Maps, Brochures & Guides
Sussex is home to mile upon mile of excellent walking and cycling trails and The South Downs National Park is one of the best locations to enjoy these activities in the country. Here is where you'll find some of the UK's most famous walks as well as many hidden trails for those looking to get off the beaten track.
From trekking and cycling the along the South Downs Way, to a gentle stroll on one of our beautiful estates such as Goodwood, Cowdray, Petworth House and Park, Uppark, Stansted House or Parham - the possibilities are endless. The miles of routes on the flatter Manhood Peninsular offer cycle and walking opportunities suitable for all the family and our coastal paths give you attractive sea views and the opportunity to see all kinds of birds and wildlife.
Selsey’s location on the tip of the Manhood Peninsula means that walking in Selsey and the surrounding areas is generally flat, however you’ll still find a variety of terrain to explore, from shore-side strolls or observing the bird life at the RSPB Nature Reserves of Pagham Harbour and Medmerry, to exploring the town and its heritage.
The RSPB nature reserves are a huge draw for bird watchers and nature lovers and are internationally important wetland sites for wildlife where you can spot a wide variety of waders and wildfowl as well as birds of prey. Explore the trails in one or both, which are linked by footpaths, and stay on for the sunsets which are stunning from here.
Our country capital, Chichester’s location nestled within vast areas of countryside close to the coast offers a wide variety of places to walk, with terrain and scenery to suit you. A short distance from the city you’ll find hilly climbs like the ever-popular Kingley Vale, The Trundle overlooking Goodwood Racecourse or the walk to Halnaker Windmill following part of Stane Street, the Roman Road to London, all of which deliver stunning vistas to the sea and beyond.
Flatter landscapes offer more accessible walks such as Centurion Way where you’ll encounter the Chichester Road Gang sculptures or strolls along the canal towpath accompanied by the sights and sounds of the resident wildlife – maybe even a kingfisher if you’re lucky! No visit to Chichester is complete without exploring the almost complete Roman city walls and is a great opportunity to admire the variety of architecture here while imagining what life might have been like 2000 years ago.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a gentle stroll to stretch your legs, the stunning countryside surrounding Petworth is a perfect starting point. You’ll find huge stretches of parkland at Petworth Park, where there’s over 700 acres to explore, while just a few metres from the bustle of the town discover the stunning Shimmings Valley. A short distance outside Petworth, climb Duncton Hill for outstanding views across Sussex, or explore Graffham Common nature reserve with 94 acres of heath and grassland where you’ll be able to pick up the South Downs National Park Heathland Sculpture Trail
Enjoy the beautiful scenery around Midhurst, Easebourne, and Woolbeding in the South Downs National Park. There are plenty of options; you can explore the River Rother Walk (2.8 miles), the Cowdray Ruins and St Ann’s Hill (1.1 miles) or Woolbeding.
