South Downs Way — Sections 1–3: Winchester to Buriton
~3 days · 25 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the South Downs Way — Sections 1–3: Winchester to Buriton is known for
Sections 1–3 of South Downs Way is an official 44.2 km point-to-point section from Winchester trail terminus (OSM node 4456879690) to Buriton trail node (OSM node 59428918).
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 377 ft to 2,628 ft over 25 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 12.4 mi · 50%
- Downhill 7.1 mi · 29%
- Flat 5.2 mi · 21%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the South Downs Way — Sections 1–3: Winchester to Buriton?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the South Downs Way — Sections 1–3: Winchester to Buriton scores 12/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the South Downs Way — Sections 1–3: Winchester to Buriton take?
Most backpackers hike the South Downs Way — Sections 1–3: Winchester to Buriton in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 25 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the South Downs Way — Sections 1–3: Winchester to Buriton?
The South Downs Way — Sections 1–3: Winchester to Buriton climbs roughly 2,500 ft total — about 100 ft per mile, topping out near 810 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.