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Summer is here and that makes it the perfect time to enjoy some of the best walks Sussex has to offer. In this article we highlight some excellent walks available around Sussex and they range from 1-mile up to 12-miles, so don't worry there is something here for everyone!
12-miles (4 hours)
This walk begins in Ditchling Beacon, the highest point in East Sussex, England, with an elevation of 248m. Ditchling Beacon is a large chalk hill with a particularly steep northern face.
If you would like to do the 12-mile round trip, then head towards Devil’s Dyke Devil's Dyke is a 100-metre-deep V-shaped dry valley on the South Downs in Sussex.
On the walk you will visit the massive chalk ridge, ponds, windmills, farms and cottages.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/devils-dyke/trails/ditchling-beacon-to-devils-dyke-south-downs-walk
From 0.5-miles (15 mins) up to 5-miles (3-4 hours)
View amazing views of Cuckmere Haven, Belle Tout Lighthouse (at the top of the cliffs) and the iconic Beachy Head Lighthouse below, further out at sea.
Most people choose to start their walks at the visitor centre, which located by the uniquely shaped Cuckmere River. There are various walks to choose from depending on if you’re going for a whole day, an hour or you want a short walk for the family:
Visitor Centre to West Dean: 0.5mi/0.8km (15 mins)
Visitor Centre to beach: 1mi/1.6km (30 mins)
Visitor Centre to Birling Gap: 3.5mi/5.6km (2–3hrs)
Visitor Centre to Beachy Head: 5mi/8km (3–4hrs)
Along the walks you will get to see the mesmerizing chalk cliffs and beautiful Eastbourne beaches.
For the full experience of the castle (inside and out), be sure to book a guided tour as the castle is closed off to the public. The castle itself was built by Henry VIII during his reign to protect the south coast of Rye. You can even see that the castle has since been altered for artillery to protect the coastline.
The castle can’t be reached by vehicle, it’s a 1 mile walk from the nearest parking, but it’s absolutely worth the walk. You will get to see the flower-like shaped curtain walls, brick vaulted tunnels and observe wildlife from the hides.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/camber-castle/
1.5-miles (45 mins)
Ashdown Forest is a stunning walk. There are even reminiscent that remind visitors of that fact that the forest is the original inspiration for Winnie the Pooh. A total of 10 square miles, Ashdown Forest is perfect for wildlife such as Nightjar birds that travel all the way from Africa to bread. Along your walks you can even see ancient breads of Sheep, Cattle and Ponies.
2.1-miles (1 hour)
The Ouse Valley Viaduct walk is a short, circular, walk that will take you from Ardingly Reservoir to Ouse Valley Viaduct. Ardingly Reservoir feeds the river Ouse, and you can even go paddleboarding from £15 an hour.
Now, the Ouse Valley Viaduct is an absolute sight to behold! Its amazing structure is a common hotspot for photographers and for taking Instagram pictures. The Viaduct supports the Brighton to London railway line, and it has been described as one of the most “elegant Viaduct in Britain”, so if you decide to go on this walk then make sure you bring a camera!
You may also choose to do river Adur walk, a 3.5-mile loop, whilst you are visiting Ouse Valley.
https://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Ouse+Valley+Way
