Regular walkers and hikers can take most of the South Downs Way and the North Downs Way in their stride. But if, like me, you need to work up to those up and down, six to ten miles hikes across rolling hills, the Downs Link may be just the country walk for you.
Long, Level and Off-Road
Linking the North and South Downs Ways, across the countryside known as The Weald, the Downs Link is a 37-mile path, easily divided into stages, through Surrey and West Sussex. It runs from Guildford, west of London, to the coast at Shoreham-by-Sea. Because most of the trail follows the route of two abandoned railway lines, it is wide and level, while affording lovely views of the Downs. And, best of all for the occasional walker like me, pubs, cafes and B&Bs punctuate the route at regular intervals.A Handy Guide
Originally developed as a bridal path, the Downs Link is open to walkers and cyclists as well. Not a formal part of the National Trail network, it is nevertheless considered a "trail of regional importance" and is supported and maintained by three local authorities - the Surrey and West Sussex County Councils as well as the Waverley Borough Council. They produce a useful booklet, Downs Link - A Six Stage Route Guide, that provides -- Maps of six stages of the route, ranging from four to seven miles
- A chart of distances between towns and villages
- Contact details for pubs, cafes and B&Bs along the way
- Public transportation information for the start and finish of each stage
- Campsites
- Cycle rental information.
- Braille
- Large Print
- Audio
- Other languages -
