Best West Sussex Circular Walks

Nestled within the 16,500-acre Cowdray Estate, the Benbow Pond walk is a delightful, family-friendly circular route. Children will enjoy spotting geese, ducks and black swans, while all ages can admire "record-breaking trees" like the 1000-year-old Queen Elizabeth Oak and the Cowdray Colossus, England's largest sweet chestnut tree. The route also provides picturesque views of the Cowdray Arboretum.

• Distance & Time: 1.9 km (1.2 miles), approx. 35 minutes.

• Terrain & Accessibility: Fields and grassy paths, mainly flat with an optional incline. Not suitable for pushchairs.

• Dogs: Welcome under close control.

• Best Season: Year-round interest

• Refreshments & Facilities: Cowdray Farm Shop and Café are a short drive away; no public toilets on the route.

• Transport & Parking: Stagecoach service 1 or 422 stops by the pond entrance. Free car park beside pond off A272 (GU28 0AZ).

The Prinsted Loop is a perfect family-friendly walk of flat coastal paths with stunning views of Prinsted Bay and Chichester Harbour. Put together by our friends at The Ambling Path - where you can find a whole host of excellent walks for families - this walk will keep children busy as you stroll around Thornham Marina, spotting boats, and admiring historic thatched and timber-framed houses, some dating back to the 1500s. The route includes narrow bridges, steps and an "old-fashioned stile", adding to its unique character.

• Distance & Time: 2.5 km, approx. 40 minutes.

• Terrain & Accessibility: Flat coastal paths with narrow bridges and steps. Not suitable for pushchairs; dogs welcome if comfortable with steps/bridges.

• Dogs: Welcome if agile.

• Best Season: Enjoyable in warmer months, but flat paths make it suitable all year round.

• Refreshments & Facilities: The Huts Emsworth for light lunches, snacks, and drinks. Toilets at the marina car park.

• Transport & Parking: Coastliner 700 bus stops at Jubilee Mews on the A259. Free parking along Prinsted Lane (PO10 8HT) or Farm Lane, Nutbourne (PO18 8SB).

Step back in time on a unique circular walk around Chichester's remarkably preserved Roman city walls. Over 80% of the structure is publicly accessible, offering elevated views over the city, Priory Park, the cricket pitch, and Chichester Cathedral. The route provides easy access to city highlights like the Oxmarket Centre of Arts and the historic Market Cross.

• Distance & Time: 1.5 miles (2.5 km), approx. 1 hour.

• Terrain & Accessibility: Paved paths along elevated walls, with some steps. Partially wheelchair accessible; ground-level alternatives may be needed for sections with steps.

• Dogs: Welcome.

• Best Season: Guided walks offered April-September; accessible year-round.

• Refreshments & Facilities: City centre options available; toilets are available in the city centre.

• Transport & Parking: Market Cross is a central starting point. If you're travelling into Chichester by car, the Avenue de Chartres Multi-storey car park is a good location for setting off on your Walls walk. You can also extend your Chichester explorations by walking the Chichester Canal towpath, accompanied by the sights and sounds of resident wildlife.

The Halnaker Windmill Trail is a captivating circular route blending natural beauty with history. Walk through the iconic Halnaker Tree Tunnel, part of which runs along 'Stane Street' - a Roman road which connected Chichester to London, to reach the historic Halnaker Windmill. Enjoy panoramic views of the South Downs National Park and discover a nearby WWII structure and the Boxgrove Priory ruins.

• Distance & Time: Full route: 4.2 miles (7 km), approx. 1 hour 40 minutes. Shorter option: 1.6 miles (2.5 km), approx. 40 minutes.

• Terrain & Accessibility: Field paths, tracks, kissing gates, and a short, steep climb to the windmill. Not suitable for pushchairs.

• Dogs: Welcome.

• Best Season: Suitable for all seasons; autumn is particularly picturesque for the tree tunnel. As the walk skirts the Tinwood Estate vineyard you can see the vines growing throughout the year.

• Refreshments & Facilities: Tinwood Estate for tapas/wine, and The Anglesey Arms pub garden. A village stores and cafe is also nearby. Public toilets are not directly on the walk unless Boxgrove Village Hall is open.

• Transport & Parking: Stagecoach service 55 to Boxgrove. Parking at Boxgrove Village Hall (PO18 0EE) for the full route, or layby on A285 (PO18 0NF) for the shorter option.

Embark on a historical and scenic adventure through the National Trust Slindon Estate, following a significant section of Stane Street, an old Roman road. The trail offers rolling downland, serene woodlands, and points of interest like the "Six-Ways" signpost, rare pyramidal orchids (in summer), and the Nore Hill Folly with panoramic views.

• Distance & Time: Core route: 5.5 miles (8.8 km), approx. 3 hours. Longer option: 6.5 miles (10.4 km), 2.5-3 hours. Other extended routes can reach up to 9.25 miles.

• Terrain & Accessibility: Generally easy terrain with a long, slow incline and one short uphill stretch. Uneven surfaces, several stiles, and tree roots make it difficult for pushchairs, buggies, or wheelchairs.

• Dogs: Welcome on a lead due to grazing livestock.

• Best Season: Perfect for winter (firm ground, open vistas); mature trees provide shade in summer.

• Refreshments & Facilities: Picnic spot along Stane Street (bring your own); no public dog bins, so take litter home.

