Sussex Long Distance Trails
Perhaps you are looking for a walking route that is a bit more challenging – here we list some of the long distance trails in Sussex! Maybe you want to try walking the South Downs Way or the Serpentine Way for a challenge – in which case see below for some helpful tips, advice and route information.
Let us know if you enjoy our walking routes in Sussex through Instagram or by sending us a message or if you have any walks you think we should feature! Take a look at our short walks in Sussex for a nice relaxing walk and great for kids or places to walk in Sussex for some open areas to walk the dog and enjoy a hike.
Serpent Trail
The Serpent Trail is, as the name suggests, a 64-mile (103km) long serpentine route that begins in Haslemere just on the border between Sussex and Surrey and finishes at Petersfield, travelling through beautiful forests and heathland along the way.
64-mile long route
South Downs Way
The South Downs Way is an 100-mile (161km) long distance footpath and National Trail, from Winchester in the West, to Eastbourne in the East. Read our helpful advice on how to walk the South Downs Way.
100-mile long route
West Sussex Literary Trail
The West Sussex Literary Trail was opened in 2007 and is waymarked along the 55-mile (88km) long route. The walk begins in Horsham before heading South-West across footpaths and tracks to finish in Chichester. The walk passes through Sussex places with literary connections.
55-mile long route
The Monarch's Way
The Monarch’s Way is a 610-mile (982km) long route, making it Britain’s second longest waymarked trail. It follows the route Charles II took after his escape following defeat by Cromwell. The route begins in Worcester and follows a rather haphazard route before finishing in Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex.
610-mile long route
New Lipchis Way
The New Lipchis Way is a 39-mile (63km) long route which starts in Liphook, on the Hampshire/West Sussex border and finishes in West Wittering, West Sussex. The route is waymarked and crosses heathlands, woods and chalk downlands.
30-mile long route
Horsham Riverside Walk
The Horsham Riverside Walk is a 13-mile (21km) long route which takes you on a circular loop around the outskirts of Horsham, following the riverside. The route commences at the Warnham Nature Reserve and passes through Leechpool and Owlbeech Woods and Chesworth Farm.
13-mile long route
High Weald Landscape Trail
The High Weald Landscape Trail is a 90-mile (145km) long waymarked trail that commences at Horsham Station and takes you in an Easterly direction, crossing the counties of West Sussex, East Sussex and Kent to finish up in Rye. The route is waymarked in each direction.
90-mile long route
Sussex Border Path
The Sussex Border Path is an 137-mile (220km) long waymarked footpath that follows the Sussex border in its entirety as it meets Hampshire, Surrey and Kent.
The trail starts in Emsworth in Hampshire near the West Sussex border, and finishes up in Rye in East Sussex.
137-mile long route
Sussex Diamond Way
The Sussex Diamond Way is a 60-mile (97km) long route that starts in Midhurst and finishes in Heathfield and covers the low weald countryside. The route was created by the Sussex Ramblers in 1995 to mark their 60th anniversary.
60-mile long route
The Midhurst Way
The Midhurst Way is a 29-mile (47km) long route that commences in Haslemere, before passing through Midhurst and finishing up in Arundel.
29-mile long route
Wey-South Path
The Wey-South Path is a 34-mile (55km) long route which follows the Wey and Arun Canal starting in Guildford in the North and finishing in Amberley in the South.
34-mile long route
Cuckmere Pilgrim Path
The Cuckmere Pilgrim Path is an 11-mile (18km) long waymarked circular route which was established in 2018 and takes you past seven ancient rural churches. The route commences in Alfriston and includes beautiful views of the South Downs National Park and Cuckmere Valley.
11-mile long route
The Vanguard Way
The Vanguard Way is a 66-mile (106km) long route commencing in East Croydon and finishing on the cost in Newhaven. The route was established in 1980 by the Vanguards Rambling Club to celebrate their 15th anniversary.
66-mile long route
Annual South Downs Way Walk
The Annual South Downs Way Walk is a fun and simple way of walking the South Downs Way. Over a hundred people take part every year – it is not a ‘guided’ walk and everyone is free to walk at their own pace.
100-mile long route
