There are faster ways to see Sussex. But none better. Sussex is a county that rewards the unhurried traveller, the ones who walk between vineyards instead of driving, who think that the best souvenir is a jar of local honey. These two Slow Food Trails are day routes that connect farm shops, wineries, brewers and pubs, ideal for walkers or those who just want to fill a weekend with good food and a big serving of countryside.
Trail one: The Downs & Vines Loop (Alfriston – Rathfinny – Litlington – Berwick)
Start: Alfriston Village (accessible by train via Polegate or Lewes and then by bus)
Walk past flint cottages and the Tye (village green), then head off through the vines of Rathfinny Wine Estate for a morning tour or a glass of Sussex sparkling. Distance about 2 km with a short distance on the road.
On their Winter Wine Tour, you’ll learn about a typical year of growing vines and wine production processes, visit the winery and enjoy a wine tasting (time 1 hr 24 mins).
From Rathfinny, head east, dropping down through the Cuckmere Valley to Litlington Tea Gardens for lunch or to Long Man Brewery for a tour and tasting (both in Litlington). Distance 3 km.
The brewery tours tell the history of Church Farm and agriculture in the beautiful Cuckmere Valley and visits the farmyard, now home to the brewery, where you’ll learn about the brewing process before heading to the tasting rooms.
Then follow the riverside path back to Alfriston. For an optional extra, walk on towards Berwick Church with its Bloomsbury murals. End at The Cricketers’ Arms, Berwick, for a pint of local ale. Just under 4 km.
Catch the train home. 2 km. Or overnight in Alfriston before you head home.
11 km | Moderate | Vineyard, village, valley views
Trail two: Sea & Salt (Hastings Old Town – Rock-a-Nore – Fairlight)
Start: Hastings Old Town. Catch the train to Hastings and then catch the bus or walk to Hastings Old Town and the Stade (1.5 km)
Watch the beach-launched fishing fleet land their catch on Hastings Stade, buy fresh mackerel or crab at the huts. Visit The Fishermen’s Museum in an old chapel. It’s free to visit (although they invite you to make a donation) and packed with information about the area’s fishing history and you can even board a fishing boat in the museum. Then grab fish and chips and catch the funicular up East Cliff, the UK’s steepest funicular opened in 1902.
Then follow the King Charles III Coastal Trail east towards Fairlight for dramatic cliff views. Lunch at The Cove in Fairlight Cove. Originally a cowshed, then a hotel, this pub offers “simple seasonal food with a Sussex spin and sense of humour”.
Visit Stonelynk Farm where you can buy freshly-picked organic produce directly from their market-garden (Thursday to Saturday). Distance to Fairlight Cove 7.7 km.
Walk or catch the bus back and enjoy oysters in Hastings Old Town, stock up in Penbuckles Deli and Judges Bakery before you head home.
7 km | Hilly | Ideal for a winter sea walk (or 14 km if you walk back).
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