Sussex Walks
On the chalk ridge of the South Downs in Sussex, the walks around Southwick Hill offer wide views and open skies in a landscape shaped by gentle, rolling hills.
These walks are mostly exposed, with a sense of height and space throughout.
One option explores Southwick Hill itself for a shorter outing, finishing with a stop at Mill Oak Farm café.
The longer route follows the ridge across several summits, including Thundersbarrow Hill, Edburton Hill, Truleigh Hill, and Perching Hill, with Iron Age hillfort remains along the way.
Both walks return to Mill Oak Farm, making for a straightforward and rewarding finish after time on the Downs.
Download the Sussex Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.
Walk information
Our first recommended route is a short walk across the open slopes of Southwick Hill, part of the chalk ridge of the South Downs.
The gently rolling terrain and wide views give a real sense of height without straying too far.
Mill Oak Farm provides a welcome café stop, rounding off this compact taste of classic Sussex downland.
Walk information
The longest walk follows the ridge much further, linking a series of prominent Downs summits.
From Southwick Hill it crosses to Thundersbarrow Hill and Edburton Hill, both marked by visible Iron Age hillfort earthworks, then continues over Truleigh Hill and Perching Hill.
This longer route feels more exposed and far-reaching, with sweeping views over the Adur Valley and surrounding countryside.
It finishes back near Mill Oak Farm, a relaxed end to a full day on the high chalk ridge.
Navigate the walks
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.
Explore the area
0.25-1 miles
1.75 miles
3.25-3.75 miles
3.25-6 miles
1.25-3.5 miles
2-6.75 miles
1-5.25 miles
1.75 miles
2.75-7 miles
1.5 miles
2.25-11 miles
1.75 miles
2.5-5.75 miles
3 miles
4-6.25 miles
Explore the county
See where the walks start, explore the area and tap a pin to find a route for your next adventure.
Search Sussex walks