Shoreham-by-Sea on the West Sussex coast is a great base for walkers. Set between Worthing and Brighton, it sits beside the River Adur, which winds down from the South Downs past Bramber, Steyning and Old Shoreham before reaching the sea. The Downs rise to the north while westwards, the land opens into the flat coastal plain around Lancing and Shoreham Airport. The urban coast continues east towards Southwick and Brighton.
That means that there’s plenty of walking variety within easy reach: a gentle town walk, riverside paths, open coastal trails and hillier routes into the Downs. Three major long-distance routes also meet or pass through Shoreham, making it an especially good place for exploring on foot.
Three long-distance trails
The King Charles III England Coast Path follows the coast through Shoreham. The route crosses the north side of the Adur estuary, then passes Shoreham Harbour, its old lighthouse and traditional boatyards before continuing east towards Hove and Brighton.
You can walk a short section and turn back, or make a longer coastal day of it. The path is signed with the National Trails acorn, though surfaces and accessibility vary along the wider route.
Shoreham is also the finish point of the Monarch’s Way, a 625-mile route following the escape of Charles II after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. After making his way across the country, Charles reached Shoreham and sailed to France. You don’t need to walk the whole route to enjoy a stretch of it: the path connects Shoreham with the countryside and South Downs to the north.
The Downs Link ends in Shoreham too. This 37-mile shared route runs from St Martha’s Hill in Surrey, following two former railway lines through the Surrey Hills, Low Weald, South Downs and coastal plain.
Much of it is surfaced, although some sections are uneven or sloping. It’s used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders, and connects with other long-distance routes along the way.
Easy walks around town and river
For a gentle introduction to Shoreham, follow a local urban route along the western side of the River Adur, towards Old Shoreham, then loop back through the town. Look out for the river’s houseboats, the Ropetackle Arts Centre and St Mary de Haura, a 12th-century church in the heart of Shoreham. Buckingham Park offers another green-space option for a shorter wander.
The river path also forms part of the Adur Coastal Link, which follows the route of old railway lines. You can walk beside the water and sculpture trail, with views across the estuary and Shoreham Airport. Head south across the Adur Ferry Bridge to reach Shoreham Beach, where a boardwalk follows parts of the shore through its unusual vegetated habitat.
Head for the hills
North of Shoreham, the walking becomes more open and undulating. Mill Hill Nature Reserve is an excellent choice for big views without committing to a long hike: the reserve overlooks the Adur Valley and has rare chalk grassland, wildflowers and butterflies. A 500-metre easy-access trail has no steps or steep gradients, with benches along the way.
Further afield, Lancing Ring offers woodland, ponds and a six-kilometre circular walk with views towards the sea. Or follow the river valley north towards Coombes and Botolphs, where the landscape opens out beneath the Downs.
Longer routes can climb towards Truleigh Hill and the ridge, taking in the Rest and Be Thankful Stone and far-reaching views across Sussex. The South Downs National Park has a suggested route from Washington to Botolphs and the Adur, with the option of continuing north along the riverside path to Bramber.
Whether you’re after a short stroll, a riverside wander or a proper Downs walk, Shoreham offers a surprising amount of choice. We’ll be adding more local routes here, so you can find the right walk for your time, energy and appetite for hills.
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