The benefits of fresh air and the great outdoors are no longer in doubt, and Sussex has much to offer in terms of restorative, beautiful landscapes to enjoy. But not everyone can or wants to get off-road and tackle the trails. With this in mind, here are a selection of accessible Sussex walks suitable for those with limited mobility, wheelchairs, pushchairs or buggies.
Cuckoo Trail in East Sussex
This 18 km trail from Heathfield to Polegate is smooth, flat and surfaced, and suitable for all, including those using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs, and bicycles. It is named after the tradition of releasing a cuckoo at the Heathfield spring fair. However, it does have a slight incline on the way north to Heathfield. And it is a there-and-back route.
There is parking at the Heathfield end directly onto the trail, and benches and picnic tables are available at intervals along the route so take a flask and a picnic. It’s part of the National Cycle Network – route 21 and goes through a green corridor with lots of wildlife. Of course, you don’t have to go the full distance, just go as far as you want before turning tail and heading back.
Rye Nature Reserve, Rye Harbour East Sussex
There is parking at Rye Harbour, just a short distance from a well-maintained path to the Discovery Centre and wheelchair friendly hides. The centre has step free access and accessible toilets and the path carries on past the centre towards the sea. It is about one kilometre down to the beach and there are other routes which may be accessible for some.
With the sea, the river and the wetlands left, right and centre, this is a fabulous corner of Sussex wildlife and don’t forget to snap a photo of the famous red and black fishermen’s hut.
Centurion Way
From Chichester, pick up the Centurion Way, a 9 kilometre all weather path along a disused railway all the way to West Dean. The route starts at the entrance to the Bishop Luffa School (What3Words:protests.truffles.establish) and there is a very slight incline as you head north. Local parking may be challenging, and the nearest station is in Chichester Station.
Once again, you don’t have to go the full distance, and you quickly leave the city behind you. After about 3 km, you reach The Centurions, known as the Chichester Road Gang which are sculptures by David Kemp, placed at the crossroads with a Roman road. They are made from recycled materials and depict Roman workers. It’s a good place to stop for a rest, and it’s downhill all the way back. As you head back, see if you can spot the cathedral spire. Or if you fancy going all the way to West Dean, catch a bus home from there.
Buchan and Tilgate parks, Crawley
Tilgate Park offers several accessible walks, particularly around the lake, with wide, relatively flat paths suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids. Parts can get a little muddy. The Fisherman’s Car Park provides close access to a ramp down to the lake, and the Walled Garden Cafe area has accessible facilities. Nearby Buchan Park has a small network of hard-surfaced paths which ensures easy walking in all weather conditions. Much of the park allows good access for pushchairs and wheelchairs. There is a free car park and bus services which will drop you about a 10 minute walk from the park (Route route 3, 23 or 200 for Dorsten Square stop and route 1 for Pelham Drive stop).
Chichester Canal
Start at Canal Basin in Chichester and follow the tow path for about 2 km to Hunston. It’s a there-and-back walk (4km) and a bit of a stunner but it does get narrow in a couple of places.
Downs Link
The 60 km Downs Link is a hard-surface route from near Guildford all the way to Shoreham, via the disused railway line. It does get a little bumpy and muddy in parts, but can be easily accessed from Southwater Country Park or at Shoreham at the Old Bridge.
Worth Way
Worth Way is an 11 km shared use route linking Three Bridges with East Grinstead and then linking to Forest Way. It starts at Three Bridges but can also be accessed at Worth Church where there is limited parking. Alternatively, access it in Crawley Down or East Grinstead. Again, it’s a there-and-back route.
Miles Without Stiles
A South Downs National Park initiative, Miles Without Stiles are routes that are suitable for people with limited mobility. We have include these for completeness, but we have not tried them so cannot confirm how accessible they are. In Sussex, they have six groups of walks, with details and downloads on their website, but by way of summary:
- Bramber Route. A ‘Route for All’ which is a linear route 3.6 km there and back.
- Ditchling Beacon and the Chattri: two walks, one of 9.2 km and one of 7.2 km. These are long and certainly in winter, they are muddy and can be difficult to traverse with steady gradients.
- Iping and Stedham Commons. A 2 km route, so nice and short, but again, it can be wet and difficult underfoot, particularly in winter.
- Mill Hill route. Half a kilometre on the side of the Downs.
- Seaford Head routes. Starting at South Hill Barn car park, Seaford Head. Two routes, one of 1 km and one of 2.3 km (which is less suitable). The ground can be uneven.
- Seven Sisters route. 4 km from the southern side of the A259, opposite the Seven Sisters Country Park Visitor Centre at Exceat. Two all-terrain mobility scooters are available for hire. Pre-book to avoid disappointment.
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