After the Goodwood Marathon: South Downs National Park

The Route: Chichester → South Downs National Park Logistics: By car; the Downs are best explored with your own transport rather than relying on public transport. Marathon Month: October Duration: Day trip

Chichester ──(by car)──> South Downs National Park

After a marathon run entirely on flat motor-circuit tarmac, the South Downs offer a genuine change of terrain, rolling chalk hills a short drive from Chichester. October on the South Downs: clear autumn days can offer some of the best long-range views of the year, though this is genuinely weather-dependent.

The Downs

The South Downs National Park stretches east from Chichester across open chalk downland, with waymarked walks ranging from short valley strolls to longer ridge routes. Given legs recovering from a marathon, a short, flat section of path is a more realistic plan than a full ridge walk.

Where to eat: Villages scattered across the Downs have traditional country pubs, a good match for an easy day of gentle walking.

Getting Back

The return drive to Chichester varies depending on which part of the Downs is visited; this is best planned with a specific route in mind before setting out.