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Winter sun in the woods at Petworth House and Park, West Sussex
Winter sun in the woods at Petworth House and Park, West Sussex | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Walking in Sussex

From country lanes to hilltops and open parkland to coastal paths, breathe in the winter air on some of Sussex’s finest countryside and coastline walks. Walk in the footsteps of Rudyard Kipling’s storybook characters at Bateman's and discover the Petworth views that inspired England’s greatest landscape painter, JMW Turner.

Top walks in Sussex

Sunrise over Pillbox pond at Sheffield Park, East Sussex
Trail
Trail

Estate walk at Sheffield Park 

Explore the wider Sheffield Park estate and discover the historic and natural importance of this piece of Sussex countryside.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8) to miles: 3 (km: 4.8)
Two people walking through woodland with sunset shining through trees
Trail
Trail

Petworth ancient trees walk 

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

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)
View of Devil's Dyke from Saddlescombe Farm with sun breaking through clouds, West Sussex
Trail
Trail

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.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
Sandstone house and garden in a valley with wooded countryside and field with buttercups
Place
Place

Bateman's 

Pass small fields, pretty hedgerows, old trees, abandoned iron ore pits, hidden ponds and magical deserted trackways on a walk at Bateman's. Pick up a map from visitor reception.

Burwash, East Sussex

Fully open today
People walking on the beach at sunset, East Head, West Sussex
Trail
Trail

East Head and Ellanore circular walk 

This circular walk takes in East Head, Chichester harbour and West Wittering village. Pretty coastal paths and pub pit stops await.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)
Duke of Burgundy butterfly
Trail
Trail

Harting Down wildlife walk 

A moderate walking trail around Harting Down, one of the largest areas of ancient chalk downland in our care. Discover rare wildlife and enjoy panoramic views over the Weald to the North Downs.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)
Early purple orchid surrounded by cowslips on the south downs, Sussex.
Trail
Trail

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.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.5 (km: 2.4)
A view from above the beach at Birling Gap, East Sussex
Trail
Trail

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.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
Walkers on the clifftop on the South Downs Way footpath at Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters, East Sussex with a view of the sea in the background
Trail
Trail

Bounding up to Belle Tout at Birling Gap 

Enjoy a relaxing stroll up to Mad Jack Fuller's folly on this circular walk which offers breathtaking views of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head lighthouse.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
A dark green fritillary butterfly warms its wings on a thistle
Trail
Trail

Cissbury Ring butterfly walk 

Take a circular walk around one of the very best butterfly sites in Sussex, exploring the South Downs.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.0 (km: 4.8)
Wild garlic carpets the floor in the woodlands
Trail
Trail

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.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.7 (km: 5.92)
A view the footpath at Ditchling Beacon with visitors walking in the distance and sunlight hitting the grass and trees.
Trail
Trail

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.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 7 (km: 11.2)
Sheep in the parkland at Slindon Estate, West Sussex
Trail
Trail

Slindon medieval park pale and village walk 

Discover this circular walk at the Slindon Estate in West Sussex and wander through a medieval deer park and enjoy village views.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.8 (km: 2.88)
Slindon folly, built in 1814 for the Countess of Newburgh's picnic parties
Trail
Trail

Nore Hill Folly walk at Slindon 

This walk around Nore Hill Folly from The George Inn at Eartham is ideal for warm days in spring, summer and autumn, with much of the route shaded by trees.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.8 (km: 6.08)
Enjoy the open views along the track to Littlewood
Trail
Trail

The Rise of Northwood Ramble at 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'.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.3 (km: 5.28)
Brass Point looking east to Flagstaff Point and Belle Tout at Seven Sisters, East Sussex
Trail
Trail

Clifftop walk from Birling Gap to Exceat 

Experience iconic clifftop views of the Seven Sisters coastline and discover the history of this walk to Exceat and the Seven Sisters Country Park.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4.4 (km: 7.04)
A sunny view across the blue sea with cottage roofs in the foreground and the white chalk cliffs of Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters in the distance
Trail
Trail

Between the South Downs and the sea circular walk 

This route through meadows and trees, down to Birling Gap and up over three of the Seven Sisters takes in coastal views, seasonal flora and fauna and an optional detour to a pub.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4.5 (km: 7.2)
A footpath along the edge of the gently flowing Rother, fringed with ancient trees and low lying plants
Trail
Trail

Woolbeding, River Rother and Midhurst walk 

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

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
Hardy grazing sheep in Woolbeding parkland
Trail
Trail

Woolbeding landscapes walk 

Enjoy heathland, woodland, views of the South Downs, and a riverside ramble in this easy-underfoot circular walk.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 5.5 (km: 8.8)
The Ionic Rotunda, a round stone structure with a domed roof supported by columns, stands on raised grassy ground, with bare-branched trees to both sides
Trail
Trail

Capability Brown's Pleasure Gardens walk 

A 1-mile (1.6km) circular stroll around Petworth's Pleasure Gardens that takes in the highlights of the naturalistic landscape created by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
A clump of trees stand on top of a grassy hill as the sun shines through the branches at sunset in Petworth Park
Trail
Trail

Capability Brown's parkland walk 

Enjoy a 3-mile (4.8km) walk through the 700 acres (2.8sq km) of parkland through a landscape sculpted by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, with ancient trees, fallow deer and views over the park to distant hills towards the South Downs.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8) to miles: 4 (km: 6.4)
Hillsides with sheep tracks and ridges and a distant view of the hillfort, and a black building, at Devil's Dyke
Trail
Trail

Fulking archaeology walk 

Take an archaeological walk through time along the South Downs on this circular route. Follow the glorious contours of the Sussex Downs: on one side is the Weald, and on the other the sea.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)
View East from Bignor Hill at dawn
Trail
Trail

Bridle Road to Bignor walk 

Take in some beautiful vistas of the largest traditional estate on the South Downs, and see earthworks and barrows all year round.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 6.5 (km: 10.4)
A view across summer countryside with cattle grazing at Bateman's in East Sussex
Trail
Trail

Kipling's Puck walk around the Bateman's countryside 

This 2.5-mile walk at Bateman's takes in views over the Sussex countryside, a landscape that inspired Rudyard Kipling.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)
Adonis blue and Chalkhill blue butterflies
Trail
Trail

Devil's Dyke butterfly walk 

Follow this short but hilly route over the downs for a chance to see Adonis and chalkhill blue, green hairstreak, brown argus, dark-green fritillary and silver-spotted skipper.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Blackcap bostal white against the dusk on the South Downs
Trail
Trail

A walk at Blackcap 

Enjoy this secluded gem with sunken bostals, a hidden woodland, views over the Weald and fascinating history.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)
Winter morning view towards Saddlescombe Farm at Devil's Dyke, South Downs
Trail
Trail

Walking in the South Downs: day one 

Day one of this tried-and-tested walk across the magnificent South Downs takes in sights such as Devil's Dyke and the historic Saddlescombe Farm.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 9 (km: 14.4)
Shippams Poste, Slindon Estate, Sussex
Trail
Trail

A Roman ramble to Gumber Farm 

This circular trail through the Slindon Estate encompasses a Roman road across open downland, plus a chalky woodland ride known as Leper's Path.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.75 (km: 6)
Frog Firle Farm, Seaford, Sussex
Trail
Trail

Hill and vale walk at Frog Firle Farm 

Looping over Cradle and Hindover Hills, this walk takes in great views of secluded Sussex farmland, as well as a diversion to the quaint village of Litlington.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)

All walking in Sussex

    House reflected in the mill pond at Bateman's, East Sussex

    Discover more in Sussex

    Sussex is a place of iconic coastline, gardens, literary greats, rolling South Downs, vast art collections and a castle.