South Downs Way Walking Holidays

 What, When, Why ....  and Keeping it Simple   

We came to Sussex as a family over 45 years ago and soon fell in love with this beautiful county and the wonderful country walks it had  to offer. When we set up the business a few years later we knew that we wanted to specialise in just this part of England and added  'of Sussex' to our title.  Despite temptations to expand elsewhere we have remained true to our original mission and can now - having made footprints - truly claim to know the trails of Sussex and the South Downs National Park better than most...
 
Our home is in Steyning, the midway point on the South Downs Way National Trail, and from here it is relatively easy to visit everywhere on the trail at regular intervals. We personally visit each and every Bed & Breakfast, Pub or Hotel that we include as part of your holiday and have become friends with many of the proprietors. We believe a smiling welcome at the end of the day is just as important as 'Egyptian cotton sheets'. Sustenance along the way is, of course, equally important and some might say we have become 'over familiar' with many of the pubs and restaurants we recommend.  Because we ONLY use the accommodations we have checked and recommend, our holidays do book out and the old cliche of 'book early to avoid disappointment' actually applies !

As leaders of the Annual South Downs Way Walk for the past 20 years we've got to know what walkers enjoy most about the trail and the little things best avoided; and we share this with you in our own tailored route notes. For all of our holidays, we also include Cicerone Route Guides & Maps, Wooden Bag Tags and since we do not like road walking  - an inclusive lift off the trail where necessary to avoid this.

We have also developed a huge respect and admiration for those who look after our National Trails throughout the year and financially support the South Downs Way each year. We are proud to be able to display the supporting badge on our website.
 You can find out more about this and all our national trails by clicking on the BADGE in the footer. 
            Three good reasons to book a walking holiday with Footprints of Sussex

      Local Knowledge

There is rarely a week goes by when one of us is not out walking somewhere on the South Downs Way. Whether it's meeting people, checking something or just enjoying our own local trail. There is no substitute for local knowledge.

      High Standards

We believe that at the end of a great day walking the hills you deserve a little comfort. A warm welcome from a friendly host, an ensuite bedroom and a nearby pub or restaurant with an interesting menu.

        Peace of Mind

When the unexpected happens it's reassuring to know that your holiday provider is not far away. And we are a family business where you will have a named contact just a local call away.

        What we include 

  • High Quality Accommodation
  • Shuttles on and off trail where the              accommodation is more than 1km                away
  • Daily baggage transfers 
  • The ‘Cicerone’ route guide & map book
  • Durable, quality baggage labels
  • Our own route notes and guides
  • Our own pub and restaurant listings 
  • Peace of mind, knowing we are                   nearby on the trail,  

    South Downs Way Specialists

  • The B&B’s we use along the South              Downs Way have all been personally          inspected by us
  • We check rooms are available before          making a holiday offer !  
  • We are based in Steyning, West Sussex
  • We like to personally meet all our                guests during their holiday
  • We actually walk the South Downs              Way ourselves every June

      Keeping it simple

If you feel overwhelmed by all the options available let's keep it simple and just tell us :
  • When
  • How many people
  • Over how many days
  • Where to start
that's all we need, we'll do the rest.

Want to tailor 
your holiday? 

  • How about a rest day in Amberley, Steyning or Lewes  
  • Or a luxury night at Amberley Castle or The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne  
  • Maybe take a day to visit one of our award winning vineyards  
  • Or have friends and family join you for a night or two                                                                              just ask and we'll take care of it
Alfred Lord Tennyson

“You came and looked and loved the view long known and loved by me : 
green Sussex fading into blue with one grey glimpse of sea.”
Share by: