Area: Sussex

'In 2007, Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council took the decision to work in partnership. The original goal was to create a single, senior officer structure and shared services across the two councils and to deliver savings and efficiencies for both councils. This innovative, groundbreaking project, the first of its kind nationally, was supported from the start by Improvement and Efficiency South East who, since then, have gone on to share this approach with many other councils regionally and nationally ...'

'Since 1972 the Arlington Bluebell Walk and Farm Trail has developed into seven interesting walks over three working farms.' Held April - May.

Access to details of the wide range of 'green spaces' throughout the Arun District, including: Beautiful Parks, Cemeteries, Community Orchards and Local Nature Reserves.

Member of the Ramblers - Sussex Area Grouping

Originally the Entry for Arundel Walking Festival which was last held in 2014. The Walking Tours, however, have continued.

Arundel Historic Tours

Reed Bed Boardwalk  'This SSSI reed bed (designated Site of Special Scientific Interest) is a one of the largest in Sussex. Reed beds are a priority habitat for nature conservation in the UK and WWT are working hard to restore and maintain this vital habitat for wildlife ...'

'The Forest offers the visitor wide open spaces, far-reaching views, deep-sided rushing ghylls and tranquil wooded areas. Each season brings its delights from the scent of the heather in full bloom on a hot summer's day to the mysterious misty days of autumn and winter. Walk away from the car parks and you could easily walk for hours without seeing another person!'

Ashdown Forest

Member of the Ramblers - Sussex Area Grouping

'Walkers flock to Beachy Head for the magnificent scenery, abundant wildlife and historic locations. Choose a short, gentle walk or challenge yourself with a longer route around the area. Whichever you choose, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views.'

The Gilbert Estate

Beachy Head and Eastbourne [Fancy Free Walks] (PDF)

'Adventure in a world of trees. Open all year, Bedgebury is perfect for cycling, walking, riding and playing in a spectacular world of trees ... '

Forestry England

'A wander through the fine, varied landscapes of the High Weald en route to scenic Bewl Water, the largest expanse of water in the south east of England ... The route uses parts of the Sussex Border Path and wanders along the shores of Southern Water's Bewl Water reservoir.'

Out of the LOOP

Bewl Water Woods [Woodland Trust]

'We encourage local people to enjoy walking and protect the places we all love to walk. Our Group Leaders are experienced walkers and we walk at a steady pace taking in local areas of beauty and interest - a great way to get outside, make new friends and discover how walking boosts your health and happiness.  Our Tuesday walks are usually 5-6 miles incorporating a short coffee break and a drink in the pub at the end if you feel so inclined. Our Saturday walks are usually between 7 and 11 miles. We try to keep within a 25 mile radius of Bexhill.'

'There are both circular walks and linear walks on this website. The linear walks involve steaming to the start point by Bluebell Railway train.'

'Beyond the Garden lies 200 acres of parkland and woodland set within the beauty of the High Weald.  To the North are the woodland walks of Warren and Stephanie's Glade. The South Park features a variety of popular amenities, including Parkland and Woodland Walks.'

'The high-speed line puts this unique corner of Sussex within easy reach of London. This walk explores some of its remarkable landscapes – hills, orchards, salt marsh and reed bed – as well as some of its rich history, both shaped by a retreating sea.'

Out of the LOOP

'We want to have green spaces that are used and valued by the whole community. Along with Natural England we aim at everyone having an accessible natural green space less than 300 metres from their home. We have seven Green Flag parks in the city, which have been recognized for their high standards and the service they provide for their communities.'

'Brighton & Hove City Council is responsible for the public rights of way around our city - public footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways and byways open to all traffic. The Council will continue to be responsible for rights of way in the South Downs National Park.'

Brighton & Hove City Council

Member of the Ramblers - Sussex Area Grouping

'The Club aims to provide, good company and opportunities for the healthy enjoyments of the countryside walking in Sussex.'

