Designated a National Park in the United Kingdom, the South Downs is an area of outstanding natural beauty situated in the South of England. Running approximately 100 miles (160 km) from Winchester in the West to Eastbourne in the East, it is ideal for walking, cycling, horse riding and sightseeing.
The South Downs Way
Starting at City Mill, the South Downs Way runs the length of the South Downs and is a must for keen walkers. It is not regarded as a particularly demanding walk and would take around eight days to complete. The highest points are at Buster Hill, Hampshire and Ditchling Beacon, East Sussex which reach approximately 900 feet (270m).
The western end of the South Downs Way is at historic Winchester, capital of King Alfred the Great. The Hampshire countryside in this area is characterised by undulating hills and small woodland, with the Meon Valley a particular highlight.
The South Downs are cut by the major river valleys of the Ouse, Adur and Arun and beautiful villages populate the area along the foot of the downland slope. At this point the trail follows a route used since the end of the Ice Age. The footpath at the eastern end of the South Downs Way follows the magnificent chalk cliffs of Seven Sisters and Beachy Head.
Seven Sisters Country Park
The Seven Sisters Country Park is named after the Seven Sisters that form part of the chalk cliffs on the Sussex coast, regarded as one of Britain's finest unspoilt coastlines. Bird watching, cycling, walking and canoeing are all available to visitors.
Bird watching is an all year round activity in the park. Early Spring sees the departure of little grebe, curlew, oystercatcher and kingfisher among others as they leave to breed. The onset of the migrating season sees the arrival of redshank, dunlin, warblers and linnets. Late Spring is heralded by swallows, martins and swifts with regular Summer residents being mallard, heron, Canada geese and shelduck. Sparrowhawks and hovering kestrels can also be spotted over the rolling hills of the South Downs.
With its 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valleys and open chalk grassland, the Seven Sisters Country Park is a highly recommended destination for any visitor to the South of England.
Exploring The South Downs
The South Downs is one of the jewels of Southern England. Whether walking, horse riding or cycling the visitor is accompanied by views of rolling countryside and dramatic coastline to either side. The strangely intimate surroundings bringing a relaxing respect for this beautiful part of the United Kingdom.
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