Downloadable walks in Sussex

There are stargazing walks, romantic rambles, beachside walks and pub trails for you to enjoy in Sussex.

Sunlight bursting through the tree top in the woods
Nymans   West Sussex

A downloadable woodland trail

Exploring Nymans gardens can be complemented by a walk around the surrounding estate, an area of the High Weald, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1983.

Take a walk through ancient woods
Petworth House and Park deer
Petworth   West Sussex

A walk through the park at Petworth, inspired by Capability Brown

Enjoy a three mile walk through the 700 acres of parkland sculpted by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, with breath taking views over the park to distant hills towards the South Downs.

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Three people walk along the top of the magnificent Seven Sisters cliffs with distant views behind of sea , horizon, Birling Gap coastguard cottages and Belle tout lighthouse
Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters   East Sussex

Discovering Gayles Farm

Stride out on a walk across this iconic landscape, walking in the steps of our ancestors as you discover the fascinating history, wildlife and archaeology of this coastal site.

Walk the trail and discover the archaeology
Blue and black banded demoiselle damselflies rest on a reed at the edge of the river Rother
Woolbeding Countryside   West Sussex

Woolbeding Landscapes

Spot banded demoiselles on this gentle walk where you'll pass by both riverside and woodland.

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A black metal fingerpost sign posting the way to the old Haslemere well, which used ot supply the local area and charged a ha'penny per bucket
Swan Barn Farm   Surrey

Swan Barn Farm well, woodland and meadow walk

Starting and ending in the historic market town of Haslemere, this walk goes from the medieval dipping well past a traditional orchard grazed by sheep, through a network of meadows, streams and woodland.

Well, woodland and meadow walk
Sunset looking north from Devil's Dyke, South Downs, West Sussex
Devil's Dyke   West Sussex

Fulking archaeology walk

Take a walk through time along the South Downs. Follow the glorious contours of the Sussex Downs; on one side the Weald, to the other the sea.

Follow the archaeology trail
Standen and surrounding estate, West Sussex
Standen House and Garden   West Sussex

Short walk from Standen to Weir Wood Reservoir

Explore historic woodland, flower meadows and ancient sandstone rock outcrops on this circular walk that takes in Weir Wood Reservoir.

Join us for a country stroll
The beautiful white sands of East Head offer a perfect place to relax
East Head   West Sussex

East Head and Ellanore circular walk

Take a circular walk taking in East Head, Chichester harbour and West Wittering Village, with pretty coastal paths, leafy lanes and coffee shop or pub options along the way.

Stroll along the shore
Sunset lends stunning colours to the winding Cuckmere meanders
Cuckmere Valley   East Sussex

A heavenly haven at Chyngton

Take in the chalk downland of Seaford Head local nature reserve, with stunning views of the Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Valley on this easy to moderate walk.

Escape into nature
Standen and the Bluebell Railway, West Sussex
Standen House and Garden   West Sussex

Walk from Standen to Kingscote Bluebell Railway

Walk to and from Kingscote Station and Bluebell Railway, where connecting steam trains can be taken to Sheffield Park or into the historic town of East Grinstead.

Take a walk in the country
Standen, its surrounding estate and East Grinstead
Standen House and Garden   West Sussex

Standen to East Grinstead and Steam Railway

Explore old footpaths through bluebell woodlands, which provide a rural route to the centre of East Grinstead, that now links to the Bluebell Steam Railway.

Discover the Bluebell Railway
Placeholder Image
Scotney Castle   Kent

Nap Wood walk, in the footsteps of drovers

A tranquil walk in Nap Wood, home to a fantastic array of wildlife, from the mature trees that tower above you to the vivid displays of bluebells that decorate the woodland floor in late spring.

Discover a woodland oasis
Standen and surrounding estate, West Sussex
Standen House and Garden   West Sussex

Walk from Standen to Selsfield Common and back

An 8.5 mile walk for more experienced walkers, to and from Selsfield Common, looked after by the staff at Standen.

Explore the heathland habitat
A chalk grassland meadow full of flowers and grasses on the slopes of Hat Hill in summer, with distant views of surrounding countryside on the horizon
Drovers Estate   West Sussex

Hat Hill to Levin Down

Walk our scenic Sussex trail for a varied, circular route through woodland, fields, and downland, with great views towards and from Hat Hill.

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A dark green fritillary butterfly warms its wings on a thistle
Cissbury Ring   West Sussex

Cissbury Ring butterfly walk

One of the very best butterfly sites in Sussex, including numerous Adonis and chalkhill blues, dark-green fritillaries and marbled whites.

