19 kilometres with a total ascent of 300m and 300m descent. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • South Downs National Park beautiful walks and panoramic views
  • Comfortable hotel base in charming Bramber village
  • Sussex winery guided tour with tasting

  • For those who are fit and active, these moderate walks are normally on good paths and tracks at low altitude.
  • Days may include some fairly demanding ascents and descents, so previous experience is preferable but not essential.

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified.
  • Flights not specified are not included
About Explore!
About Explore!

Launching in 1981, Explore offer trips from over 130 countries - from classic small group tours. Read more

Explore Leaders
Explore Leaders

Explore's leaders are more than just your typical guide. They're your local expert are are passionate about sharing their expertise with you. Read more

Where do we Stay?
Where do we Stay?

The places Explore stay are every bit as important as the sights they visit and the things you do. Read more

Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Walk the South Downs' Reviews

5.0
AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
1 Review
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1 Star
Great Short Break 0 , United Kingdom, Sep 2020
Explore adjusted the trip shortly before departure to accommodate the rule of six. Our group of 15 was split into 3 groups of 5 plus a leader in each group. It meant Explore had to provide an additional two leaders but this ensured the trip ran as safely as possible. We saw the other groups out on the walks and there was cheerful banter between us although ...read more we never mixed. It was great to be out on the road with Explore again albeit in strange circumstances. They did everything possible for the trip to run smoothly and safely, while complying with all the current guidelines. The walks were really enjoyable. They were mostly undulating with varied scenery. Would recommend this trip as a good short break in the UK.

Brochure

Small Group Adventures

Explore Small Group Adventures (2023-24)

From big wows to hidden gems, our tours leave you feeling that you’ve really explored. We’ll take you closer to the country, its culture and people, often in spontaneous, impossible-to-replicate ways. You’ll come home having seen and experienced the destination in a way that others might never have. We’ve been leading tours to extraordinary destinations...more all over the world for more than 40 years. There’s a reason why 98% of customers say they’d book with us again.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Explore. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Explore. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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