How does it work ?
Coach transport is provided each day throughout the event with four pick-up points to choose from.
You must chose which is most convenient for you for the whole nine days. They are at:-
CHICHESTER, ARUNDEL, WORTHING and SHOREHAM-BY-SEA
Each day coaches will leave at different times to go to the start of that day's walk.
At the end of the day's walk the four or five return coaches will leave at different times throughout the afternoon with each coach returning to all the pick-up points.
Passing Steyning Bowl on the annual walk
How fit do I need to be ?
The South Downs Way never rises above a comfortable 700 feet and yet its one hundred miles of rolling chalk downland give amazing views of 40 miles or more in every direction.
It truly offers some of the best walking in England with comparatively little effort.
Molly and Ann taking Harting Down in their stride
Is there accommodation ?
No accommodation is arranged by the organisers since many of those taking part will return to family or friends at the end of the day. For those coming to the event from further afield accommodation guides are available from the following Tourist Information Centres / Websites:
Chichester Tel: 01243 775888 http://www.chichesterweb.co.uk
Worthing Tel: 01903 221399 http://www.visitworthing.co.uk
What else happens ?
Well there competitions every day - usually handed out on the coaches each morning - together with lots of information about things you're going to see along the way and where there are refreshment stops etc.
photo competition winner by Shirley Rushmer
What does it cost ?
The cost for the 2012 event has been set at £205 for the full nine days.
It includes luxury coach transport to and from the trail for each of the nine days, a buffet reception at the end of the walk with complimentary drinks, personal certificates, free entry to all the competitions and the support of the Footprints 'Red Shirts' who will walk the trail with you.
Three of the Footprints 'Red Shirts'
What's the trail like ?
Have a look at our slide show of the South Downs Way
Click on the rare Bee Orchid
