South Downs

Line of chalk hills in southeast England, running from near Petersfield, Hampshire, across Sussex to the south coast at Beachy Head near Eastbourne. They face the North Downs across the Weald and are used as sheep pasture.

The South Downs long-distance footpath traverses the area. In the west of the range Butser Hill, the highest point, rises to 271 m/887 ft and Duncton Down to 255 m/836 ft; in the east Ditchling Beacon rises to 248 m/813 ft. The rivers Cuckmere, Ouse, Adur, and Arun cut transversely through the chalk, and there are towns at the crossing points such as Lewes and Arundle.