There’s something about a winter walk that makes the promise of a good pub even better. East Sussex has no shortage of both (good walks and good pubs) with a great choice of majestic views, sleepy rivers, forest trails and pubs where boots are welcome. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite East Sussex pub walks where you can stretch your legs, fill your lungs with Sussex air, and finish with something hearty by the hearth.
Walks near Lewes
Back in the summer, I did a couple of walks just outside Lewes that struck me as having good winter potential because of the grounds and drainage.
The Laughton loop
The tiny village of Laughton is north east of Lewes and has access almost immediately into Laughton Common Wood. This area of woodland is joined to Laughton Greenwood, which is a community woodland. There are a number of paths and walking routes, but for an easy walk with mixed ability walkers, my 2.5 km loop was perfect (details in link below).
Once back at base, The Roebuck Inn is a traditional pub with an open fire and Sunday lunch on the menu!
Isfield walks
Not far from Laughton, you’ll find Isfield and the River Ouse. Having parked in the village, I walked along the river bank to The Anchor. The Anchor is in a beautiful setting but can get busy. However, they take reservations at weekends in the winter months. Alternatively, head back to The Laughing Fish at Isfield where they have both a Thai and an English menu.
My circular walk via The Anchor was 5.5 km, but don’t do it after heavy rain in case the river floods.
Brede
Brede High Wood is a wonderful area of ancient woodland near Battle and Rye. With parking just off the B2089, there are also buses to nearby Cripp’s Corner. Once you’re there, you can choose the length of your walk from a 5 to 6 km loop around the reservoir and back to the car park to a 3.5 km walk to the Broad Oak pub at Broad Oak for Sunday lunch. But don’t forget, you still have to walk back! Whatever you choose, this is a beautiful stretch of woodland with pockets of heath and heather and lots of history. Look out for bluebells in spring and autumn colours later in the year.
Alfriston
You really are spoilt for choice when it comes to walking at Alfriston. For a 6 km walk, start at Market Cross and then follow the South Downs Way west. It’s well signed. After a slow, steady climb and just over a kilometer of walking, you’ll come to a junction of footpaths and bridleways. Take the first turn to your left, through a copse and follow the path all the way back down the Downs until you can turn left again.
Stick to that path and it brings you back into Alfriston. The only decision to make then is should you head for The George Inn, Ye Olde Smugglers Inn or The Six Bells. Alternatively, for a 7km walk in the other direction, you could walk up and over the Long Man at Wilmington.
Robertsbridge
There is a lovely 5 km circular walk from Robertsbridge, which I did in early spring. For the curious, this is the land of hops and Medieval abbeys, and if you want a detour to Salehurst to visit the church, you’ll find The Salehurst Halt, a community-led pub. They support local and have a great-looking menu. Alternatively, if you don’t want the detour, just head back to Robertstbridge through the woods for lunch at The George Inn.
Firle
I’ve spent a bit of time exploring the walks around Firle lately, and it is definitely up there with one of my favourite spots along the South Downs. This 8 km walk (details in link) really felt like I was off the beaten track because rather than travel along the South Downs Way east to west or dive down into Firle or Charleston, I went south. I didn’t meet a single soul and was rewarded with amazing views. The signage wasn’t good, but there is parking up on the Downs. When you’re back at the start, head to The Ram in Firle for lunch.
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