Downs Link

Downs Link

A low-level walk between Guildford and Shoreham-by-Sea via the charming countryside of Surrey and West Sussex.

4 to 7 nights
36-41 miles
Easy / Moderate to Moderate

From £550 per person

Find your holiday

About the trail

The Downs Link is named because of the way it joins the North Downs Way and South Downs Way National Trails. This well-connected walking trail is easy to navigate and mostly level throughout. Setting off from Guildford, the path leads through the wildlife-filled woodlands of Surrey and West Sussex. The route then gives way to coastal plains frequented by birds, before arriving at the seaside port of Shoreham-by-Sea.

There are two route options for the first leg of this walk between Guildford and Bramley. The main option (DLM) follows the North Downs Way over St Martha’s Hill, where the Downs Link Trail officially begins. Alternatively, the more accessible option (DLA) bypasses this in favour of a more relaxed walk, free from obstacles and sharp climbs.

Choose your route

  • Downs Link
  • Downs Link - Stile-Free

About this route

4 to 6 nights
41 miles
Easy / Moderate to Moderate / Demanding
2nd January to 24th December

From £550 per person

Downs Link

This is the official walking route along the beautiful Downs Link trail. This version visits St Martha’s Hill, which is a fabulous viewpoint standing 175m above sea level and the official starting point of the Downs Link path. The trail also passes the Surrey heathland of Blackheath, with its impressive War Memorial atop Rosemary Hill. Some parts of Blackheath are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, to protect the plants and animals that live there.

You will encounter all of this during the first stage of the Downs Link between Guildford and Bramley. Upon reaching Bramley, this route is identical to our Stile-Free option. You can then expect a relaxed amble through glorious woodland, with plenty of chances to spot a variety of wildlife.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
DLM1 From Guildford(L) to Shoreham-by-Sea(T) 4 nights, 3 days walking Moderate / Demanding £550
DLM2 From Guildford(L) to Shoreham-by-Sea(T) 5 nights, 4 days walking Moderate £685
DLM3 From Guildford(L) to Shoreham-by-Sea(T) 6 nights, 5 days walking Easy / Moderate £820
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"West Grinstead Train Station" by Tracey Horton (2024) "West Grinstead Train Station" by Tracey Horton (2024)
"St Andrew and St Cuthman's Church" by Tracey Horton (2024) "St Andrew and St Cuthman's Church" by Tracey Horton (2024)
"Leaving Cranleigh" by Solveig Ruthsdatter Hanssen (2022) "Leaving Cranleigh" by Solveig Ruthsdatter Hanssen (2022)
Contours Walking Holidays Contours Cycling Holidays Contours Trail Running Holidays

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