South Downs

城市概覽

What is a "down"? "Down" is a southern English term for low to medium-sized hills. Downland is one of the characteristic landscapes of southern England, and is usually composed of chalk, but can also be sandy. The landscape is generally softly rolling, with many ridges and some steeper escarpments, though the peaks rarely exceed 200 metres in height. Apart from the South Downs, downland can also be found in the Chilterns (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire), the North Downs (East Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Surrey and West Sussex) and the North Wessex Downs (Berkshire, Hampshire and Wiltshire).

Geology

The South Downs are the remnants of the former Wealden Anticline, which stretched across Sussex, The chalk was laid down between 100 and 65 million years ago, on top of the weaker Greensand and Sandstone which makes up much of the Weald, the beds were then folded from 30 to 1 million years ago, the top of the chalk was then eroded, leaving two nearly parallel ridges, which is why the Downs form a long ridge. They are mirrored in the north by the North Downs.

History The Downs have undergoing inhabitation since the Stone Age, with Britain's earliest human remains dating from 500,000 years ago found at Boxgrove. The South Downs are home to some of Britain's earliest mines, numerous camps, barrows, hill forts and figures on the hills. There are remains dating from the Bronze Age to the Second World War; the Battle of Lewes was fought on the Downs and in the Elizabethan times their height was used for beacons (this is preserved within names, such as Firle Beacon).

Geography The South Downs extend about 70 miles (100 km) through East Sussex, West Sussex, and part of Hampshire. The South Downs Way is a bridleway that follows the South Downs. The Downs are penetrated by several rivers, such as the Cuckmere (its lower reaches form the famous meanders), the Ouse, the Adur, the Arun (passing through Arundel). The Views from the Downs take in some of the most

如何抵達

There are main line trains and long distance coaches to Winchester, Eastbourne, and several places in between. Allow around 60 – 90 minutes from London. Ferries to Newhaven and Portsmouth, and the London airports (especially Gatwick) are handy for overseas visitors. Trains from London stop at these places close to the Downs.

Winchester (England): mainline services to and from Southampton (South West Trains) Petersfield: train services from London (Waterloo) and Portsmouth (South West Trains) Amberley (West Sussex) : from London (Victoria) towards Arundel and Littlehampton. (Southern Trains) Hassocks: from London (Victoria) towards Brighton and Lewes (Southern Trains and First Capital Connect - From Blackfriars) Lewes: from London (Victoria) Towards Lewes and Newhaven (Southern Trains) Eastbourne: from London (Victoria) via Lewes or from Ashford. (Southern Trains) There are also Services that run to the South of the Downs along the South Coast, Linking Portsmouth, Chichester, and Brighton Cyclists: at some periods of the day and on some operators bikes are not allowed on the trains. also most of the more modern trains only have space for 3-4 bikes, thus large groups may have to book ahead or travel in smaller groups. Southern for example requests that 'limited number' of cycles are carried free on all services except on trains due to arrive into London or Brighton between 7AM and 10AM, or due to depart from London stations or Brighton between 4PM and 7PM on Mondays to Fridays. Reservations for cycles are not required. Car parks Car parking is normally good, although in towns and villages be expected to have to search and pay for parking spaces. Car parks are usually free from crime, but normal precuations must be taken. Narrow lanes are common, as are steep hills, trying to take a caravan around the South Downs is not recommended.

當地交通

No bus routes run the complete length of the path, although there are coastal and inland routes, the park is serviced by routes passing through it, and has a fairly decent train service. Check out Traveline South East for full transport routes. If you want to travel by car (advised) the A27 runs parrel to the South Downs, with various roads passing through the area (A23, A284, A24 and more). A popular way is by foot, bike or horse, there is a route through the park (South Downs Way) which will take you over some of the best scenery in the UK (and you're not really affected by traffic).

住宿

Accommodation is plentiful; camping sites, barns, hotels, pubs, cottages, YHA Bed and Breakfasts are all available. Consult the city and town articles for specific listings. Often smaller villages will have perhaps a restaurant and a small hotel, but not anything else for a traveller. Wild camping is legal; however landowner's permission is needed and for now it is difficult to cover the whole route by backpacking. The Sussex section has more opportunities to wild camp than the Hampshire section.

順遊推薦

The Isle of Wight is a short journey south west of the National Park, and on the way you could visit the cities of Portsmouth or Southampton. You could also always head north to the capital city of London. Or you could head south to Newhaven and catch a ferry to Dieppe in France.