At Sussex Exclusive, we always try to walk the walk, quite literally. We’re very much a boots-on-the-ground publication and love nothing better than getting out there and test-driving the many great Sussex walks we recommend. 2025 was no exception. We covered hundreds of miles, enjoyed amazing views, fabulous finds and lots of “hidden gems”! Well, probably not that well hidden, to be honest. But beautiful nonetheless.
So, with a view to including a lot of choice, from the short to the long and intrepid, here is our round-up of some of the best of last year’s Sussex Exclusive walks. We hope you find something to tease your boot laces with!
Bewl Water 20 km
As last year slowly faded, and a new year began, Lucy headed to Bewl Water in East Sussex, on the border with Kent. It was the bleakest of all possible days, with visibility down to a couple of feet and a freezing mist that didn’t lift all day. Nonetheless, