The best walks and hikes around Southwater
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Hiking around Southwater explores the West Sussex countryside, characterized by extensive woodlands, meadows, and gentle terrain. The area features paths that follow the meandering River Arun and routes through country parks. Notable landscapes include Southwater Country Park, a 70-acre green space with water bodies and level paths, and the Downs Link, a popular path following an old railway line. The region also benefits from habitats such as reedlands, coppices, and mature woodland.
Best hiking trails around Southwater
- The most popular hiking route is Southwater Country Park Lake loop from Christ's Hospital, a 6.2 miles (10.0 km) trail that takes around 2 hours 36 minutes to complete. This route includes a circuit of the lake within Southwater Country Park on level, surfaced paths.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Soil Gill – Freeman's Wood loop from Southwater, a moderate 5.9 miles (9.5 km) path. This trail leads through woodlands and open fields.
- Local hikers also love the St Mark's Parish of Holbrook – Woodland Trail With Stream loop from Christ's Hospital, a 14.6 miles (23.5 km) trail leading through varied countryside, often completed in about 6 hours 5 minutes.
- Hiking around Southwater is defined by woodland paths, riverside walks, and routes through country parks. The network of trails offers options for different ability levels, from easy lakeside strolls to longer countryside hikes.
- The routes in Southwater are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 240 reviews. More than 3,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Southwater's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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43
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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13
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
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13
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Southwater Country Park was formed after the closure of the brickworks and quarry in 1981. The area is now a thriving wildlife and leisure area with woodland, grasslands and a lake. There are children's playgrounds, a beach for paddling, watersports, fishing, bike trails and a café.
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Wonderful dinosaur themed park that is along the cycle route and trackway way, sells hot food and ice cream so well worth taking a break here.
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Plenty of benches & food & drink in main centre nice place to have a break on the downs link
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This pub can be accessed from the main road or from the Downs Link bridleway. There’s a good pizza menu for anyone looking to refuel.
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Was a railway station on the Steyning Line which served the village of West Grinstead. It had a goods yard with a cattle loading bay and facilities for handling horse boxes. With the hunt kennels and national stud based in the area, the station saw substantial horse traffic The station closed as a result of the Beeching Axe in 1966 and now forms part of the Downs Link footpath.
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The old St Mark's church was founded in 1841, with girls' and boys' schools adjacent to the building. The building was almost entirely rebuilt in 1871, and the chancel was extended in 1888. Following the redevelopment of Horsham town centre the church was mostly demolished, although the church spire was saved and can be seen in the town centre.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any family-friendly walks in Southwater?
Yes, Southwater Country Park is ideal for families. It offers level, surfaced paths around a large lake, making it perfect for strollers and small children. The park also features an adventure-style play area with the popular Dinosaur Island.
Can I bring my dog on the trails around Southwater?
Absolutely. The area's extensive network of bridleways and woodland paths is great for walking with dogs. Many routes through the surrounding countryside offer plenty of space. Please keep your dog under control, especially near farmland and in designated nature conservation areas like 'The Quarry' in the Country Park.
What are the parking options for hiking in Southwater?
The main car park for many trails is at Southwater Country Park. It's a pay-and-display car park that serves as a convenient starting point for walks around the park and for accessing the Downs Link path. For other routes, on-street parking may be available in nearby residential areas, but be sure to check for any restrictions.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, many of the best walks in the area are circular. This allows you to explore the varied landscape of woodlands and meadows without retracing your steps. For a shorter loop, the 2.5-mile (4 km) View of the Surrey Hills – Fungus on Tree Stump loop from Nuthurst is a great option that showcases the local scenery.
How can I access the trails using public transport?
Southwater is accessible by bus from the nearby town of Horsham, which has a major train station with connections to London and the south coast. From Horsham, local bus services can take you close to the start of many trails, including Southwater Country Park.
What is the Downs Link and can I walk part of it from Southwater?
The Downs Link is a 30-mile (48 km) long-distance path that follows the course of a disused railway line. It runs directly through Southwater Country Park, making it very easy to access. You can enjoy a flat, traffic-free section of the trail heading north towards Horsham or south towards the coast for as long or as short a walk as you like.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The area is rich in wildlife, especially in the nature conservation areas. 'The Quarry' section of Southwater Country Park is a haven for lizards, kingfishers, and nightingales. On trails through the surrounding woodlands and meadows, you can also spot a variety of butterflies and dragonflies.
Are there any challenging or long-distance hikes?
While most trails are gentle, there are options for those seeking a challenge. For a longer day out, you could tackle the St Mark's Parish of Holbrook – Woodland Trail With Stream loop from Christ's Hospital, which is a demanding 14.5-mile (23 km) hike. You can also create your own long-distance route by following the Downs Link path for an extended period.
What is the terrain like on the trails around Southwater?
The landscape is typical of West Sussex, featuring a mix of woodlands, meadows, and paths along the River Arun. Most routes are on gentle, rolling terrain. For a bit of a climb, some trails incorporate Denne Hill, which offers rewarding views over the countryside from its modest summit.
What do other hikers enjoy about the trails in Southwater?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the peaceful woodland paths, the well-maintained trails within Southwater Country Park, and the classic English countryside scenery. The variety of routes, from easy lakeside strolls to longer countryside loops, is also a frequently mentioned highlight.
How many hiking trails are there to choose from?
There are over 35 curated hiking routes around Southwater to explore. They range from easy, short walks suitable for all abilities to more difficult, longer trails for experienced hikers, ensuring there's a path for every type of walker.
Most popular routes around Southwater
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