DAY 7
The penultimate day of the SDW trail sees a scenic 14 mile route climbing past Kingston Ridge with stunning Lewes and Ouse Valley views. Crosses rolling chalk downs to Firle Beacon, offering breathtaking panoramas, before descending through Jevington’s historic village to reach the charming riverside town of Alfriston.
Route Overview
- Date: Friday 4th July
- Start: Housedean Farm
- End: Alfriston
- Distance: 14.2 miles
- Terrain: Open chalk downland, ridgeline paths, steep climbs
- Difficulty: Moderate (long ridgeline sections, some steep climbs)
- Highlights: Kingston Ridge, Southease, Firle Beacon, Jevington
- Water stops: St Peter’s Church, Southease
- Lunch stop: Abergavenny Arms, Rodmell
- Accommodation: Alfriston Camp site
Key Landmarks & Highlights
1. Housedean Farm to Kingston Ridge
- Leaves Housedean Farm, crossing the A27 before climbing steadily onto the Downs.
- Follows the open chalk ridgeline along Kingston Ridge, with far-reaching views over Lewes and the Weald.
2. Kingston Ridge to Firle Beacon
- Passes through the quiet hamlet of Southease, where a historic church and a bridge over the River Ouse offer a scenic rest stop.
- A steep climb leads up to Firle Beacon, one of the highest points on the South Downs, offering stunning 360-degree views.
3. Firle Beacon to Jevington
- The trail follows the exposed ridgeline, gradually descending towards the village of Jevington.
- Jevington is famous for being the birthplace of Banoffee Pie and has an ancient church worth exploring.
4. Jevington to Alfriston
- The final section follows a gentle descent into the historic village of Alfriston, nestled in the Cuckmere Valley.
- Alfriston is home to The Clergy House, the first National Trust property, and offers great pubs and cafés; tonight we head slightly out of town to Alfriston Camp site.
Day 7 Route
Day 7 Elevation
Day 7 Route detail with stops
You can see more details of Day 7 with our detailed route on Garmin Connect
Trail Experience
This stretch of the South Downs Way offers expansive views, peaceful ridgeline walking, and historic villages. Firle Beacon is a major highlight, and the route provides a wonderful sense of openness before descending into Alfriston.
