Sussex Walks
Set in the beautiful South Downs countryside, these walks around the village of Clayton offer a wonderful variety of routes across rolling hills, open farmland, and peaceful valleys.
From gentler rambles through the sheltered landscape of Wellcombe Bottom to longer routes exploring the surrounding downs, the walks showcase some of the most scenic parts of this area.
Some of these walks take on the steep but rewarding climb to the summit of Wolstonbury Hill, where wide panoramic views stretch across the South Downs.
Others head further across the open downland, visiting landmarks like the Clayton Windmills and the lofty heights of Ditchling Beacon, while the longest route turns the day into a full adventure through sweeping countryside with a well-earned pub stop waiting back in Clayton.
Download the Sussex Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.
Walk information
There are so many beautiful walks to choose from around the village of Clayton, which is set in the heart of the South Downs National Park. This is the shortest and least strenuous route that takes you on a stroll around Wellcombe Bottom.
There is still some climbing on this route, so you will need your energy, but it doesn't take you right to the top of Wolstonbury Hill.
Based on 3 user ratings
A well-liked walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Sussex Walks app.
First-hand experiences
Dangerous busy road at the start of the walk
The route was very easy to follow. There were toilets at the start/end point as was the pub.
Walk information
This second route is much tougher than the first route, with some very steep climbing, but you are rewarded when you reach the summit of Wolstonbury Hill with some fantastic views across the South Downs National Park.
You'll also visit Wellcombe Bottom and the Ashen Plantation woodland and there's a lovely pub on the route in Clayton to replenish your energy.
Based on 4 user ratings
A very popular walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Sussex Walks app.
First-hand experiences
Great walk really enjoyed it with dog
Brilliant walk, lovely woods and the fabulous Wolstonbury Hill. I’d probably avoid in winter unless you are a fan of mud!
Really lovely walk with lots of contrasting landscapes. Steep climb at the start and quite undulating throughout. A couple of tricky places to find the correct path to follow but getting a bit lost didnt spoil our enjoyment.
Walk information
This third route heads out east in a different direction to the first two routes, and takes you on an adventure around the open downs.
There's a fair bit of climbing on this route again, although not as steep as the Wolstonbury Hill route, and you will be rewarded again with sweeping views.
You'll also visit the Clayton Windmills on this route.
Based on 5 user ratings
An outstanding walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Sussex Walks app.
First-hand experiences
Park in the Clayton Recreation Ground Car Park which is free and spacious. It’s on Underhill Lane and the path up the hill is right by the car park entrance for ease.
The bit where it goes through the wood has been fenced off. We had to go back on ourselves to the main path. Other than that, it's a very enjoyable walk!
Everything was perfect about the walk and the map apart from instructions on how to get to the very start of the walk . You should say on the front page that the walk starts in the lane opposite the clayton recreation ground and claylands cottage. Signposted South Downs Way, but obstructed. Also, have some verbal instructions for walkers coming by bus when they alight at the Jack and Jill inn. Google maps is not great with countryside accuracy.
Lovely views on a clear day in all directions. Quite a busy/popular route and beware of fast mountain bikers!
Walk information
This route is an extended version of the third walk that heads further out east from the village of Clayton.
This longer energetic walk offers more of the hilly and open countryside walking in the gorgeous South Downs, but you'll also climb to the top of Ditchling Beacon for some especially wonderful views.
Based on 1 user rating
A very popular walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Sussex Walks app.
First-hand experiences
It was great, although not many oppetunities to sit for a rest. Only one bench along rhe whole route. Not a problem for us but others may struggle.
Walk information
This final route is a truly epic and very challenging long walk in this beautiful area of the South Downs National Park.
If you head clockwise, the massive loop explores the expansive opens downs to the east of Clayton before travelling down towards Brighton.
It then loops back up through more gorgeous countryside, visiting the village of Pyecombe and then climbing to the summit of Wolstonbury Hill for some wonderful Views.
After all of that wonderful walking in the Downs, you'll find a welcome lovely pub with big beer garden as you come back into the village of Clayton.
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Explore the area
1.5 miles
3 miles
1.25-3.5 miles
1.75 miles
1.75 miles
1-3.5 miles
2.5-7 miles
1 miles
1.75 miles
1.75 miles
1-5.25 miles
2-6.75 miles
2.25-10.25 miles
2.5-5.75 miles
2.25-5.5 miles
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