· Regional
Hard
Downs Link
📏
20.6 km
Distance
⏱
5h 8min
Est. duration
⛰
Hard
Difficulty
➡
Linear
Route type
A 37 mile shared route for walkers, horse riders and cyclists linking the North Downs Way with the South Downs Way
Covering 20.6 km, this demanding trail is best tackled by experienced walkers in good condition. Budget roughly 4 hours and 35 minutes or consider splitting it across two days.
This linear trail moves from one end to the other without looping back. A return journey by transport — or retracing the path — is needed to get back to the start.
A Regional Walking Network (RWN) route, this trail weaves through the regional landscape connecting villages, viewpoints, and countryside.
Elevation Profile
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Elevation data from SRTM via OpenTopoData (open dataset).
Map
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Waypoints
5 points along the routeA
Start
· Shoreham By Sea
B
Finish
· Guildford
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it to walk Downs Link?
Downs Link covers a distance of 20.6 km.
How long does it take to walk Downs Link?
At an average walking pace, Downs Link takes approximately 5h 8min to complete.
Do I need to return the same way on Downs Link?
No — Downs Link is a one-way trail. It runs from Shoreham By Sea to Guildford. You will need to arrange return transport or retrace the route.
Where can I begin walking Downs Link?
You can begin Downs Link at Shoreham By Sea.
How difficult is Downs Link?
Downs Link is a challenging hike that requires a good level of fitness.