The best walks and hikes around Selmeston
4.7
(2693)
18,623
hikers
611
hikes
Hiking around Selmeston offers access to diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and open fields. The area serves as a gateway to the South Downs National Park, providing expansive views and varied terrain. Notable natural features include the tranquil Arlington Reservoir, a Local Nature Reserve, and a network of paths traversing a predominantly agricultural setting.
Best hiking trails around Selmeston
- The most popular hiking route is Arlington Reservoir – Arlington Reservoir loop from Berwick, a 3.2 miles (5.2 km) trail that takes 1 hour 21 minutes to complete, offering views of the reservoir and its birdlife.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Long Man of Wilmington – High Street, Alfriston loop from Berwick, a moderate 11.1 miles (17.9 km) path. This route features varied terrain, including sections near the Long Man of Wilmington and views towards Alfriston.
- Local hikers also love the Charleston House & Garden – St Peter's Church, Firle loop from Firle, a 3.4 miles (5.5 km) trail leading through rural landscapes and past historical sites, often completed in about 1 hour 29 minutes.
- Hiking around Selmeston is defined by open downland, ancient woodlands, and peaceful reservoirs. The extensive network of trails offers options for various ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging long-distance paths.
- The routes in Selmeston are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 2,400 reviews. More than 17,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Selmeston's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
4.7
(10)
204
hikers
5.22km
01:21
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(10)
48
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
3
hikers
19.8km
05:30
340m
340m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
13.3km
03:27
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
4
hikers
11.3km
03:19
300m
300m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful little village with a couple of great shops for refuelling
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A picturesque cut-through that saves you from going anywhere near the treacherous A27.
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I can recommend visiting the Long Man of Wilmington (it isn't an ancient Fertility symbol more an artificial 17th century tourist attraction, more fool, the faux American witches I saw there several years ago). However I can't recommend leaving the Long Man pub down the road, at 7.30pm, in January, several days after it snowed and then several days of negative temperatures froze it in place, and then climb straight up past it. There is a path but we decided that would take far too long to divert to it. It was not surprisingly steep.
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About the patronage of this church: Saint ANDREW is one of the twelve apostles that Jesus Christ called to follow him. However, in the biblical accounts he is usually somewhat overshadowed by his much more famous brother: Saint Peter. In the Gospels we find the calling of the two siblings presented in different ways. According to the text of the Gospel of John (John 1:40-42), Andrew is called first (together with another disciple whose name is not mentioned). Later he tells his brother that he has found the Messiah. The feast of Saint Andrew in the calendar of saints is on November 30th in all major Christian denominations. The X-shaped white "St. Andrew's Cross" on which he was executed forms the national flag of Scotland against a blue background and has also found its way into the national flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain.
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Our Dan and T1 have given a great account of this lovely little church, and I fear I will only be treading on the toes of highlight giants if I add any more antecedent information on this church. With this being said, there are numerous park benches in the vicinity to rest a weary hiker's butt on, and there is a rather interesting green ‘bomb’ or mine on the edge of the village green!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are there in Selmeston?
Selmeston offers a vast network of trails, with over 600 hiking routes available. These range from easy strolls to more challenging long-distance paths, catering to various preferences and fitness levels.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Selmeston?
The komoot community highly rates the hiking experience in Selmeston, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 2,400 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse landscapes, including rolling hills and ancient woodlands, and the peaceful atmosphere, especially around areas like Arlington Reservoir.
What is the best time of year to hike in Selmeston?
Selmeston is enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with mild weather and beautiful scenery. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, especially in areas like Wilmington Woods, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. The area's varied terrain, from open downland to sheltered woodlands, provides options suitable for different seasons.
Are there options for different hiking abilities in Selmeston?
Yes, Selmeston provides a wide range of trails for all abilities. You'll find over 240 easy routes, more than 300 moderate options, and around 50 more challenging hikes. For an easy, scenic walk, consider the Arlington Reservoir – St Pancras Church, Arlington loop from Berwick, which is just over 5 km.
Are there any circular walks around Selmeston?
Many of Selmeston's trails are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An excellent example is the Long Man of Wilmington – Long Man of Wilmington loop from Berwick, a moderate 14.8 km route that offers stunning views and passes by the iconic Long Man of Wilmington.
Can I bring my dog on the trails in Selmeston?
Many trails around Selmeston are dog-friendly, especially those traversing public footpaths and open countryside. However, please be mindful of livestock in fields and keep dogs on a lead where necessary. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, particularly in nature reserves or protected areas within the South Downs National Park.
Are there family-friendly hiking options in Selmeston?
Absolutely. Selmeston offers numerous easy and relatively flat routes suitable for families. The area around Arlington Reservoir is particularly popular for leisurely walks, offering bird-spotting opportunities and a peaceful environment. These shorter loops are ideal for younger children or those looking for a gentle outing.
What natural features can I expect to see while hiking?
Hiking in Selmeston allows you to experience diverse natural beauty. You'll encounter rolling hills of the South Downs, ancient woodlands, and open fields. The tranquil Arlington Reservoir is a significant natural attraction, known for its birdlife. The area is also characterized by a modest forest cover and, due to the lack of light pollution, is a rare dark skies area.
Are there any historical sites or landmarks to explore?
Yes, Selmeston is rich in history. The area has Mesolithic sites, and the renowned South Downs Way, Cuckmere Pilgrim Path, and Vanguard Way all pass nearby. You can also explore attractions like Charleston House & Garden, a historic farmhouse and garden, or visit the iconic Long Man of Wilmington, a hill figure carved into the chalk downs.
Where can I find parking for hiking trails in Selmeston?
Parking is generally available in or near Selmeston village, often in designated car parks for popular trailheads or near local amenities. For routes starting near Arlington Reservoir, there are specific parking facilities. Always check for local signage and any potential fees.
How can I get to the hiking trails in Selmeston using public transport?
Selmeston is accessible by public transport, though options might be limited depending on your starting point. The nearest train station is Berwick, which offers connections to local bus services that can take you closer to various trailheads. It's advisable to check bus timetables in advance, especially for routes serving smaller villages.
Are there places to eat or drink near the trails?
Yes, you'll find charming pubs and cafes in Selmeston and the surrounding villages, such as Alfriston and Firle. These establishments often welcome hikers and provide a perfect spot to refuel after a walk. Many are located conveniently close to popular hiking routes.
What kind of terrain should I expect on Selmeston's trails?
The terrain around Selmeston is quite varied. You can expect a mix of ancient woodlands, open fields, and rolling chalk downs characteristic of the South Downs National Park. Trails often follow well-maintained footpaths, bridleways, and farm tracks, with some gentle slopes and occasional steeper ascents, particularly on routes leading up to viewpoints like Firle Beacon.
Most popular attractions around Selmeston
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