Fancy a swift one? Beer mat walks in the South Downs

If having a pint and a pub lunch sounds good, why not add to the occasion and try one of our short beer mat walks on the South Downs? They all include a pub stop to keep you refreshed...

A view over the sloping purple heather at Black Down towards the distant horizon, with tall pine trees to either side.

South Downs 

These are a series of gentle circular strolls around the Sussex downs, all starting from a country pub. Walking is the best way to explore a new place or rediscover your local area while getting some fresh air and gentle exercise. However, if you find the thought of a long country hike a bit daunting, you’re not alone. We've put together a series of six short circular walks (1hr to 1½ hrs) in five different areas across the South Downs.

More about the South Downs
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
Fulking escarpment and the village of Fulking below
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
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
Buzzard in flight
Black Down   Surrey

Millpond and woodland walk

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
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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