South Downs Way
~9 days · 101.4 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the South Downs Way is known for
The South Downs Way runs 101 miles (163 km) from Winchester to Eastbourne over the chalk downs. This whole-trail itinerary follows OpenStreetMap relation 77976 (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); official length and section scheme are published by National Trails.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 23 ft to 2,507 ft over 101.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 41.0 mi · 40%
- Downhill 45.3 mi · 45%
- Flat 15.1 mi · 15%
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?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the South Downs Way scores 31/100, 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 take?
Most backpackers hike the South Downs Way in about 9 days (8 nights out) over its 101.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the South Downs Way?
The South Downs Way climbs roughly 11,709 ft total — about 115 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.