'The Walking Group is a friendly mixed group of men and women ... '

'Runs from Horley to Brighton. Invented by a commuter who had looked out of the train window for years but never walked in the countryside, each section of the walk starts and ends at a railway station.'

Sussex Wanderings

'We have miles of footpaths and bridle ways in the Parish and all will take you through beautiful, rolling countryside ... I have almost 20 walks starting from Burwash with many of them connecting the local villages. There are a mixture of long and shorter walks some of which intertwine, but each have their own character. I decided it would be a good idea to share the walks and by creating a Website it would give all fellow walkers the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful scenery and views available in this area.'

Burwash Parish Council

'A route between Chichester and West Dean following the line of part of the disused Chichester to Midhurst railway.'

West Sussex County Council

'Chailey Common is one of the largest heathland commons in the South of England, covering 450 acres and was designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 1966. It has also been made a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its heathland plants and diverse insect and bird communities ... Chailey Common is open access land, but to minimise disturbance to wildlife it is better to keep to the footpaths. Leaflets on self-guided walks around the Common are available from East Sussex County Council ... '

East Sussex County Council

Paths and trails on 'open access' land allowing a circular walk between the Memorial and the Windmills. Accessible by several bus services.

Brighton & Hove City Council

The Chattri Memorial Service

'Walking around Chichester Harbour is always a joy. There are over 90km of public rights of way through the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Many of these paths run right along the shoreline giving fantastic views of the water. Others cut across farmland and through the picturesque harbour villages.'

Chichester Harbour Conservancy

'Chichester Ship Canal passes through 4 miles of open farmland from the Basin to Chichester Harbour at Birdham. The towpath is part of the Lipchis Way and cycling is permitted. The path connects with the Bill Way at Hunston and Salterns Way at Birdham, which are long-distance cycle routes to the sea. There are information boards along the canal and also historical remains of the original navigation, including Poyntz Bridge near the basin and the Selsey tramway abutment at Hunston.'

Chichester Ship Canal Trust

'3 Award-Winning Galleries - Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne, De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill and the Jerwood Gallery in Hastings - connected by 25 miles of coastline in East Sussex.'

Member of the Ramblers - Sussex Area Grouping

Gardens and Parks 'Crawley has eight well-kept gardens for residents and visitors to enjoy' ... Nature Conservation 'Explore our nature conservation areas and discover the many different species of plants and animals.'

Member of the U3A - Sussex Grouping

'Crowborough is the largest and highest inland town in East Sussex, set within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and bordering the Ashdown Forest. The gorgeous countryside around the town is a walkers’ paradise.' Usually held early May.

Crowborough Town Council

'The picturesque trail follows the former "Cuckoo Line" railway track and stretches from Heathfield to Eastbourne Park. It passes through Horam, Hailsham and Polegate.'

East Sussex County Council

'Hastings is an acclaimed coastal town with a long history of smuggling and conspiracy. There are plenty of seaside attractions and a long beach, but it also has an Old Town steeped in history, with black beamed houses overhanging the streets ... ' Two Self-Guided Walks to purchase online.

Curious About ... ?

East Sussex County Council

East Sussex County Council

'Membership of the Eastbourne Rambling Club is open to both newcomers and experienced walkers alike of any age as a wide range of walks is offered to suit most abilities. The Club aims to encourage greater knowledge, care and love of the countryside, to secure and preserve rights of way within its area and to facilitiate social and international friendship.'

'Nine fascinating guides for walking around and observing Eastbourne.'

Walking Pack Produced By The Eastbourne Society

'The 47 km (29 miles) stretch of the England Coast Path (ECP) from Camber to Folkestone is now open to the public. Coastal access rights came into force along this stretch of coast on 19 July 2016 by order of the Secretary of State.'

