Sussex
Sussex is located due south of London on the English Channel. It boasts a long coastline of 145 kilometres that is known for its spectacular white chalk cliffs. Inland, its “South Downs” is a range of gentle chalk hills that stretch from Sussex’s western border with Hampshire across more than half the county to Eastbourne on the coast.
The coastal stretch of Sussex is the sunniest region in the United Kingdom and, so, walking here in the cooler months is a more inviting proposition than elsewhere. Having said that, spring and summer is a very appealing time for walkers due to the proliferation of stunning bluebell fields.
Walking trails in Sussex traverse the rolling South Downs and wend through river valleys and ancient woodlands. Coastal tracks feature quintessential seaside towns and the iconic white chalk cliffs that soar up from the English Channel.
Aside from breathtaking scenery, there is a great deal of history and culture on show in Sussex. There are many castles, country house estates and historic villages to visit. And going back further, the region was well populated during Roman times and there is much evidence of those times still visible today.
Sussex has been home and inspiration to many artists and writers including Rudyard Kipling and A.A.Milne. The 500 acre wood in Ashdown Forest provided the inspiration for the 100 acre wood in the Winnie the Pooh books.
Sussex offers a number of day and multi-day walks and there are several tour operators offering a variety of walking trips.
The most well-known multi-day walk in Sussex is the South Downs Way. The South Downs Way passes through Hampshire and Sussex, but the bulk of it is in Sussex. It’s a 163 kilometre National Trail that follows the South Downs in a west to east direction.
However, there are other multi-day walks, including some considerably shorter than the South Downs Way. And the walking tour operators have developed walking itineraries suited for all. We can help you choose a walk and an operator that best suits your needs.
The South Downs Way is just one of many walks in Sussex we can tell you about, and help you to plan and complete.