The best walks and hikes around Piddinghoe

Yes, the area is excellent for circular hikes. A great option that avoids the most popular trails is the Southease Swing Bridge – St Thomas à Becket Church loop from Southease. This is a relatively flat, moderate walk that follows the River Ouse, offering lovely waterside views and passing by historic landmarks.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll find flat, easy-going paths along the River Ouse floodplain, which are often part of the Egrets Way. For more of a challenge, many routes ascend onto the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs, involving some steep but rewarding climbs with panoramic views.

Many of the riverside walks are perfect for families due to their flat and accessible nature. The paths along the River Ouse offer a gentle stroll with plenty of wildlife to see. For a coastal option, the walk around the highly-regarded Seaford Head Nature Reserve provides stunning cliff views on a manageable path.

Most trails in the South Downs National Park are dog-friendly, but it's important to be mindful of the landscape. You'll encounter livestock grazing in fields, so always keep your dog on a lead in these areas. The open spaces of Castle Hill Local Nature Reserve are also a popular spot for dog walkers.

The South Downs Way national trail runs along the chalk ridges north of Piddinghoe. You can easily connect to it by taking a footpath from villages like Southease or Rodmell. These access paths involve an ascent up the side of the Ouse valley to join the main trail on the downs.

Yes, for those seeking a strenuous day out, the Firle Beacon summit – High Street, Alfriston loop from Southease is an excellent choice. This difficult hike covers over 20 km and includes significant elevation gain, rewarding you with incredible views from the top of Firle Beacon.

The landscape is rich with natural and historical sites. In Piddinghoe itself, look for the St John the Baptist Church with its unique 12th-century round tower. Along the river, you'll find the Ouse Estuary Nature Reserve, a great spot for birdwatching. Many trails also offer views of the medieval lynchets (ancient field systems) carved into the hillsides.

Yes, the area is quite accessible by train. Southease station is located right on the River Ouse and the South Downs Way, making it an ideal starting point for many walks without needing a car. Newhaven also has good train and bus connections.

The trails are very well-regarded by the komoot community, with over 17,000 visitors exploring the area. Hikers often praise the beautiful mix of riverside scenery and classic South Downs hill walking, as well as the abundance of wildlife and historical points of interest.

Yes, besides walking along it, you can also get on the water. Piddinghoe Lake is a private watersports centre for pre-booked activities like paddleboarding and kayaking. The River Ouse itself is also popular with kayakers; you can find out more about guided trips from nearby Lewes at visitlewes.co.uk.

For dramatic sea views, head towards the coast at Newhaven or Peacehaven. The trails at Seaford Head Nature Reserve are particularly well-loved for their spectacular views of the Seven Sisters cliffs. The Cliff Top Open Area also offers a walk right along the cliff edge with expansive views of the English Channel.