Sussex Walks
These walks offer a fantastic way to explore the South Downs around Woodingdean, with plenty of climbing for those looking for a challenge.
From shorter, rewarding hill walks over Newmarket Hill to epic routes that take in up to eight summits including Swanborough, Bullock, Castle, and Mill Hills, you’ll enjoy sweeping views and the fresh open air of the downs.
Be sure to come prepared with plenty of energy, and for the longer adventures, there’s even a pub detour in Rodmell to refuel along the way.
Download the Sussex Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.
Walk information
This is a lovely short but strenuous hill walk in the South Downs National Park. There is a fair bit of climbing involved at times, but you are of course rewarded with some wonderful views as you climb over Newmarket Hill.
Based on 3 user ratings
A very popular walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Sussex Walks app.
Walk information
If you have some more time and a lot more energy, this second route basically extends the first route to also include a climb to the top of Bullock Hill.
There is a lot of climbing on all of these routes around the downs, so please go prepared with lots of energy.
Based on 2 user ratings
A very popular walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Sussex Walks app.
Walk information
If you want to level up your walk once more, this third option extends the walk much further into the downs and actually visits four different hills.
The hills are Swanborough Hill, Bullock Hill, Castle Hill and Newmarket Hill and of course, please make sure you are prepared for a long and strenuous adventure on this one.
Based on 2 user ratings
An outstanding walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Sussex Walks app.
First-hand experiences
One of the loveliest sections of the Downs.
Beautiful views. Pleasant wander through the fields.
Walk information
The final route option is the ultimate epic adventure in this beautiful area of the South Downs national park.
This route adds another four hills to the walk - Highdole Hill, Fore Hill, Front Hill and Mill Hill - making a total of eight large hills to climb in one walk!
As an optional extra, there's a 2km detour about half way around, to get you to a lovely pub in Rodmell where you can top up on energy for your long adventure in the downs.
Based on 2 user ratings
A very popular walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Sussex Walks app.
First-hand experiences
I started off going south east, and the route was scenic and varied and I enjoyed it a lot. However from about when the route goes north east until the end (which is most of this route) it was a lot of walking through wheat fields and quite dull
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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
1.75-5.5 miles
1.75 miles
1.75 miles
2.5-7 miles
3 miles
1.5-7.75 miles
3 miles
1.5 miles
1.75-4.25 miles
2.25-11 miles
1.25-3.5 miles
2.25-5.25 miles
1.75 miles
2-9.75 miles
2.5-5.5 miles
Explore the county
See where the walks start, explore the area and tap a pin to find a route for your next adventure.
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