• Transport & Parking: Trains to Arundel or Barnham (4 miles from Slindon). Compass bus service 84-5 to Fontwell. Some parking along Top Road by Slindon College (BN18 0RH).

The Compton Circular Walk offers a tranquil journey through woodlands, open meadows, and quiet country roads within the South Downs National Park. Encounter grazing cattle and sheep, and enjoy rewarding views of Uppark House, Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower, and the Isle of Wight on clear days.

• Distance & Time: Approx. 3 miles, 1.5 hours.

• Terrain & Accessibility: Undulating with some steep ascents, multiple kissing gates, and some steps. Conflicting information on styles, so be prepared for both.

• Dogs: Welcome on a lead to protect livestock and wildlife.

• Best Season: Any but in spring/summer you'll walk surrounded by stunning rural scenery.

• Refreshments & Facilities: Darcy's Tea Room, The Coach & Horses pub nearby.

• Transport & Parking: No. 54 bus passes through the area. Parking is available at Compton recreation ground (PO18 9EX). Official car parks are limited in The Octagon Parish.

The Octagon Way stands as a significant long-distance circular walking route, beautifully linking eight charming villages within the unspoilt West Sussex landscape. This network offers superb views down to the south coast, embodying a unique concept of connecting communities through nature. The ambitious 18-mile Octagon Way was established in 2012 to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. Along these routes, visitors can discover small, ancient downland churches, some dating back to Saxon times, noted for their spiritual peace and tranquillity. The area is also home to two stately homes: Stansted House and Uppark, adding historical grandeur to the natural beauty.

• Distance & Time: 18 miles, 8-9 hours.

• Terrain & Accessibility: Undulating with over 20 stiles, various gates, and steep ascents/declines. Some sections involve walking along or crossing public roads.

• Dogs: Welcome on a lead to protect livestock and wildlife.

• Best Season: Year-round interest

• Refreshments & Facilities: Local village options available along the routes. The Pavillion Tearoom at Stansted Park.

• Transport & Parking: No. 54 bus passes through the area. The Octagon Way begins and ends at Stansted House, with parking at the Garden Centre car park.

Stansted Park offers several beautiful circular walks through its extensive grounds, providing a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical grandeur. Families with small children and pushchairs or buggies will find this route perfect as it takes in wildlife - in particular you'll love seeing the herd of Highland Cattle which graze near the house. Further picturesque views include those of Stansted House, Lumley Seat, and diverse woodlands, and this walk is particularly beautiful with bluebells in spring.

• Distance & Time: Pushchair walk: 2.3 miles (3.7 km), approx. 1 hour 

• Terrain & Accessibility: paved/well-surfaced tracks. Could become muddy in places after periods of wet weather. No stiles.

• Dogs: Permitted on footpaths (on lead due to deer/livestock); not allowed in walled garden attractions.

• Best Season: Spring for bluebells; but plenty of interest for year-round enjoyment.

• Refreshments & Facilities: Pavilion Tea Room, pop-up pizza, ice-cream cart; toilets available on site.

• Transport & Parking: No direct public transport - the number 54 bus passes close by, with a moderate walk to Stansted Park from either Lordington or Racton; accessible by bike or a 1.5-mile walk from Rowlands Castle rail station. Free car park for walkers (PO9 6DX) or Garden Centre car park. For more details on attractions, opening times, and any charges, visit the Stansted Park House is recommended.

The Chichester Harbour Circular walk offers an attractive and immersive journey through the Chichester Harbour National Landscape. This route provides stunning shoreline paths, leads through charming villages (Dell Quay, Apuldram, Fishbourne, Bosham, Itchenor, Birdham), and includes a unique ferry crossing at Itchenor. Enjoy fantastic views and admire impressive housing stock.

• Distance & Time: 10.3 miles (16.6 km), approx. 5.5 hours.

• Terrain & Accessibility: Very flat with no stiles, generally easy underfoot. It can be muddy if wet, and some short sections may have nettles. Boardwalks ensure accessibility on some coastal routes.

• Dogs: Generally welcome on public footpaths within the Harbour area.

• Best Season: In Winter or particarly wet periods the paths can become very muddy. Plenty to see all year round, and it's worth bringing binoculars to view the wildlife.  Please check tide times for Bosham Foreshore before you set out.

• Refreshments & Facilities: Pubs and cafes along the route; toilets available at various points.

• Transport & Parking: Free parking on Dell Quay Road (PO20 7EE). For more details on this specific route and other fantastic walks within this National Landscape, visit the Chichester Harbour Conservancy's walking page

The Midhurst River Rother circular walk offers an easy, tranquil journey perfect for nature enthusiasts, winding peacefully along the River Rother through the picturesque South Downs National Park. It provides an ideal escape if you're seeking serenity and abundant wildlife.

• Distance & Time: 2-3 miles, 1-2 hours. A 4-mile (6.45 km) option is also available.

• Terrain & Accessibility: Shaded paths, boardwalks over boggy wetland areas, and field edges with some gentle ascents. Described as "Easy", the South Downs National Park Authority is committed to accessibility, including "Miles Without Stiles" routes.

• Dogs: Welcome on a lead around livestock, horses, and wildlife.

• Best Season: Spring (pink purslane, river crowfoot) and summer (blue banded demoiselles) are ideal for nature observation.

• Refreshments & Facilities: Many welcoming cafes and restaurants in Midhurst town centre for refreshments.

• Transport & Parking: Regular bus services to Midhurst; the walk starts opposite the main bus stop