The best walks and hikes in West Sussex

Yes, West Sussex is excellent for circular walks. Many trails are designed as loops, so you can easily return to your starting point. For a challenging route with significant elevation, the Chanctonbury Ring and Cissbury Ring loop offers a fantastic day of hiking. If you prefer something flatter, the Knepp Castle, Knepp Wildland & Shipley Windmill loop takes you through a pioneering rewilding project.

Many trails in West Sussex are dog-friendly, but it's important to be mindful of the environment. In areas like the South Downs, you'll encounter livestock, so dogs must be kept on a lead. The Houghton Forest loop via Bignor Hill is a good option, offering plenty of woodland paths for you and your dog to explore.

There are plenty of family-friendly options. For a shorter walk with lots to see, the Swanbourne Lake loop via Arundel Cathedral is a great choice, taking you past a beautiful lake and offering views of Arundel Castle. Buchan Country Park is another popular spot, known for its well-maintained paths and scenic lake.

Definitely. The West Sussex coastline offers some beautiful and relatively flat hiking. For a long walk with sea air and birdwatching opportunities, the Thorney Island loop from Southbourne in Chichester Harbour is a fantastic choice. Another great option is the walk around the peninsula from West Itchenor to Bosham, which passes through charming coastal villages.

For panoramic views, head to the high points of the South Downs. Devil's Dyke is a famous V-shaped valley offering expansive vistas over the Weald. A hike on the Ditchling Beacon loop provides some of the most iconic scenery in the national park, with views stretching out to the coast on a clear day.

Yes, several towns with train stations serve as excellent gateways to trails. Arundel station, for example, is the starting point for many walks along the River Arun, including the popular Arundel River Arun loop. You can also start the Kingley Vale Hidden Trail from Fishbourne, which has a train station.

The South Downs National Park is the heart of hiking in the region, offering classic rolling chalk hills. For a different experience, the Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve is famous for its ancient yew tree forest. Devil's Dyke is a major landmark known for its dramatic valley and panoramic views, while the National Trust - Slindon Estate provides extensive woodland trails.

There are over 3,800 hiking routes to explore in West Sussex. These range from short, easy walks of just a couple of miles to challenging long-distance treks across the South Downs, with nearly 2,000 trails classified as easy.

The trails are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 7,300 reviews. Hikers often praise the variety of landscapes, from the stunning chalk cliffs and rolling hills of the South Downs to the peaceful ancient woodlands and scenic riverbanks.

Yes, many walks feature unique landmarks. The Ouse Valley Viaduct & Ardingly Reservoir loop is famous for its magnificent 19th-century railway viaduct. For ancient history, the Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve contains Bronze Age burial mounds alongside its famous yew trees.

Many popular trailheads have dedicated parking, though they can fill up quickly on weekends. The National Trust car parks at places like Devil's Dyke and Slindon Estate are good starting points. For smaller, free car parks, check the details of individual routes on komoot, as users often mark parking spots as Highlights.