Day hikes and micro-adventures on the South Downs Way
Stretching 100 miles from Winchester, Hampshire, the South Downs Way is an epic English hiking trail that takes you through the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park all the way to Eastbourne.
While the full route takes around 8 days to complete, there are plenty of day hikes and micro adventures that you can make along the way.
In this blog we take a look at some of the hikes easily accessible from The Grain Store Lewes - your gateway to the South Downs National Park.
A brief introduction to the South Downs Way
The South Downs Way is an iconic 100 mile long stretch of walkways that runs from Winchester, Hampshire to Eastbourne, East Sussex through the South Downs National Park.
One of 16 National Trails in the UK, the South Downs Way has become somewhat of a pilgrimage and right of way for hiking enthusiasts - attracting millions of people each year. Hikers pass through a vast and varied landscape that takes in sweeping farming fields bursting with colour and life, magical woodlands, quaint country villages and of course the magnificent chalk cliffs at Beachy Head.
For those who want to get straight into the adventure
It’s not often you can step out the front door and straight onto a popular hiking path, but there are several routes starting directly from The Grain Store. One of our favourite routes is Housedean Farm to Southease.
This challenging 8.5 mile hike will take you on a journey through history as well as nature. You can enjoy medieval paintings in Southease Church and get a glimpse of the famous Monks House, a National Trust property that was once the proud home of Virginia and Leonard Woolf. It is from there that Virginia penned her Diaries in which she wrote about the great beauty of the Downs.
Once you reach Southease you can take a short bus ride back to Lewes or circle back if you’re feeling energetic and watch the sunset on the Downs.
For more info, see walk number 10 in the South Downs Guide from the National Trail.
The Grain Store Circular Walk
Another lovely route that starts (and finishes) directly from the Grain Store, is the aptly named Grain Store Walk. This scenic 6 mile loop runs via Falmer and Balsdean Bottom, one of East Sussex’s ‘lost villages’.
On a clear day, expect views of the stunning south coast sea and views across the Weald.
For those who love the coast
Oh we do like to be beside the seaside and the Heritage Coastal Trail is one of the most stunning coastal walks in the UK. From Lewes, a short and picturesque 20 minute train ride will take you to your starting point in Seaford.
From Seaford, you’ll take a 5 mile casual walk over the Downs and to the stunning and breathtaking chalk cliffs that stretch from Beachy Head to Birling Gap. This offers a short and accessible glimpse of the longer Seven Sisters trail, which extends all the way to Eastbourne. Along the way, expect amazing views including the Belle Tout lighthouse, a great spot for some Instagram worthy photos.
There’s an optional 2.1 mile route to the starting point or you can finish the route at the Tiger Inn before taking a bus back to Seaford and on to Lewes.
For those who want to discover local stories
New to 2020 is an exciting discovery trail designed to introduce visitors to the local farmers who care for and nurture the land, for all of us to enjoy.
The Meet the Farmers trail consists of 12 innovative ‘watching & listening posts’ where visitors can view short films in which farmers share their stories. Walkers can watch the films by simply holding a phone (with NFC function or a QR code reader) over the picture on a designated post to reveal the person responsible for caring for and working on that stretch of land.
The Meet the Farmer posts can be found on public rights of way between the Arun and Adur rivers. How many will you find on your visit to the Downs?
For those who like a challenge
Proving that the South Downs has something for everyone, is The Glynde and Mount Caburn Walk which will appeal to the more seasoned hiker.
This 10.5km hike covers a total elevation of 277m as you climb from the quaint village of Glynde up to the top of Mount Caburn. The rewards are worth the effort. From the top, you have panoramic views across the South Downs where you might catch a glimpse of paragliders enjoying the bird’s eye view.
After working up an appetite, call into the Little Cottage Tearoom and choose from their wide selection of cakes and drinks for a well-earned afternoon treat.
More information and resources
You will find lots of information on our plan your visit page, which includes advice on things to do in Lewes and Brighton, sporty days, rainy days, family days and more.
You may also find the following helpful:
South Downs National Park website for official advice and information about the Park, including important updates
South Downs Way Discovery Map provides more walking and cycle routes as well as other points of local interest.
For more information on some of the best walking routes, check out 10 Adventures - Best Hikes in the South Downs.
Learn more about the Meet the Farmers discovery trail.
A virtual tour with a South Downs Ranger
South Downs Ranger Rachel Johnson takes you on a virtual walk in the South Downs National Park. Video courtesy of The South Downs National Park.
Your South Downs staycation awaits
Set in the heart of the National Park, The Grain Store Lewes is an ideal base from which to explore the South Downs. To secure your booking or if you’d like any further information about The Grain Store and things to do in the area, contact our team: