West Sussex offers an assortment of walking trails and routes to get you into the great outdoors. Whether you walk to be immersed in nature and soak up wonderful Sussex views, to be revived by fresh air and improve your mental health, or maybe you walk for adventure and to explore new places. Whatever your motivation, we are here to guide you to some of the best walking routes and trails in Sussex encompassing a variety of terrain and scenery, whatever the weather. Time to lace up those boots and find your new favourite walk.
Your new favourite walking routes
With a huge variety of walking trails and routes to choose from, it's tricky to pick favourites, but there are some stand out walks which really do show of West Sussex in its best light. Depending on the season you can choose your ideal landscape and terrain, from coastal, countryside, woodland or town and village walks. Walkers who prefer trails that aren't linear will love our circular walks blog or perhaps you're looking for that Sunday classic, walks with a great pub at the end. We've also compiled walks which are suitable for the whole family.
Want to explore some of our favourites? In winter, we love a walk at Harting Down, where you'll often find yourself above the clouds if you're here on a bright, crisp, clear day. Spring time sees us heading for the Halnaker Windmill Trail, which is also beautiful in autumn. Your hike up Halnaker Hill is rewarded with panoramic views to the solent and beyond, with the countryside glowing in a vibrant array of greens. In Summer we love Centurion Way, which is also a cycling route. The new route extension which opened in autumn 2025 and takes you from Chichester to the village of Singleton. Autumn walking takes us to Petworth Park among the amazing ancient trees, or to woodland adventures in Wildhams Wood.
The South Downs Way
The South Downs Way is a 160km (or 100 mile) National Trail which runs from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in Sussex. It is one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales and was the first bridleway National Trail in England and is the only National Trail to lie entirely within a National Park. The trail runs right across the Chichester District, offering great walking opportunities for those choosing to tackle the entire length or just enjoy it in smaller stages.
As well as some outstanding views, the South Downs Way reveals some of the finest historical sites including the great iron age hill forts of Old Winchester Hill, Chanctonbury Ring or Devils Dyke. There are numerous ancient burial sites and cross dykes as well as more recent sites such as Uppark House or WWII defensive sites. Nature lovers will appreciate the extraordinary range of diverse habitats which the trail covers, from ancient woodlands, river valleys, chalk grassland to mixed farmland and coastal habitats.
The Petworth Way
Embark on a unique outdoor adventure with The Petworth Way, a newly launched 25-mile, two-day walking route that links Haslemere to Arundel, featuring an overnight stay in the charming market town of Petworth. Designed as a ‘Rail to Trail’ experience, this route offers a sustainable and accessible way to explore the eastern edge of the Western Weald, nestled within the South Downs National Park.
Midhurst Heritage Trail
Explore the Midhurst Heritage Trail. Approximately 3km and a leisurely 1 hour walk around the town, where you will discover castles, ruins, beautiful architecture and even a hidden Knights of the Hospitalier door!
Walks with Breath taking views
Following some of the most popular trails close to Chichester, Midhurst and Petworth reveals some astonishing views – taking time to appreciate the vistas is the perfect excuse for a breather after a steep ascent. Why not try the circular Cowdray Wander or Lavington & Selham Loop which both kick off from The Spread Eagle Hotel in Midhurst where you'll find some well-deserved refreshments after your steps. For stunning views to the coast and the English channel beyond can be found at the top of The Trundle, which overlooks Goodwood Racecourse, the ever-popular Kingley Vale, home to an ancient forest of yew trees, and the Halnaker Windmill Trail which follows a section of the Roman Road to London.
One of our area's most loved walks - and for good reason. Whether you choose to tackle the climb to the top (we highly recommend you do for the outstanding views) or explore the atmospheric, twisted Yew forest where history whispers through the trees and the past lies beneath your feet - did you know Kingley Vale has one of the most important concentrations of well-preserved archaeological sites in southern England, including 14 Scheduled Monuments of which the Devil's Humps and Goosehill Camp are the most prominent? There's an abundance of wildlife here, so well worth taking your time to stop and soak up this fabulous location during your walk or cycle.
Flat walks
Flatter landscapes can be found on the Centurion Way route where you’ll encounter the Chichester Road Gang sculptures or strolls along the Chichester Canal towpath accompanied by the sights and sounds of the resident wildlife – maybe even a Kingfisher if you’re lucky! Coastal walks
Selsey on the tip of the Manhood Peninsula offers 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 huge 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.
Downloadable trail guides allow you to walk the route of the Selsey tram, which connected the town to Chichester from 1896 and 1935, explore the railway carriage homes which arrived in the town during the 1920s and are still here today. The notable residents and historical events of Selsey are connected in a ‘Blue Plaque’ heritage walk with sites including Teddy Donaldson, the highly decorated WW2 pilot who broke the world air-speed record in 1946.
One of the most popular locations for walks on the West Sussex coast is Chichester Harbour, and there are a range of walk lengths to make this accessible for all. From longer trails like the Chichester Harbour Circular and Six Harbour Villages Walk to shorter sections like the Chichester Marina to Dell Quay route.
Boxing Day and New Year Walks
Find routes and trails which suit the whole family and offer a sense of adventure for the festive period with our selection of Boxing Day Walks - equally as good for a New Year re-set!
