Work off the festive excess with some of the best walks Sussex has to offer
Sussex offers an enchanting blend of countryside, coastal landscapes, and historic landmarks. In winter, these natural and cultural attractions take on a unique beauty. Whether you’re a local looking for a refreshing winter stroll or a visitor wanting to explore the area, here are ten of the best places in Sussex for a winter walk.
Sussex Winter Walks
The South Downs National Park
The South Downs is one of England’s most stunning national parks, and in winter, it becomes a serene landscape of rolling hills, frosty pastures, and quiet paths. While it’s beautiful year-round, winter transforms the area with crisp, clear skies and often a dusting of snow. The South Downs Way, a long-distance footpath stretching across the park, is perfect for a scenic winter walk.
For a shorter route, try walking from Devil’s Dyke to Brighton, which offers panoramic views of the coastline. On clear winter days, you can see as far as the Isle of Wight. Alternatively, head towards Cuckmere Haven, where the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs form an impressive backdrop to the tranquil winter landscape.
Arundel Castle and Park
The charming town of Arundel, with its striking medieval castle, is an excellent spot for a winter walk. While the castle itself is a major draw, the surrounding parkland provides beautiful walking trails along the River Arun. In winter, the park is quiet and peaceful, with mist often hanging over the river and frost glistening on the trees. The grounds are home to ancient oaks, and the park’s extensive walking paths take you through open fields, woodland, and by the riverbanks, all with spectacular views of the castle towering above.
You can also walk up to the Arundel Wetlands Centre, where the winter months bring an abundance of migratory birds, making for excellent birdwatching.
Foredown Tower and the Truleigh Hill
For a more elevated winter walk, head to Foredown Tower near Portslade, a Victorian observatory perched on the South Downs. The tower provides a great starting point for a hike across the Downs. From here, you can walk up to Truleigh Hill, where you can enjoy sweeping views over the Adur Valley and the English Channel. In winter, the walk offers a combination of frost-covered hills, quiet fields, and dramatic skies.
The route is relatively easy but provides a real sense of solitude, particularly during the winter months when the area is quieter. This is a perfect location for those who enjoy a combination of natural beauty and history, as the area is rich with archaeological sites and has an ancient, almost mystical feel.
Petworth Park
Located near the village of Petworth in West Sussex, Petworth Park is a large and historic deer park designed by Capability Brown. In winter, the park is particularly picturesque, with the frosted fields and trees creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. The walk through the park takes you past tranquil lakes, ancient trees, and open pastures. Look out for the herd of Fallow Deer that roam the park, which look even more majestic against the winter backdrop.
If you’re interested in history and culture, Petworth House itself is just a short walk from the park, and visitors can combine a walk through the grounds with a visit to the house’s impressive art collection, including works by Turner and Van Dyck.
Ashdown Forest
Famous for being the inspiration behind A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh, Ashdown Forest in East Sussex offers peaceful winter walks through dense woodland, heathland, and rolling hills. In winter, the forest’s trails are less crowded, allowing you to enjoy the stillness and serenity of the surroundings. The forest has numerous walking routes, but the Pooh Sticks Bridge near Five Hundred Acre Wood is a popular spot, especially for families with children. The peaceful, wintery landscape makes it a perfect place to enjoy a relaxing, contemplative walk.
Ashdown Forest is also great for birdwatching during the colder months, and you might spot a variety of species, including winter migrants like redwings and fieldfares. The low winter light makes the forest even more magical, with long shadows and bright winter sunshine filtering through the trees.
Chichester Canal
For a more tranquil, flat winter walk, head to the Chichester Canal. The canal path is mostly flat, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll. In winter, the trees lining the canal become skeletal, creating striking silhouettes against the often misty sky. The sound of water gently flowing along the canal adds to the peaceful atmosphere, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a kingfisher or two flitting along the water’s edge.
The canal walk offers a unique way to experience the countryside, and the route is particularly beautiful in the early morning, when the frost lingers in the air. The walk also provides the opportunity to visit the Chichester Harbour area, which is home to salt marshes and rich birdlife.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
Located on the southern coast of East Sussex, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is an important site for wildlife, and during the winter months, it comes alive with thousands of migratory birds. Winter is the best time for birdwatching here, with species such as brent geese, redshanks, and waders filling the reserve. The walk through the reserve takes you along the coastline, with views over the mudflats, salt marshes, and the sea.
The Rye Harbour Nature Reserve has well-maintained trails that make for easy walking, and the paths are usually quite quiet during winter, providing a peaceful escape. A visit to the nearby town of Rye after your walk, with its cobbled streets and historic buildings, is also highly recommended.
High Weald AONB
The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty spans parts of West Sussex and Kent, offering a mix of ancient woodlands, rolling hills, and traditional farmland. The winter months bring out the stark beauty of the Weald’s ancient oak and beech trees, many of which are twisted and gnarled. Trails through the Weald are often quiet in winter, so it’s a great place to connect with nature in solitude.
The Cuckoo Trail
Running from Heathfield to Polegate, the Cuckoo Trail is an 11-mile disused railway line that has been transformed into a walking and cycling path. The trail cuts through woodlands, farmland, and small villages. During the winter months, the Cuckoo Trail is particularly quiet, allowing walkers to enjoy the stillness and natural beauty. The trail offers relatively flat terrain, making it a comfortable winter walk, especially for those who prefer a low-key, leisurely pace.
Seven Sisters Country Park
For dramatic winter landscapes, the Seven Sisters Country Park near Seaford is a must-visit. The towering white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters are one of Sussex’s most iconic natural landmarks, and in winter, they take on an ethereal beauty. The coastal path offers stunning views of the cliffs and the English Channel, and while it can be windy, the crisp winter air and clear skies make it a great destination for a revitalizing walk.
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