Sussex Walks

Rye Harbour Walks & Route Maps

Rye Harbour walk, Sussex
Rye Harbour · Photo: Simon Carey

These walks explore the diverse landscapes of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve in Sussex, from riverside paths and coastal stretches to open lakes and wildlife-rich habitats.

The shortest route is a gentle loop along the River Rother, the beach, and through the reserve’s lakes, perfect for spotting birds and enjoying a family-friendly stroll.

Longer options extend the adventure along the coastline, past the ‘Long Pit’ and ‘Narrow Pit’ lakes, or on the ‘Maritime Heritage Trail’ to the ruins of Camber Castle, with the longest route covering the full reserve, including a scenic stretch along the River Brede.

Download the Sussex Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.

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Walk information

Rye Harbour Walk 1

Walk distance
2 miles
Time
1 hour
Route type
Circular

This is a lovely short family-friendly short walking loop around Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.

You will walk alongside the River Rother down to the beach. Then you'll walk along the beach for a while before completing the loop through some lakes and open land.

You can expect lots of birds and wildlife on this lovely walk.

Rye Harbour Walk 1 4.0 Ratings and reviews 2 ratings · 2 reviews

Based on 2 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating4.0

A very popular walk

Dog friendly5.0 / 5
Path condition4.5 / 5
Buggy friendly3.0 / 5
Wheelchair friendly2.5 / 5
Toilet facilities4.0 / 5
Pub or café3.0 / 5
Route accuracy5.0 / 5
ClimbingTotally level
LivestockSome livestock
StilesNo stiles
Mud levelDry underfoot

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Sussex Walks app.

First-hand experiences

User reviews

Walker review

Easy route, but can be very windy. Lots of birdlife.

Walker review

Very flat. Well maintained paths. Very busy.

Walk information

Rye Harbour Walk 2

Walk distance
4½ miles
Time
2 hours
Route type
Circular

If you have a bit more time, you can walk this extended route.

This option basically enjoys the river and coastal walking through the nature reserve that you'll get in the first route, but it also walks much further along the coastline before heading back alongside the 'Long Pit' and 'Narrow Pit' lakes.

Rye Harbour Walk 2 4.5 Ratings and reviews 2 ratings · 1 review

Based on 2 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating4.5

An outstanding walk

Dog friendly2.5 / 5
Path condition4.0 / 5
Buggy friendly1.5 / 5
Wheelchair friendly1.0 / 5
Toilet facilities2.5 / 5
Pub or café4.0 / 5
Route accuracy5.0 / 5
ClimbingTotally level
LivestockNo livestock
StilesNo stiles
Mud levelMostly dry

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Sussex Walks app.

First-hand experiences

User reviews

Walker review

Nice walk. Good exercise for our forthcoming Peru trek.

Walk information

Rye Harbour Walk 3

Walk distance
6 miles
Time
3 hours
Route type
Circular

This third route is a longer walk known as the 'Maritime Heritage Trail'.

It enjoys all of the coastal walking and wildlife from the second route, but it also heads of on an adventure to Camber Castle where you can explore the ruins.

Rye Harbour Walk 3 5.0 Ratings and reviews 1 rating

Based on 1 user rating

Community feedback

Overall rating5.0

An outstanding walk

Dog friendly3.0 / 5
Path condition4.0 / 5
Buggy friendly1.0 / 5
Wheelchair friendly1.0 / 5
Toilet facilities1.0 / 5
Pub or café1.0 / 5
Route accuracy5.0 / 5
ClimbingSteep climbs
LivestockNo livestock
StilesA few stiles on route
Mud levelMay be muddy after wet weather

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Sussex Walks app.

Walk information

Rye Harbour Walk 4

Walk distance
9½ miles
Time
4.5 hours
Route type
Circular

This final route is the choice for you if you want a truly epic adventure that explores the entirety of the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.

You won't miss anything from any of the other walks, but this route also has a stretch of walking alongside the River Brede.

Rye Harbour Walk 4 No ratings yet Be the first - rate this walk in the Sussex Walks App

Navigate the walks

Sussex Walks App

Follow the Rye Harbour walks with GPS guidance

It's like sat-nav, but for footpaths.

Choose a walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you always know you're on the right path.

The app works without a phone signal, so you can keep following the route wherever the walk takes you.

Download the app

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Sussex Walks app showing the walker's live position on a route map

Designed to be simple

  • Choose a walk and follow the pointer
  • See your live position on the route map
  • Works without a phone signal
  • Includes 400 Sussex walks
  • Free one-month trial
  • Available for iPhone and Android

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Expanded route map for Rye Harbour Walk 1, a 2 mile circular walk in Sussex