Long Distance Paths
The following network of long distance paths cross the region. They are a great way to explore the area and make terrific short breaks and holidays. For organised trips see the holidays listed on Walking and Cycling.
The Paths
1. 1066 Country Walk (31.8 miles / 51.1 kms)
Follow in the steps of William the Conqueror taking in historical sites on a generally low level walk through ancient towns and villages, over hillsides and through woodland.
2. Cuckoo Trail (13.7 miles / 22.1 kms)
A leisure route used by walkers, cyclists and horseriders along the former 'Cuckoo Line' railway track.
3. Downs Link (36.5 miles / 58.8 kms)
Linking the North Downs Way at St Martha's Hill, Surrey with the South Downs Way near Steyning, West Sussex via a disused railway line.
4. High Weald Landscape Trail (East Sussex) (60.2 miles / 96.9 kms)
The High Weald Landscape Trail crosses the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) between Horsham and Rye. In East Sussex the walk between East Grinstead and Rye forms the eastern part of this route.
5. High Weald Landscape Trail (West Sussex) (33.6 miles / 54.1 kms)
The High Weald Landscape Trail crosses the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) between Horsham and Rye. In West Sussex the walk between East Grinstead and Horsham forms the western part of this route.
6. Lipchis Way (37 miles / 59.5 kms)
From Liphook on the Hampshire border to East Head at the entrance to Chichester Harbour. The path crosses all the main geologies of West Sussex from the greensand ridges, through Wealden river valleys and heathlands, to the high chalk downland and the coastal plain.
7. Monarch's Way (Sussex) (56.9 miles / 91.6 kms)
A footpath that approximates the escape route taken by King Charles II in 1651 after being defeated in the Battle of Worcester.
8. Royal Military Canal (28.7 miles / 46.2 kms)
Hythe to Cliff End beside the waterway built as a defence against Napoleon's forces.
9. Saxon Shore Way (Sussex) (15 miles / 24.2 kms)
From Gravesend to Hastings following the coastline as it was around 1500 years ago.
10. South Downs Way (Sussex) (72 miles / 115.8 kms)
From Winchester in Hampshire to the white cliffs of Eastbourne in Sussex. The path is open to walkers, cyclists and horse-riders and is free of motorised traffic for almost the entire length.
11. Sussex Border Path (138.6 miles / 223 kms)
A footpath from Emsworth to Rye around the inland boundary of the county of Sussex.
12. Sussex Ouse Valley Way (41.5 miles / 66.8 kms)
Follow the course of the River Ouse from its source near Lower Beeding to the sea at Seaford Bay through diverse and beautiful scenery, including the High Weald and Sussex Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
13. Vanguard Way (Sussex) (41.5 miles / 66.8 kms)
From the southern outskirts of Greater London to Newhaven Harbour on the South Coast.
14. Wealdway (Sussex) (43.5 miles / 70 kms)
Connecting the Thames Estuary with the English Channel through the Weald of Kent and Sussex, spanning chalk downlands, river valleys and wooded farmland in often remote country, including a full traverse of Ashdown Forest.