Beachy Head, on the
South Downs Way.
(large image - 51 kb jpg)

Linking the South Downs and North Downs Way, this route takes the walker along some of Southern England's most scenic hills and valleys.

Essex Way - 130 km (81 m)

A London underground ride to Epping takes the walker to the start of the Essex Way, which passes
through farmland to the Constable country of Dedham Vale, ending at the port of Harwich. More information can be found on the site Walking in the Colne Valley by the Colne Footpath Association.

Icknield Way - 161 km (100 m)

Using roads and footpaths it is possible to follow much of the route of the ancient Icknield Way which takes you from the end of the Ridgeway to the beginning of the Peddars Way. More information can be found at the page maintained by the Icknield Way Association.

North Downs Way - 246 km (153 m)

Starting at Farnham in Surrey, this route follows the crest of the North Downs, with wide and beautiful views over the Surrey Hills. In places the route follows the ancient Pilgrim's Way which took medieval travelers from Winchester to Canterbury. The path winds its way on to Folkestone and Dover, with a northern alternative route passing through Canterbury. The North Downs Way is a National Trail described in the guide with the same name written by N. Curtis, and published by the Countryside Commision and Aurum Press. More Information can be found on:

• North Downs Way - Hanneke & Jan ( in Dutch ). 
• North Downs Way - National Trails server (can be slow!).
• North Downs Way - Britain Express.

Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path - 150 km (93 m)

The ancient and historic Peddars Way runs from the Suffolk border along the north west Norfolk ridge, passing through woods and farmland until it reaches the coast at Holme-next-the-Sea. Then the Norfolk Coast Path follows the marshes, beaches, cliffs and holiday villages of North Norfolk until it reaches Cromer. Bunk barns are established along the Peddars Way, information about accommodation contact the Peddars Way Association:

Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path National Trail Office
The Old Courthouse
Baron's Close
Fakenham NR21 8BE

The Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path are a National Trail and are described in the guide Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path by B. Robinson, published by the Countryside Commision and Aurum Press. More information about the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path can be found at:

• Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path - Peddars Way Association, official web site.
• Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path - Britain Express

Saxon Shore Way - 230 km (134 m)

This route follows the Kent coast from Gravesend southwards, passing through four Roman forts and many other historical remains, until it reaches Rye, a charming historic town in Sussex. A brief introduction to this walk kan be found at Walking in Sunshine by Peter van Rheenen ( in Dutch ). 

South Downs Way - 171 km (106 m) 

Another National Trail, the South Downs Way offers wide views to the sea across the beautiful Sussex Downs, with sections going through deep woodland. At the beginning a footpath alternative from Eastbourne follows the spectacular coastline between Beachy Head and Seven Sisters, while a bridleway takes an inland route. The path continues into Hampshire, passing Beacon Hill and on to Winchester. The South Downs Way is a National Trail and described in South Downs Way by P. Millmore, published by the Countryside Commission and Aurum Press. More information on:

• South Downs Way - Peter Chatfield.  
• South Downs Way - National Trails server (can be slow!)
• South Downs Way - Britain Express.

Above left Chalk cliff at Beachy Head, along the South Downs Way (large image - 136 kb jpg)
Above right Again the cliff but with the famous lighthouse (large image - 111 kb jpg)

Suffolk Coast Path - 80 km (50 m)

Starting at Felixstowe it follows the Suffolk coastline northwards, a Heritage Coast, through marshes, along beaches and small villages like Aldeburgh, former home to the composer Benjamin Britten. The Path ends at Lowestoft near the Broads.

Wayfarer's Walk - 113 km (70 m) 

Through Hampshire's rolling countryside from Emsworth along the Solent Coast, the Wayfarer's Walk goes north over Portsdown and through Meon Valley, then past Watership Down to finish at Inkpen Beacon, near Newbury in Berkshire.

Wealdway - 129 (80 m)

From Gravesend in Kent to Eastbourne in East Sussex the Wealdway provides fine views of the
surrounding countryside and connects with a number of other routes: North Downs and South Downs Way and the Saxon Shore Way.

Weavers Way - 90 km (56 m)

This route links the Norfolk Coast Path at Cromer with Great Yarmouth, passing through or near someof the Norfolk Broads, as well as interesting villages and towns like Felbrigg, Blickling, Aylsham and Stalham.

• South East National Trails lists four National Trails in the south of England.