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Walking the South Downs Way in winter

Walking the South Downs Way in winter is ideal for anyone fond of stargazing, roaring pub fires and affordable accommodation. Although the weather can be unpredictable, the lack of crowds more than makes up for a bit of wind and rain, and the prospect of snow on higher ground is actually rather magical.

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Walking the South Downs Way in winter

If you can picture yourself tucking into a slow-roasted something or other as your recently removed hiking boots steam by your side, winter walking on the South Downs Way is for you. There are lots of wonderful pubs on the route serving sustainable and locally sourced seasonal fare, as well as lots of cosy nooks to curl up in after a good day spent exploring outdoors.

If you base yourself locally you can go out for day walks from your accommodation. Many of the locally-owned guest houses in South Downs National Park are open throughout the season and lots of B&Bs and pubs will provide maps and walking routes that include sections of the South Downs Way and surrounding area.

The longer you stay in villages on the South Downs Way, such as Buriton, Cocking or Amberley, the more you’ll become immersed in local life. You’ll often find regular visits to the village bakery, church or pub (again) will result in recommendations as to where to walk nearby. Even in towns and cities like Lewes, Brighton and Eastbourne, you’ll find B&B owners to be a mine of information. Hosts will often have more time to spare in winter, too, as things aren’t so busy. You might even be invited to take the dog for a walk – he’ll know the way better than anyone.

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What’s the South Downs Way like in winter?

The 161km walking trail is open throughout the year. Car parks along the route are also open all year round, although they can get very busy, especially at weekends. If you’re driving to a trail head then arrive early and avoid parking outside of a designated area so as to ensure you don’t damage already fragile roadside verges. Train and bus routes enable walkers to access pretty much every stretch of the South Downs Way. Taking public transport and staying in a series of locally owned B&Bs is a great way to cover the entire trail, even in winter. However, you will have to lug your bags along so remember to pack light and opt for layers and waterproof clothing rather than bulky gear.

If you’re walking sections of the South Downs Way during December, January and February, it’s going to be cold. However, don’t expect too much in the way of snow. It does snow occasionally, especially on higher ground such as Butser Hill and Ditchling Beacon, but you’re more likely to be hampered by rain and wind; certainly so on unprotected grassland ridges and along the top of chalk down escarpments.

You may also come into contact with lots of surface water after heavy or prolonged rain. Large puddles can be a real issue because walkers and cyclists tend to tramp around the outer edges and increase erosion of the surrounding soil. Tread gently wherever possible and don’t be tempted to clamber over a fence into an adjoining field to avoid puddles. Of course, there will be numerous times when the sun is out and it feels rather mild. This is southern England after all, not Scotland.

The amount of daylight that you’ll find in winter is a lot less than summer. This adds an element of urgency to long distances as you need to be back before dark to avoid getting lost, or at least to make the evening meal reservation at the local pub.

Where can I stay in winter?

Although our self guided walking vacations don’t run during the winter there is still lots of locally owned accommodation along the South Downs Way that will still be open for business. For instance, you can stay at a B&B in Ditchling or Seven Sisters Country Park. Alternatively, there are lots of excellent accommodation options in Winchester, Lewes, Brighton and Eastbourne, all of which offer access to the South Downs Way on foot or at least by bus.

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What are the benefits of walking the South Downs Way in winter?

It’s going to be a lot quieter than what you’ll experience during the summer: not only the trail itself but in the village pubs, tea shops and bakeries, too. B&Bs are a lot more reasonably priced during the winter and your presence will certainly benefit hosts trying to make a living all year round. Walking in the winter can often be a real tonic, especially if you’ve been cooped up indoors over Christmas. January, especially, is a great month to go walking on the South Downs Way. It might be a bit dark and gloomy, but no sooner than you’ve stepped outside in sensible weatherproof clothing, you’ll feel as right as rain.

The darker, earlier evenings can be a blessing rather than a curse. Stargazing in South Downs National Park is a great way to turn a dark winter’s night into something quite magical. The national park features numerous Dark Sky Discovery Sites, many of which are on the South Downs Way: Devil’s Dyke and Ditchling Beacon in East Sussex, for instance. Also, if you’re around in February, the Dark Skies Festival features lots of fun family events, talks by local astronomy groups and access to state-of-the-art telescopes.

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