England Coast Path Route Descriptions

'This is a peaceful mainly woodland walk through one of the wildest nature reserves in south east England. It runs through the hilly country just north of the village of Fittleworth, taking you along little-known paths, visiting the cottage where Elgar composed many of his later works, with fine views and refreshments in the village. '

Fancy Free Walks

'South Downs Way Walking Holidays ... Short and Weekend Break Walking Holidays ... Baggage Transfers ... Annual South Downs Way Walk ... Local Guided Walks ... Local Health Walks ...'

South Downs Way Annual Walk

'The Forest Way is a linear Country Park providing walking, cycling, horse riding and the quiet enjoyment of the countryside. It runs for around 16 km from East Grinstead to Groombridge. Major improvements to the track surface in 2002 led to its inclusion in the Sustrans National Cycle Network. To the west of East Grinstead, the cycle route continues as the Worth Way along the disused section of line to Three Bridges. In addition, there are as yet unrealised plans to link the Forest Way from Groombridge with the Cuckoo Trail, another trail following the route of a disused railway line, which runs from Heathfield to Hampden Park near Eastbourne.

East Sussex County Council

'It’s a rare pleasure to find a place as well set up for four-seasons walking as East Dean ...'

Christopher Somerville Walks

'Inaugurated in 2009, to coincide with the 125th anniversary of the Greenwich Meridian, the walk begins at the splendid monument to King George V at Peacehaven in East Sussex and ends ... on the coast at Sand le Mere in East Yorkshire.'

Graham and Hilda Heap

'The area around Hassocks provides ample opportunity to get out and explore the countryside, with its lovely villages and the nearby South Downs.'

Leslie Campbell

Member of the U3A - Sussex Grouping

Four Self-Guided Walks in Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve.

Friends of Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve

'Hastings is home to a number of nature reserves, Sites of Specific Scientific Interest and a fantastic country park. There is also a rich biodiversity across the borough and a great array of wildlife.'

Hastings Borough Council

'Using the 7km beachside traffic-free route is the perfect way to discover the extensive Hastings seafront – with plenty of places to shop, eat and explore along the way. The Route Map lists things to look out for and some places to stop for refreshments on the route.'

Pacer

'Crosses the counties of West Sussex, East Sussex and Kent providing an opportunity to explore the heart of south-east England. Meandering through one of England’s finest landscapes - the High Weald Landscape Trail links the area’s ridge-top villages and allows exploration of the features that make the area unique.'

High Weald AONB

Member of the Ramblers - Sussex Area Grouping

'Circular walk ... which virtually encompasses the town of Horsham using paths alongside various watercourses.'

Horsham District Council

'For many people Horsham's greatest amenity is its easily accessible countryside. There can't be many towns this size where you can set out from the shopping centre and be in open country within five minutes. We can even circumnavigate Horsham on the Riverside Walk, and if we choose to walk across town instead we can do so via any number of parks, green spaces and traffic-free paths. To celebrate this we're publishing some of our favourite walks ...'

The Horsham Society

Member of the U3A - Sussex Grouping

'A classic walk along the sharp, windy northern escarpment of the South Downs, starting with a climb to Clayton’s famous Windmills, then on to Ditchling Beacon’s fine views, before descending to the peaceful valley of the Ouse to end in historic Lewes.'

Out of the LOOP

'This trail illustrates the fascinating and extensive Jewish Heritage of Brighton and Hove and demonstrates that it is among the most important Jewish heritage locations in the country. The trail falls into two linked trails - the Brighton Trail and the West Brighton and Hove Trail.

National Anglo-Jewish Heritage Trail

'Since 2012 I have explored over 140 miles of Kent & Sussex shoreline in day walks. My intention is to publish an ebook of my journey for everyone to enjoy ...' Sixty Walks in total.

The Hiker

'We organise walks and events in East and West Sussex - and occasionally further afield. Walks vary in length but are normally between 15 and 25 miles, depending upon the season. They offer a challenge and the opportunity to explore new areas and meet new people. You are most welcome to join any walk in the programme.'

