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Best trails in South Downs National Park

Best trails in South Downs National Park

4.4(76,684 reviews)

·

England
#5 of 10 national parks

Want to find the best trails in South Downs National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 1,044 great trails for walking, hiking, and birding and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 209 easy hiking trails in South Downs National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 26 to 24,845 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to South Downs National Park.

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Trail reviews for South Downs National Park

76,380 trailgoers Busiest in May
Jun 28, 2025Hiking

4th stage of South Downs Way route.

Difficulty: Moderate
Old Winchester Hill Circular
Jun 28, 2025Mountain biking
Not crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

A hard hilly walk with some great views from the 5 ‘peaks’ , the South Downs Way is quite busy as ever and quite a bit of walking in town in and out of Hove but that’s to be expected due to the start finish point!

Conditions: Dry ground
Brighton and Hove Five Peaks
Jun 28, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableDog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

An east nice walk with great views over the South Downs.

Conditions: Well maintained
Long Man of Willmington and Alfriston Circular
Apr 18, 2025Hiking
Dog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

Lovely walk over the South Downs and into the historic town of Lewes. A steep incline to start, followed by a flat and slightly downhill stroll into town. Beautiful views of Sussex, with farmland and horses.

Nevill to Black Cap
Jun 22, 2025Walking
Not crowdedGreat views

The start is very steep, as a heads up, but after that nice straight along the South Downs way. We adapted to start in Graffham, very much recommend the Unicorn Inn for a pint and a pit stop, great food!

Conditions: Overgrown, Dry ground
Heyshott Down and Graffham Down Circular
Jun 17, 2025Walking
Not crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Not to be corny but the view from the top of the South Downs Way is breathtakingly gorgeous!

Iford Circular
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in South Downs National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in South Downs National Park is Seaford to Eastbourne, which has a 4.8 star rating from 1,812 reviews. This trail is 13.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,761 ft.

What is the longest trail in South Downs National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in South Downs National Park is Old Way Complete. This trail is estimated to be 235.9 mi long.

How many trails are in South Downs National Park?

There are 1,044 trails in South Downs National Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 76,684 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in South Downs National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, South Downs National Park has you covered. Old Way Complete boasts the most elevation gain with 24,845 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Wessex 100 Circular Walk, which will get you 15,209 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in South Downs National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 69 camping trails in South Downs National Park and the most popular is Seven Sisters and Friston Forest Circular with an average 4.8 star rating from 1,965 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in South Downs National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 886 running trails in South Downs National Park and the most popular is Seaford to Eastbourne with an average 4.8 star rating from 1,812 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in South Downs National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 264 biking trails in South Downs National Park and the most popular is Seaford to Eastbourne with an average 4.8 star rating from 1,812 community reviews.

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