Walks in the South Downs National Park : 40 circular day walks including Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters

Wander through wildflower meadows and ancient woodlands, past Iron Age hillforts, picturesque villages with thatched cottages, and sweeping headlands with breathtaking sea views. With open grassland, historic estates, and the sound of skylarks overhead, the South Downs National Park offers some of the most rewarding walking in southern England.

This collection features 40 circular day walks ranging from 8 to 18km (5–11 miles), each designed to be completed in a half or full day. Ideal for walkers of all abilities, the routes begin and end at accessible locations, many served by public transport, making it easy to set out from Brighton, Worthing, Chichester, or Winchester. Whether you're seeking an easy ramble along chalk tracks or a more challenging outing over high ridges, these walks reveal the best of the Downs, its wildlife, history, and ever-changing views.

Each route includes a 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey map extract, route summary, start and finish points, estimated walking time, and practical information on public transport, car parking, local pubs, and accommodation. Discover local history and points of interest with walks linking ancient churches, prehistoric sites, charming villages such as Alfriston, Glynde, Amberley, and Cheriton, and historic estates like Firle and Goodwood. From the iconic white cliffs of Beachy Head and the undulating Seven Sisters to the windswept summit of Ditchling Beacon and the mysterious Long Man of Wilmington, explore the highlights of the South Downs on foot, in every season and at your own pace.