The South Downs Way Route
The South Downs Way is 100 miles (60km) long and is classified as an area of outstanding natural beauty - a rarity in South East England. There are about 4150 m (13600 feet) of ascent and descent regardless of your direction of travel.
Generally the South Downs Way follows the chalk (soft limestone) ridge just to the north of the Sussex and Hampshire coastal region.The start point is Winchester and the end point is Eastbourne. The route can be divided into two convenient sections. The west section runs from Winchester to Amberley. The east section runs from Amberley to Eastbourne. There are five main rivers that break the ridge - the Meon, the Arun, the Adur, the Ouse and the Cuckmere.
Most of the South Downs Way is ancient and consists of the old paths that linked the towns and villages along the route. These days, the paths mostly runs on well used farm tracks and they are unlikely to be muddy.
Highest point on the South Downs: Ditchling Beacon 248m (814ft)