Welcome to Footprints of Sussex
Relaxed country walking in a beautiful English county
Leading the way across Sussex and the South Downs
We have been living and working in West Sussex, at the foot of the South Downs, for most of our lives and 30 years ago
founded the family business 'Footprints of Sussex '. We are The South Downs Way National Trail
specialists, whether it be on our Annual Walk, one of the many self guided walking holidays
and short breaks offered us or on one of the trails that we have created
in the South Downs National Park...
The undulating South Downs Way National Trail begins in Winchester and moves past Cheesefoot Head, the towns of Petersfield and Arundel, Steyning then onto Devil’s Dyke viewpoint near Brighton, followed by Ditchling Beacon and miles of chalk downland across to Beachy Head, and finally ending in Eastbourne. Diversions are needed to visit Brighton or Lewes, the latter town being of great beauty with an historic centre. Without exception it is a very well maintained and signposted route. Although the trail passes various villages for provisions, much of it is surprisingly isolated and quiet considering the density of the population in South-East England. The South Downs Way offers you great views, attractive wildlife, visible prehistory, fine pubs and pretty villages, as well as a challenging walk.
The links below are to our three main areas of activity, where all is explained. If you have any queries please do contact us....
Walking Holidays
A variety of walking holidays - operated by us under the name Pear Tree Tours
- from the full 100 miles of the South Downs Way to short weekend breaks and self guided vineyard tours. With over 30 years experience arranging these holidays they know this special part of England well.
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SDW Annual Walk
This is a supported walk along the 100 miles of the
South Downs Way. It has taken place every summer over nine days, usually in June, walking between Winchester and Eastbourne. About 200 people from all over the world take part. It is great fun and is open to everyone.
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Footprints in Sussex
Footprints of Sussex was founded over 30 years ago by Keith McKenna. As well as the Annual South Downs Way Walk and Holidays (Pear Tree Tours) they offered local walks and history tours and created new trails such as
The New Lipchis Way and The West Sussex Literary Trail...
The South Downs Way is an ancient long distance path running along a ridge of hills in south-east England. It runs from Winchester, the medieval capital of England, through to Beachy Head and Eastbourne, 100 miles to the east. In 1972 it was deservedly designated as one of our National Trails.
As the trail climbs out of Winchester it follows a twisting route over the Hampshire Downs before passing through the Queen Elizabeth Country Park to reach West Sussex. From here it closely follows the high ridge of the South Downs passing within sight of the large towns of Midhurst, Worthing, Brighton and Lewes before reaching Alfriston. It pauses to take a refreshing riverside stroll along the Cuckmere before tackling the magnificent Seven Sisters coastal path culminating at the soaring sight of Beachy Head and the sedate seaside resort beyond.
Much of the South Downs Way is isolated and surprisingly quiet considering the density of population just a few miles either side. It does, however, venture close enough to some pretty towns and villages, such as Buriton, Amberley & Steyning, to allow for provisions and overnight stops. The views to both north and south can be quite stunning with some high points claiming views of almost 40 miles from the Isle of Wight to Oxfordshire - and yet this is a trail that never rises above 900 feet.
This National Trail is also unique in two ways – it is the only one contained entirely within the South Downs National Park and it is the only one designated as a bridleway, meaning there are no stiles. It’s views have inspired poets such as Rudyard Kipling and Hilaire Belloc and painters like John Constable who spoke of the view from Devils Dyke as ‘grandest in the world’.
In late spring the common spotted orchid is an almost guaranteed sight whilst those with a keen eye might spot the rarer Bee Orchid. Roe Deer roam freely through the woods in surprisingly large herds whist overhead the magnificent Red Kite is becoming a common sight. The round barrows and hill forts remind us that this is an ancient land farmed long before the Romans forged Stane Street over these hills but one imagines that even the Roman soldiers must have paused and marvelled at the beauty as they crossed the ridge of these timeless hills two thousand years ago.
The South Downs Way is a splendid, undulating 100 mile trail. It can be enjoyed by most reasonably fit walkers in around nine days. It will reward you with many fine views, some lovely flowers, unexpected wildlife, a true sense of history and some of the prettiest pubs and villages in England.
