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      | Cuckmere Haven overlooking Seven Sisters Cliffs

      Wilderness Walking

      New Forest and South Downs

      Deposit From: £668£668
      Region: New Forest | South Downs
      Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
      Confirmed: When 3 Travellers Book

      Accommodation: Deluxe

      Grading:

      Carbon Footprint: 128kg ? What does this mean?
      Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

      All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      icon-download Download Itinerary

        From: £2,545 View Prices & Dates

        Trip Overview

        Created by: Anna Brownlow

        At the southern tip of England, where horses graze on open heathland and white chalk cliffs drop sharply into the blue swell of the Atlantic Ocean, there are two distinctively beautiful National Parks – New Forest and the South Downs. Accompanied by your knowledgeable Wilderness guide, explore both on this 7-day guided hiking tour. 

        First, wind your way through the old woodlands of New Forest, where bluebells bloom in May and wild garlic flowers in early summer. A place where ancient rights of common pasture are still exercised, learn about the area’s fascinating history as you watch ponies graze and cattle meander through bright, yellow gorse. On the second half of your adventure, head into the glorious green folds of the South Downs National Park. Walk through the undulating chalk hills and explore the spectacular coastline. Enjoy fabulous views, delicious local food and welcoming hospitality. On a thoroughly enjoyable walking holiday, immerse yourself in some of England’s most beautiful landscapes.

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        Day by Day
        Itinerary

        Day 1 – Welcome to New Forest Read Less

        Day 1

        Welcome to New Forest

        Meet your Wilderness guide at Southampton Train Station this morning and transfer into the beautiful bounds of New Forest National Park. Chat with your guide about the adventure ahead and enjoy stretching your legs with a lovely circular walk, traversing rolling heathland and leafy woodland. Afterwards, a short drive will take you to a boutique townhouse hotel in the centre of a pretty market town. With stunning Georgian architecture, elegant interiors and friendly, attentive staff, there is no better place to relax for the first half of your trip.

        Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
        Walk Details: 6 km / 4 miles | 90 m / 295 ft | Approx: 2 hrs

        Day 2 – Rambling and Reptiles Read Less

        Day 2

        Rambling and Reptiles

        Enjoy a relaxed breakfast this morning before heading out for a scenic, peaceful hike with your guide. As you walk through woodland bright with birdsong, look out for deer and free-roaming New Forest ponies. On your return, settle down to lunch at a traditional pub with a pint of local ale. Afterwards, visit the nearby Reptile Centre, whose mission is to protect the rare snakes and lizards native to this region of England. Return to your hotel this afternoon and enjoy a free evening to relax. Choose to dine at the hotel or wander into the bustling town for dinner at one of the fabulous restaurants.

        Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
        Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles | 220 m / 722 ft | Approx: 4 hrs

        Day 3 – The Isle of Wight Read Less

        Day 3

        The Isle of Wight

        This morning, take the ferry from Lymington to the Isle of Wight, known for its coastal scenery, small villages and open chalk hills. Accompanied by your guide, visit the Needles Chalk Stacks, enjoying a walk that provides fabulous views of the stacks, the sea, and the remarkable, autumnal-coloured cliffs. Meander your way across the undulating downlands, listening to the birds and learning about the area’s fascinating geology. This afternoon, visit Osborne House – the historic home of Queen Victoria and gain an intimate glimpse into royal life. Return to the mainland this evening and enjoy a delicious dinner.

        Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
        Walk Details: 7 km / 4 miles | 235 m / 771 ft | Approx: 3 hrs

        Day 4 – Exploring the South Downs Read Less

        Day 4

        Exploring the South Downs

        A slightly longer yet pretty drive this morning will take you into the eastern reaches of the South Downs National Park to enjoy a hike. An excellent way to explore the scenic beauty of the Downs, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Along the way, pass through the 12th-century St Margaret’s Church and the ancient crossroads at Ditchling Beacon. Upon your return, enjoy a visit to the Arts and Crafts Museum before transferring to the picturesque village of Alfriston to enjoy some free time. This evening, settle into your welcoming accommodation and relax.

        Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
        Walk Details: 8 km / 5 miles | 290 m / 951 ft | Approx: 4 hrs

        Day 5 – The Long Man of Wilmington and Wine Estate Read Less

        Day 5

        The Long Man of Wilmington and Wine Estate

        After breakfast, lace up your boots and head out for a circular walk. Chatting with your guide about the area’s history, pass by the Long Man of Wilmington – a hill figure on the steep slopes of Windover Hill. Later, arrive at a cool cycling cafe, the perfect spot for a hot drink and a buttery pastry. Arriving back in Alfriston later this afternoon, take some time to relax and freshen up before heading out for a tour of a local wine estate. Meander through the exquisite vineyard, learning about its unique terroir and sampling some of its signature wines. Later, return to your hotel and enjoy a free evening.

        Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
        Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles | 200 m / 656 ft | Approx: 4 hrs

        Day 6 – Cuckmere Haven and The Seven Sisters Read Less

        Day 6

        Cuckmere Haven and The Seven Sisters

        Today, enjoy visiting Cuckmere Haven Beach and the Seven Sisters Cliffs. Cuckmere Haven is a bright, pebbly beach where the sea breaks noisily on the shore. Join your guide for a walk to the white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters. Soak up the spectacular views as you wind along the headland, finishing at a 16th-century farmhouse for lunch. Settle in and relax, enjoying a hearty, locally sourced and seasonal meal. Later this afternoon, enjoy a beautiful short hike to Beachy Head – Britain’s highest chalk cliff, before returning to Alfriston to enjoy your final dinner together.

        Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
        Walk Details: 8 km / 5 miles | 300 m / 984 ft | Approx: 4 hrs

        Day 7 – Visit Lewes and Depart Read Less

        Day 7

        Visit Lewes and Depart

        Leave Alfriston this morning and transfer to the historic market town of Lewes. Enjoy a walk up onto Mount Caburn. From here, the fields stretch out beneath you in a great green and gold tapestry – the perfect place to enjoy a seat, a snack and a photo before meandering back into town. Enjoy exploring the cobbled streets and quirky twittens (ancient Saxon alleyways) before popping into a local cafe for lunch. This afternoon, visit the town’s castle which presides impressively above the medieval streets. Finish your adventure at Lewes Railway Station, where you can bid farewell to your guide and begin your journey home.

        Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
        Walk Details: 8 km / 5 miles | 250 m / 820 ft | Approx: 4 hrs

        Download Itinerary

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        Wilderness Walking
        New Forest and South Downs

        To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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        The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

        Trip Dates & Prices

        All payments taken in local currency GBP

        Trip Dates for 2025AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
        14th Jun - 20th Jun 20258 place(s) leftAvailable £2,545Book Now
        16th Aug - 22nd Aug 20258 place(s) leftAvailable £2,545Book Now

        Make This Trip Private

        Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your preferred departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

        Enquire Now
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        Wilderness Walking
        New Forest and South Downs

        For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

        Trip Details

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        Accommodation Read More

        This walking holiday is based in two welcoming and quality accommodations; a charming boutique townhouse hotel and a 19th century country house. Accommodation is a choice of double or twin rooms with ensuite facilities.

        Single Rooms

        There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £495.00 is charged.

        Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

        Meals Read More

        All meals are included in this trip from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 7 except for dinners on days 2 and 5. Included dinners are two courses as standard.

        Great food is of paramount importance on all Wilderness England trips and we will enjoy excellent regional cooking throughout.

        On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

        Inclusions Read More
        • 6 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels.
        • All meals during the trip (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
        • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable guide/driver throughout.
        • All transport throughout the trip starting in Southampton and finishing in Lewes.
        Grading Read More

        Green Graded 1-3

        Green graded walking holidays are suitable for active travellers who are reasonably fit and enjoy moderate hikes. We walk at a comfortable pace, and you can expect to be out for 5-6 hours a day. The terrain will be mostly good paths and hill trails but these can still be muddy and rough in places. Some hikes may involve an ascent up to a max of approx 1,500 feet / 450m. Distances will be typically 8-10km. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

        Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

        You will be met by your Wilderness England Guide at Southampton Central Railway Station at 11:00am on Day 1 of your trip. Meet at the southern entrance, which leads out onto Western Esplanade.

        The trip will conclude at Lewes Railway Station at 4:00pm on the final day of the trip.

        Speak to an Expert

        Jane Gillies

        Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of UK & Ireland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

        Ask Jane a Question

        Difficulty Grades Explained

        Green Graded 1-3

        Green graded walking holidays are suitable for active travellers who are reasonably fit and enjoy moderate hikes. We walk at a comfortable pace, and you can expect to be out for 5-6 hours a day. The terrain will be mostly good paths and hill trails but these can still be muddy and rough in places. Some hikes may involve an ascent up to a max of approx 1,500 feet / 450m. Distances will be typically 8-10km. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

        Find Out More

        Our holidays reviewed
        in your own words

        This trip was amazing, we got to see so much of the 5 countries in so little time. The sites and locations that were mapped out were perfect. A rest day in Dublin is the perfect city to explore and find good food. The guides were knowledgeable and thoughtful, and made the trip very easy, all we had to do was bike and show up to dinner! Absolutely awesome experience.

        Daniel Patton
        Road Cycling - The Five Countries Tour
        Reviewed on 29/08/2022

        Rated 4.93 out of 5 based on 1,864 reviews

        Read More Reviews
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