'We are a friendly walking group that arranges a regular programme of walks, social events, coach outings, and holidays for members. We also maintain rights of way in the area, provide courses for members on map reading and becoming walk leaders. We have produced books of walks in our local region.'

Member of the Ramblers - Sussex Area Grouping

'A long distance route, circa 29 miles, from Haslemere Station to Arundel Station, and vice versa, in The South Downs National Park. Originally planned and published as a 19.25 mile route from Midhurst to Arundel, a new spur of 9.5 miles has recently been added connecting Midhurst Bus Station to Haslemere. Train access/egress is London Victoria to Arundel or London Waterloo to Haslemere.'

GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

'A series of 47 circular walks of varying length and difficulty, taking in the varied countryside of East Sussex, promoted by the County Council ... They also seem to be aimed at promoting the patronage of local businesses.'

Annierak

'The Sussex Area of the Ramblers was formed in 1976. Membership stands at around 3500, with 9 local groups throughout Sussex, and one county-wide Young Walkers Group.' The Sussex Border Path is 'in the care of Sussex Area Ramblers'.

'A traverse of the lonely Laughton levels.  Savour the joys of solitude and a surprising variety of scenery ... This is a walk of the pastoral, of villages and farms and quiet pleasures.  In walking it you will be helping to keep some less well used paths free of overgrowth.  For most of the walk you are unlikely to meet another walker.'

Chris Smith

'There are many opportunities to enjoy green open space in the District. Rother District Council manages a variety of open spaces as do the District's Town and Parish Councils ... Most of Rother is designated for its quality countryside with a good network of quiet roads and public footpaths to explore ... Rother is home to some of the most stunning coastline on the South Coast and generations of families have enjoyed days out and holidays here for many years.'

Member of the Ramblers - Sussex Area Grouping

'A few years ago, RPC developed a series of leaflets documenting 3 mile, 4.5 mile, 5.5 mile, 7 mile, 8 mile and 8.5 mile circular walks around the parish. If you are a keen walker or good at writing or design we’d love you to help us update them ...'

'This large area of land is a mosaic of habitats beside the sea with shingle, saltmarsh, sand dunes, rivers, pits, grazing marsh, reedbeds and farmland. Full of wildlife for you to discover with a network of footpaths and 5 birdwatching hides with easy access.'

'South Downs Discovery now offer high quality, self-guided walking holidays along the South Downs Way. We take care of everything, leaving you to concentrate on the stunning scenery.'

'Advises the National Park Authority and others on how best to manage access to the countryside in the National Park. There are seventeen members of the South Downs Local Access Forum who represent the views of land managers, users and others with an interest in countryside access ...'

South Downs National Park Authority

'Has over 3,000 kilometres of Rights of Way for you to walk on. With the South Downs Way, a National Trail stretching the entire length of the National Park, as well as many Country Parks, woodlands and other countryside sites there are routes to suit everyone.'

Friends of the South Downs

'The SDNPA is committed to making sure that anyone and everyone can have the chance to appreciate, experience and enjoy the South Downs. Whether you are a wheelchair user or a parent with a pushchair, we have identified 11 official easy access routes. These routes have been surveyed and deemed suitable for: Impaired mobility; Wheelchairs; Mobility Scooters; Pushchairs.'

South Downs National Park Authority

'Experience some of our finest countryside between Winchester, first capital of England, and the white chalk cliffs of Eastbourne. If you are interested in great views, attractive wildlife, visible prehistory, fine pubs and pretty villages, or if you just fancy a challenge, the South Downs Way awaits you.'

South Downs National Park

Member of the Ramblers - Sussex Area Grouping

'This walk is a huge adventure which has become a classic, beautiful and exhilarating, combining spectacular woodland, hidden lakes and green meadows ... St Leonard's Forest is at the western end of the Wealden Forest Ridge which runs from Horsham to Tonbridge, and is part of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.'

