Walking the South Downs Way - Amberley to Eastbourne

Summary

The eastern half of the South Downs Way is the second half of one of England's greatest long-distance trails. From the picturesque village of Amberley, nestled beneath the downs in the Arun Valley, we follow the chalk ridge eastwards through some of the most celebrated landscapes in southern England before reaching the coast and following it into Eastbourne.

Based throughout in Eastbourne, we use daily transfers to access each stage of the route, allowing us to enjoy the walk carrying only a daypack and returning each evening to comfortable accommodation. As we progress eastwards, the character of the South Downs gradually changes. The broad ridges and wooded escarpments of the west give way to expansive open downland, sweeping coastal views and some of the National Park's most iconic landmarks.

Among the highlights is Chanctonbury Ring, an ancient Iron Age hillfort crowned by its distinctive ring of beech trees and offering magnificent views across the Weald. Further east, we encounter Devil's Dyke, one of Britain's most impressive dry valleys, whose dramatic scenery has been attracting visitors for centuries. Continuing along the high ridge above Brighton, we reach Ditchling Beacon, one of the highest points on the eastern Downs and renowned for its far-reaching panoramas across Sussex and the English Channel.

The South Downs are home to some of Britain's finest chalk grassland habitats and support a rich variety of wildflowers, butterflies and birdlife. Flower-rich slopes, traditional grazing land and rolling hills create a landscape of exceptional beauty and ecological importance. Accompanied throughout by an expert Naturetrek leader we will see many of these natural treasures along the way.

The journey reaches a memorable climax in the beautiful Cuckmere Valley before climbing onto the soaring white cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. Here, with the Channel stretching to the horizon below, we complete our walk at Eastbourne, bringing to a close an unforgettable exploration of one of England's most cherished landscapes.