Admire the downland butterflies
Delicate wild garlicflowers carpet the floor and fils the air with their deliciously pungent scent
Devil's Dyke   West Sussex

Wolstonbury Hill explore nature walk

This walk takes you through beech woodland and across open grassland, and as a Special Site of Scientific Interest you'll find a variety of plants and wildlife. Visit in the spring to see bluebells and smell the wild garlic.

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A Woodland path through Bateman's estate, East Sussex
Bateman's   East Sussex

Bateman’s Kipling countryside walk

Enjoy our woodland walk at Bateman's and take in views over Sussex countryside, a landscape which was the home of Rudyard Kipling.

Walk in the footsteps of Kipling
Seven Sisters sea view, Sussex
Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters   East Sussex

Bounding up to Belle Tout

Take a wander up Lookout Hill to Mad Jack Fuller's folly and enjoy some breathtaking sea and downland views.

Enjoy the views at Birling Gap
A common blue butterfly rests on top of a yellow bird's foot trefoil wildflower.
Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters   East Sussex

Between the South Downs and the sea walk

With so much wildlife and archaeology to see along the way, there really is something for everyone on this moderately challenging walk between the South Downs and the sea.

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The historic Tiger Inn, East Sussex
Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters   East Sussex

Birling Gap walk from the Tiger Inn

This circular walk allows you to enjoy great views over the downs and Easy Sussex coast and feel a sense of the landscape's long history.

Discover spectacular sea views
Sunrise near Ditchling Beacon in Sussex
Devil's Dyke   West Sussex

Ditchling Beacon to Devil's Dyke, South Downs walk

This route will take you through some of the most stunning parts of the South Downs Way, where you will find wildlife aplenty and see extensive views from the Ditchling Beacon.

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Distant views over field systems at Devil's Dyke with trees and scrub framing left and right.
Devil's Dyke   West Sussex

Walking in the South Downs: day one

Challenge yourself to a two-day walk across the South Downs. On day one you'll explore Devil's Dyke valley, stop off at Saddlescombe Farm and climb up to the Ditchling Beacon.

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Panoramic view at sunset in August from Devil's Dyke, South Downs, West Sussex
Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber Hill   West Sussex

Walking in the South Downs: day two

Challenge yourself to a two-day walk across the South Downs. On day two you'll pass through the Ditchling Beacon Nature Reserve and may spot Exmoor ponies as you head towards Southease.

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A postcard showing the Victorian funicular railway station that took visitors to the village of Poynings
Devil's Dyke   West Sussex

Devil's Dyke histories and mysteries walk

A good three mile walk which takes you to the alleged burial site of the Devil and beyond to Saddlescombe Farm and the Donkey Wheel - a great place to stop for a cup of tea.

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Butterfly in the garden in the summer at Monk's House, East Sussex
Devil's Dyke   West Sussex

Devil's Dyke butterfly walk

This 1 mile walk over chalk grassland is abundant with butterflies; you could spot any number, from the Adonis blue, chalkhill blue and green hairstreak to smaller populations of brown argus, dark-green fritillary and silver-spotted skipper.

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In June the banks are carpeted in common spotted orchids
Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber Hill   West Sussex

Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber walk

Fresh air, spectacular views and an ancient landscape will accompany you along this scenic downland walk, near Devil's Dyke.

Get back to nature
A male dark green fritillary butterfly suns itself on a child’s hand
Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber Hill   West Sussex

Newtimber Hill butterfly walk

A refreshing walk around one of the best downs for butterflies and flowers, with Adonis and chalkhill blues, dark-green fritillary and silver-spotted skipper.

Admire the wildlife on the downs
A marbled white butterfly rests on knapweed in a wild flower meadow
Black Down   Surrey

Black Down trail: Shottermill to Marley Common and Cognor Wood

Walk through ancient millponds onto Marley Common with its impressive beech trees, then through woods into a working sweet chestnut coppice, before heading uphill to a summer meadow.

Millponds and woodland walk
Wide open skies at Black Down make for perfect stargazing opportunities
Black Down   Surrey

Summer star gazing walk at Black Down

Perfect for families and anyone unfamiliar with astronomy, this walk will introduce you to star gazing at Black Down, the highest point in Sussex.