Fancy Free Walks

'Since September 2014 you have the right to walk over areas of open country ... Brighton & Hove Council has created 200 hectares of new open access in and around Stanmer Park to compliment the areas we already enjoy through Stanmer Woods. This means you can now walk freely across much of Stanmer estate ...'

Brighton & Hove City Council

'The Steyning & District Community Partnership has been working with funding through Awards for All to produce a new series of four self-guided walks taking in the best of the countryside and heritage surrounding Steyning ... Each walk guide contains everything you need to know, including comprehensive directions , a clear map, and a wealth of information about some of the sights and places on each route.'

Steyning and District Community Partnership Project

'Footpath route nearly 150 miles long around the inland boundary of the county of Sussex, first devised and published in 1983 by Ben Perkins and Aeneas Mackintosh. The county owes its origins to the kingdom of the South Saxons and can claim to have one of the longest inland county boundaries from Emsworth to Rye.'

Sussex Area Ramblers

Midhurst to Heathfield: 'Devised by the Sussex Area of the Ramblers' Association to mark the 60th anniversary (1995) of the Ramblers' Association'

The Sussex Diamond Way: The Book of the 60 Mile Walk (Brighton: Ramblers' Association, 1997) - but you might have difficulty finding a copy

Walking South

The Sussex Diamond Way [Annierak]

'We usually go out on the second Sunday of the month, including occasional forays with our neighbouring GOC groups ... Walks are normally 6 to 10 miles and designed to cover a range of abilities and tastes. We often bring our own packed lunches or stop for a pub lunch ... Most afternoons end with fresh tea and coffee at the meeting point plus a range of delicious cakes supplied by our members.'

'Opened in 2005, the Sussex Ouse Valley Way is a beautiful 42 mile journey that broadly follows the River Ouse from its source close to Lower Beeding in the High Weald to the sea at Seaford Bay.'

'We are an independent club of around 200 local people ... with a common interest in walking for pleasure in the Sussex countryside. Our membership is drawn from across Sussex and beyond, joining us from near and far to enjoy our walks.'

'A Walking Group doing walks of 12 to 18 miles in the winter and 16 to 20 miles in the summer. Just about all walks stop at a Pub/Inn for refreshments at Midday, but most people have a Picnic Lunch. Non Walking members often come to the Lunch Stop to catch up on the latest news and enjoy the company. Also some members who find the whole walk too long either just walk in the morning or in the afternoon. No finish times are published for the walks. Membership is only £5.00 Per Year.'

The Society of Sussex Wealdmen

Member of the Ramblers - Sussex Area Grouping

'Follow in the steps of William the Conqueror on this historic walk through the Sussex countryside which commemorates the famous battle in 1066.'

GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

The 1066 Country Walk [Nick Brown] | 1066 Country Walk [Saturday Walkers' Club]

'Combining one thousand years of history with independent shops, contemporary art galleries, restaurants and pubs, plus leisure pursuits across the South Downs from walking to canoeing or cycling ... there is something for everyone when you visit Arundel.'

'Enjoy the beautiful countryside around campus on our Boundary Walk. It's free, it's a great way to keep fit, and there's always something interesting to see.'

University of Sussex

'A generally easy country walk along country lanes and woodland with views of Bewl Water.'

High Weald AONB

Tilgate Park is a 'large park situated in Tilgate, South-East Crawley. It is the largest and most popular park in the area. Although it is mostly associated with the area surrounding Tilgate Lake, a large area of the park is also silvicultural forest, there is also a Local Nature Reserve called Tilgate Nature Centre for protected and endangered species.'

Tilgate Forest is an '150ha site of mixed conifer and broadleaf woodland is managed by the Forestry Commission. It links to, and can be accessed from, the adjoining Tilgate Park on the southern edge of Crawley'.

Crawley Borough Council | High Weald AONB

'Experience the beauty of our countryside by meandering around our extensive network of walking and cycling trails.'