South Downs Way

SEPTEMBER 2025

Start:
TV600971 - Eastbourne (Holywell), E Sussex

Finish:
SU486293 - Winchester, Hampshire

Route:
162.2 km (100.8 miles)
3,905 m (12,812 ft) ascent
245 m (804 ft)  maximum height

Level:
Challenging

In September 2025, we walked the South Downs Way—apparently backwards—starting in Eastbourne and finishing in Winchester. We did so in support of a special cause: honouring Poppy’s story (SoulKind 4) and raising vital awareness for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Along the trail we shared open conversations, moments of honesty and space to move toward breaking down the taboo surrounding such a difficult subject.

Why do we walk?

Walk~the~Ways is our annual fundraiser, created to support SoulKind’s mentor-led adventures—a programme designed to transform the lives of individuals who have faced life-changing trauma. But it’s also about our community: bringing people together to walk, talk and share lived experience, strengthening connection and wellbeing with every step we take together.

Join our next walk >>
make a donation >>

SoulKind Walk-the-Ways – Komoot

Eastbourne – Winchester

Total Distance // 100 miles give or take…

the itinerary…

Day 1 // Fri 19 Sep
Eastbourne > Alfriston
Distance: 10.6 miles
09:30am kiosk cafe, foyle way

Day 2 // Sat 20 Sep
Alfriston > Falmer
Distance: 13.75 miles
09:00 start: High street, Alfriston village

Day 3 // Sun 21 Sep
Falmer > Upper Beeding
Distance: 14.5 miles
09:00 Housedean farm campsite, Lewes

Day 4 // Mon 22 Sep
Upper Beeding > Amberley
Distance: 13.5 miles
09:00 Beeding Hill car park

Day 5 // Tues 23 Sep
Amberley > Cocking Hill
Distance: 12 miles
09:00 S Downs way, Amberley

Day 6 // Wed 24 Sep
Rest Day
Distance: 0.00 miles
Zzzzzzzz

Day 7 // Thur 25 Sep
Cocking Hill > Buriton
Distance: 11.5 miles
09:00 start: Cocking Hill car park

Day 8 // Fri 26 Sep
Buriton > Beacon Hill
Distance: 14.2 miles
09:00 start: Halls Hill car park

Day 9 // Sat 27 Sep
Beacon Hill > Winchester
Distance: 12 miles
09:00 start: Beacon Hill car park