Let’s play word association…

We say “South Downs” and what’s the very next word that comes to you?

Is it “Way”?

We’re not surprised!

And with good reason. The South Downs Way has been an epic pilgrimage for over 50 years, and a mainstay of the Marmalade calendar for over six. Suggest the South Downs Way to your biking buddies and conversation often turns to a three day plan (two if you’re sporty, one if you’re super-sporty) that will take you all the way from Winchester to Eastbourne.

But here’s the thing: much as we love the South Downs Way (and we do, or we wouldn’t keep returning!), we wonder if sometimes, in the excitement of planning and pacing a 100-miler, it’s easy to get distracted from simply enjoying the locations and sights that you encounter along the route: the lovely villages, ancient history and natural landmarks that make this part of the world so special.

So here, as a very quick overview, are 12 places we love when we ride the South Downs Way – whether as a three-dayer, or simply when we enjoy a day ride on part of the route:

Western stage
(Winchester to Chichester)

1. Winchester

This beautiful city is more than just the starting point for the South Downs Way: it’s the former capital of England, and full of history.

2. Beacon Hill

The Meon, sparkling with its world-renowned chalk springs, is the first of many river valleys crossed by the South Downs Way, and Beacon Hill is the first place of the route you get to enjoy a view down over this charming area of Hampshire. On a clear day, look across the Solent to the Isle of Wight to really get a sense of scale as you traverse the county.

3. Butser Hill

This is the highest point on the South Downs Way! But the good news is that there’s a gradual climb up from the west before a supremely fun grassy swoop down into Queen Elizabeth Country Park to the east. If you’re riding east to west? Good luck!

4. Harting Down

As we enter West Sussex, we encounter the first distinct ridge of the South Downs Way route. It’s an amazing vista and a chance to cruise along at height, enjoying an elevated view over the national park. Get your timing right and the evening light as you descend to Cocking, north of Chichester, paints a beautiful picture.

To enjoy these sights of the South Downs Way’s western stage, we recommend our South Downs Way ‘West’ day ride on 27 April or 24 August, or look forward to day 1 of our 3-day SDW weekender.

Central stage
(Chichester to Brighton)

5. Roman roads

As you pass Chichester and Arundel to the south, look out for signs of the area’s important Roman history like Bignor Villa. And if you see a sign for ‘Noviomagus’? You’re on Stane Street, linking London with the Roman city that would become Chichester.

6. Grand estates

Much of this area lies in the stewardship of estates who manage the land sustainably. As you ride through estates like Slindon and Wiston, watch for buzzards flying overhead as deer wander through woodland.

7. Chanctonbury Ring

Once a prehistoric hill fort, then a Roman temple, and in recent years a beauty spot marked by a ring of beech trees, the view from Chanctonbury Ring looks down over the Adur Valley towards Brighton and beyond.

8. Devil’s Dyke

Legend has it the Devil once dug a trench to flood the Sussex Weald with seawater and punish the Christian people. In Victorian days, Devil’s Dyke became a tourist attraction, with fairgrounds and funicular railways. Today, the Dyke remains an unmistakable landmark, a popular spot for paragliding, and a superb vantage point over the Weald to the north.

To enjoy these sights of the South Downs Way’s central stage, we recommend our South Downs Way ‘Central’ day ride on 17 May or 13 September, or look forward to day 2 of our 3-day SDW weekender.

Eastern stage
(Brighton to Eastbourne)

This third stage of the South Downs Way is possibly the most celebrated – not only for its specific waypoints but for its landscape, its views and the glorious pleasure of its sustained ridgelines. Nevertheless, certain spots are worth looking out for. Here are some of our favourites…

9. Ditchling Beacon

Ever cycled from London to Brighton? If so, it’s likely you’ll have tackled Ditchling Beacon, a formidable road climb north of Brighton. The South Downs Way spares you this feat, as you roll past the Beacon atop an almighty ridge. Grab an ice cream and admire the view, while the bold roadies sweat it up the tarmac!

10. Lewes

Soon after you pass Brighton to the south of the South Downs’ ridge, another significant settlement comes into view to your north. At this point, you are looking down on Lewes – a Sussex town brimming with history, culture and things to do. Lewes is the home of world-famous Bonfire Night celebrations, of revolutionary philosopher Thomas Payne, and of Harvey’s – one of England’s oldest breweries. The South Downs Way doesn’t pass directly though Lewes, but it’s somewhere to consider for your journey home, or for a detour if you’re riding solo.

11. Alfriston

Some say this is the most picturesque of the South Downs Way’s villages, and who are we to argue? Alfriston really is a charming spot, with medieval buildings, cafés and a church that has been dubbed ‘the Cathedral of the Downs’, sitting beside the meandering River Cuckmere.

12. Eastbourne

The Downs meet the sea in this archetypal English seaside resort with its historic air. Relax on the beach beside famous white cliffs or seek out one of Eastbourne’s up-and-coming restaurants or pubs to celebrate the completion of your big day out on the south of England’s stunning hills.

To enjoy these sights of the South Downs Way’s eastern stage, we recommend our South Downs Way ‘East’ day ride on 21 June or 11 October, or look forward to day 3 of our 3-day SDW weekender.

Day ride information

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