Walking & Hiking

Brighton is a great spot for walkers with a range of city centre routes as well as easy access to hundreds of walks & trails in the wider area of Sussex.

We’ve teamed up with the Sussex Walks App to introduce you to 10 walking routes in Brighton & Sussex. Hit ‘Read more’ for details. The Sussex Walks App has over 250 easy to follow routes on their app, we’ve teamed up with them to offer you a taster of the walking routes you can explore in the area. The app is available for download via iPhone or Android app stores or you can find more details on the Sussex Walks website.

If you're heading into Sussex for a walk then check out the Breeze bus routes which run every weekend throughout the year making it easy to reach Stanmer Park, Ditching Beacon and Devil's Dyke. Some of the routes have additional space for bicycles and there are often discounts available for those travelling by train. Find out more on the Breeze Buses website.

10 Sussex Walks

Devil’s Dyke

Just a short bus ride from Brighton is this area of outstanding natural beauty, part of the South Downs National Park. There are 6 routes to try in this area, including a gentler family-friendly option, all of which include breath-taking views. Link to Devil's Dyke map and route details

Ditchling Beacon

This spot is probably most well-known as the brutal ending to the London to Brighton Bike Ride but this area is also great for walkers. There are 7 routes to explore on the app including an epic adventure of 9.25 miles. Don't worry though that route does incldue a pub - phew! Link to Ditchling Beacon map and route details

Stanmer Park

The city's largest park has extensive grounds just waiting to be explored! Did you know the park is home to a Badger Sculpture? There are also a variety of woods including the charmingly named Pudding Bag Wood. There are four routes on the app ranging from 1.75 to 5 miles. Link to Stanmer Park map and route details

Firle Beacon

Part of the South Downs National Park this area offers some spectacular views, although most of the routes feature a lot of ups and downs so make sure you have had a good breakfast! Don't worry though the views are worth the effort. Link to Firle Beacon map and route details

Ashdown Forest & Gill’s Lap

This is the forest where the Winnie-the-Pooh adventures took place and walkers can visit the Enchanted Place, the Sandy Pit and even Eeyore's Sad & Gloomy Place - although we don't think it is at all sad or gloomy! Link to Ashdown Forest & Gill's Lap map and route details

Glynde

Getting into the countryside is easy with regular trains to the picturesque village of Glynde - home to one of England’s last standing traditional forges, built in 1907. There are two walking routes one includes Mount Caburn which is a steep climb but the views will be worth it & at least the walk back is downhill. Link to Glynde map and route details

Hollingbury Park & Castle

While Brighton's 'blue space' is well-known people are often surprised by the amount of 'green space' within the city limits. There are two walks in the Hollingbury area of the city which is easily accessible from the city centre either on foot, by bike, bus or train (Moulsecoomb). Link to Hollingbury Park & Castle map and route details

Malling Hill

The town of Lewes is easy to get to from Brighton with regular train & bus services to the town. From Lewes there are several trails to try including three routes arond Malling Hill. These are hilly walks so we suggest a post-trek visit to one of the towns many pubs to try a pint of Harveys - brewed in Lewes. Link to Malling Hill map and route details

Saddlescombe

Devil's Dyke might be more well-known but nearby Saddlescombe is also a great spot for walks. There are four suggested routes and don't be fooled by the distance as while the routes are all under 4 miles they will still give you a good workout thanks to all the hills! Link to Saddlescombe map and route details

Charleston House

We recommend a visit to the beautiful Charleston House which was once home to the Bloomsbury Group. Once you've seen the house why not make a day of it and try one of the walks? There are four routes in this area ranging from 1.25 to 8.5 miles. The longer routes include the villages of Firle, Alciston and Berwick each offering plenty of refreshment options. Link to Charleston House map and route details

If you’d prefer a guided walk, then check out our Tours page to see the variety of walking tours available including a range of themed tours. You may also be interested in the Healthwalks programme, run by volunteers the aim is to encourage people to move more and have fun. Walks range from a gentle mile to a more challenging 5 miles and take part in parks in green spaces in & around Brighton.

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