Be dazzled under dark country skies
A view south looking over the rolling downland of the South Downs from behind the stone plinth, with a charming curved inscribed stone seat in memory of WE Hunter who donated Black Down to the National Trust in memory of his beloved wife.
Black Down   Surrey

South Downs Black Down Temple of the Winds walk

The walk goes to the Temple of the Winds. Here you can find one of the best views of the South Downs National Park. This little-known spot has a secret feel and a charming curved stone seat to rest on.

Temple of the Winds walk
Autumn colour in the parkland at Petworth
Petworth   West Sussex

Petworth ancient trees walk

Discover more about the amazing ancient trees that dominate the skyline of Petworth Park on this circular walk.

Take a look at our ancient tree walk
Fighting Bucks, JWM Turner, 1829
Petworth   West Sussex

Petworth Park...through Turner’s eyes

Discover the views that inspired England’s greatest landscape painter, JMW Turner, on this stroll around the park at Petworth.

See the spots that inspired Turner
Slindon folly, built in 1814 for the Countess of Newburgh's picnic parties
Slindon Estate   West Sussex

Slindon Estate, West Sussex

This walk around Nore Hill Folly from The George Inn at Eartham is perfect for warm days in spring, with much of the route overhung and shaded by trees. Feast your eyes on the superb show of bluebells here, from as early as mid-April.

Take a stroll on the South Downs
'Shippams Poste', named for a local family who donated it to the Trust
Slindon Estate   West Sussex

Stane Street trail

Take our substantial 7-mile walk through the Slindon Estate, Eartham Woods and along the Chichester to London Roman Road: Stane Street.

Get some fresh air at Eartham
A footpath along the edge of the gently flowing Rother, fringed with ancient trees and low lying plants
Woolbeding Countryside   West Sussex

Woolbeding Countryside - River Rother and Midhurst

Enjoy this easy walk along the River Rother starting and returning to Midhurst's charming main street.

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Enjoy far reaching views from the peace and shelter of Cradle Valley
Cuckmere Valley   East Sussex

Over hill and under vale at Frog Firle Farm

Take in great views of secluded farmland and river, as well as wildflowers and wildlife and a diversion to the village of Litlington.

Follow our trail
The West-facing front of the c14th timber framed Alfriston Clergy House.
Alfriston Clergy House   East Sussex

Alfriston Clergy House countryside walk

Walk in the footsteps of the artists and writers of the Bloomsbury Group as you follow our circular route to 600-year-old Alfriston Clergy House.

Take in glorious downland views
A black and white checkered marbled white butterfly rests on a flowerhead
Devil's Dyke   West Sussex

Walk on Fulking

A moderate circular walk, starting and finishing at the Shepherd and Dog pub, comprising ancient landscapes and breathtaking views.

Explore the banks of chalk grassland
In October the fallow deer bucks ‘rut’ to try and secure a mate
Harting Down   West Sussex

Downland and wildlife walk on Harting Down

A classic downland walk, offering panoramic views over the Weald to the North Downs, before descending into secluded valleys of natural and historic interest.

Classic downland walk
The raised bank of the Park Pale was once used to confine livestock
Slindon Estate   West Sussex

Slindon Medieval Park Pale and village walk

Take a walk round Slindon's Medieval deer park, starting in Butchers Copse woodland, following the route of its 'Pale', then through the unspoilt Downland village of Slindon.

Get outdoors at Slindon estate
A rare Duke of Burgundy butterfly at Harting Down
Harting Down   West Sussex

Harting Down wildlife walk

This walk offers panoramic views over the Weald to the North Downs, before descending into secluded valleys of natural and historic interest full of rare wildlife and plants.

Follow our wildlife trail
A wooden signpost stands in the shade of a large tree on an open track
Slindon Estate   West Sussex

Bridle Road to Bignor walk

Take in some beautiful vistas of the largest traditional estate on the South Downs - the perfect winter walk when the trees are bare.

Explore the ancient estate
Walkers enjoy the wide open views along the track to Little Wood
Slindon Estate   West Sussex

The Rise of Northwood ramble, Slindon

Take a walk to see the fields under the plough since the First World War, soon to be restored to woodland as part of our project 'The Rise of Northwood'.

See the woodland restoration
'Shippams Poste', named for a local family who donated it to the Trust
Slindon Estate   West Sussex

Stane Street, Leper’s Path, and Gumber Lynchets

Discover a Roman road across open downland, a chalky Woodland Ride known as 'Leper's Path', and Iron Age lynchets across a small pasture.

Explore the South Downs