As the days get warmer, many of us will be encouraged to explore East Sussex’s 2,000+ miles of public paths.
You might prefer a full-day’s hike across the historic South Downs, a catch-up with a friend during a casual one-mile walk in a park, or a short stroll with family members to your favourite picnic spot.
Whatever your walking preference, there’s a walk suited to you in East Sussex.
Why walk?
Walking is a free and simple way of getting exercise, whether its popping to the shops or taking part in something a little more demanding.
It’s been proven that walking can support our mental health by reducing anxiety and depression. It can also help prevent physical illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, bowel cancer and breast cancer. In fact, activities of any description can have wonderful short and long-term health and well-being advantages.
Walking routes
To inspire you to lace up your walking shoes, here are some walks suited for all abilities:
- Wellingham Walk – 1.5 miles– a short walk to the north of Lewes, with easy level walking across fields with some stiles.
- Battle Walk – 4.5 miles– a generally easy walk through woodland with no stiles and some hilly sections. Can be very muddy.
- Pevensey Castle Walk – 5 miles– a generally easy walk passing through the outer walls of the castle, and then the Pevensey Haven
- Crowborough Walk – 9 miles– typical country walk through fields and woodland with hills, some stiles and muddy paths (depending on weather).
These circular walks, ranging from one to nine miles, are just some of the routes listed on our website, which can all be downloaded and used as a handy map for your walk.
Shorter walks
If you prefer your walks a little shorter, The Conservation Volunteers has a series of walking maps called ‘1-2-3 Walks’. These are one-, two-or three-mile routes in East Sussex can be printed out at home. And with more than 100 short-walk maps you’re bound to find something that suits you.
Accessible walks
They also have a great 1-2-3 accessible walks series that includes wheelchair and buggy-friendly routes. The paths – which include parks, beaches and woods – have surfaces that are flat and which should remain mud free, even in England’s changeable weather conditions.
Walking groups
Not sure who to walk with? Why not join a walking group in East Sussex. It can be a good way to meet new people, make new friends, discover new trails and help manage feelings of loneliness.
Rights of way in East Sussex
East Sussex’s footpaths, bridleways and byways provide access to some of the most beautiful places in the County.
These rights of way are legally recorded public highways across privately owned land. Maintenance of the public rights of way is the responsibility of both the County Council and landowners.
You can use our interactive map to view public rights of way in East Sussex.
Types of rights of way
- Public footpath– for use by walkers only, and may not be suitable for all pushchairs or wheelchairs
- Public bridleway– for use by walkers, horse riders and cyclists
- Byway open to all traffic– these can be used by motorised vehicles, horse-drawn carriages, cyclists, horse-riders and walkers
- Restricted byway– for use by walkers, cyclists, horse riders and horse-drawn carriages
- Open Access Land – you can walk freely on mapped areas of down land, heathland and some registered common land, as well as mountains and moors.
Further information
If you have any questions concerning a public right of way in East Sussex, please contact the Rights of Way Team.
New National Path
His Majesty the King accompanied by Tony Juniper, Natural England Chair and Emma Reynold, Environment Secretary.
In March, East Sussex welcomed King Charles III, when he visited the area to inaugurate The King Charles III England Coast Path National Trail. Once completed, this trail will be around 2,700 miles long – the longest managed coastal path in the world.
The East Sussex section of the Trail runs between Telscombe and Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.
You can learn more about the sections between Eastbourne and Rye Harbour and Brighton to Eastbourne on the National Trail website.
Learn more about the Trail in our article Following the King’s footsteps through East Sussex.
Cliff safety
Some of the county’s most picturesque walks are along the county’s coastal paths, which boast wonderful views ranging from coastlines to distinctive Victorian and Edwardian seaside towns.
While coastal walks are a great way to get some exercise, there are three rules walkers should stick to while on a stroll. Remember:
- Keep away from cliff edges
- Avoid cliff bases due to falling rocks
- Don’t get cut off by the sea at high tide.
Read more about cliff safety in our YES article 3 things to know about our cliffs before you visit.
Main image: courtesy of Explore Kent and East Sussex County Council. Photographer John Miller.
