This guidebook describes the South Downs Way National Trail as it passes through the South Downs National Park. Described in 12 daily stages in both east-west and west-east directions, this glorious 100-mile (160km) national trail runs between Winchester and Eastbourne entirely within the South Downs National Park, following the northern escarpment for much of the way and rarely descends to habitation except where river valleys interrupt the regular course of the Downs. The South Downs Way links many ancient and historical tracks, passing many sites of particular interest to those with a thirst for the past, but the main joy is the appreciation and recognition of this surprisingly secretive land that will please and delight any walker.