Recreational walks in East Sussex facts for kids
East Sussex, located in the southeast of England, is a fantastic place for outdoor adventures! It's known for its beautiful coastline, rolling hills, and peaceful forests. If you love exploring nature, you'll find many amazing walks here, from short strolls perfect for a quick outing to long-distance trails that take you across the county and beyond. These walks are a great way to see different landscapes, spot wildlife, and get some fresh air.
Short and Sweet Walks
These walks are perfect for a quick trip or if you're just starting your hiking journey. They are usually shorter and easier to follow.
Abbots Wood Adventures
Near Hailsham, you can explore Abbots Wood. It has two fun walks:
- The Abbots Amble is about 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) long. Just follow the yellow markers!
- The Oak Walk is a bit shorter, just over 1 kilometre (0.6 miles). Look for the red markers.
Beaneys Lane: A Walk for All Seasons
On the edge of Hastings, this 1.5-kilometre (0.9-mile) walk goes through Maplehurst Woods. This area is a special place called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which means it's important for its plants and animals. The path is mostly flat and easy to walk on, with just one small hill. Follow the wren-marker posts!
Butcher's Trudge in Friston Forest
This is a 2-kilometre (1.2-mile) circular walk starting from Butchershole, near Friston. It takes you through the lovely Friston Forest. Just follow the white markers to stay on track.
Ditchling Common Country Park Trail
Between Haywards Heath and Lewes, you'll find Ditchling Common Country Park. Its trail is 1.5 kilometres (0.9 miles) long and marked with purple signs. It's a great spot to enjoy open spaces.
Forest Way Circular Routes
The Forest Way offers several circular walks that use parts of the main trail:
- From Forest Row, there's a 5-kilometre (3.1-mile) walk with orange markers.
- From Hartfield, you can choose a 4.5-kilometre (2.8-mile) walk (green markers) or a 6-kilometre (3.7-mile) walk (red markers).
- From Groombridge, there's an 8-kilometre (5-mile) walk marked in purple.
High Weald: A Special Landscape
The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a very special area with beautiful countryside. It has many different walks to explore. You can find more details on their website.
Marline Valley Nature Reserve
This nature reserve on the outskirts of Hastings has various paths. Be aware that some parts can be steep and muddy, especially after rain. There isn't a car park right at the reserve, so if you're driving, you might need to park on a nearby road and walk over. A map of the reserve is available here.
Park Wood in Hellingly
To the north of Hailsham, Park Wood in Hellingly has several circular walks that are clearly signed. It's a nice place for a peaceful stroll through the woods.
Seven Sisters Country Park: Riverside to the Sea
Seven Sisters Country Park is famous for its stunning white cliffs. An easy path starts from the Visitor Centre at Exceat (on the A259 road). This path follows the River Cuckmere all the way to the sea at Cuckmere Haven, offering amazing views.
Longer Walks for More Exploration
If you're looking for a longer adventure, these trails are perfect for a half-day or full-day outing.
The Cuckoo Trail
The Cuckoo Trail is a fantastic 16-kilometre (10-mile) path that runs from Eridge to Polegate. It's mostly flat and follows an old railway line, making it great for walking or cycling. There's even an extension that takes you further into Eastbourne, to Hampden Park.
The Forest Way Trail
The main Forest Way trail is 14.5 kilometres (9 miles) long, stretching from Forest Row to Groombridge. It also follows an old railway line, offering a flat and easy route through the countryside. There's even a path that links East Grinstead to Forest Row, extending your journey.
Long-Distance Paths: Epic Journeys
For serious walkers, East Sussex is home to several long-distance paths. These trails can take days or even weeks to complete, crossing vast areas of beautiful landscape.
1066 Country Walk
This historic walk is 50 kilometres (31 miles) long and takes you from Pevensey Castle to Rye. It's named after the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066, and you'll pass through many places linked to that time.
Downs Link
The Downs Link is a long trail, 59 kilometres (37 miles) in total. It connects two other major paths: the North Downs Way in Surrey (starting near Guildford) and the South Downs Way in Steyning. It then continues all the way to Shoreham-by-Sea on the coast.
High Weald Landscape Trail
This impressive trail is 145 kilometres (90 miles) long! It runs from Horsham in West Sussex all the way to Rye, passing through parts of East Sussex and Kent. It's a great way to experience the varied landscapes of the High Weald.
Saxon Shore Way
The Saxon Shore Way is a very long coastal path, stretching 261 kilometres (162 miles) from Gravesend in Kent to Hastings. It follows the ancient coastline, where Anglo-Saxon forts once stood to defend against invaders.
South Downs Way National Trail
The South Downs Way is a famous National Trail that crosses the entire South Downs National Park. It offers incredible views from the chalk hills and is a popular choice for hikers and cyclists.
Sussex Border Path
This path, 256 kilometres (159 miles) long, follows the border of Sussex. It starts at Thorney Island in West Sussex and ends in Rye, taking you through a wide variety of landscapes along the county's edge.
Sussex Ouse Valley Way
Following the River Ouse, this 67.5-kilometre (42-mile) path goes from Lower Beeding to Seaford on the coast. It's a lovely walk that takes you through river valleys and charming villages.
Vanguard Way
The Vanguard Way is 107 kilometres (66 miles) long, starting in south London (Croydon) and finishing at Newhaven on the coast. It's a challenging but rewarding walk that takes you through different types of countryside.
Wealdway
Another long trail, the Wealdway is 129 kilometres (80 miles) long. It starts in Gravesend in Kent and finishes in Eastbourne, crossing the beautiful Weald region.
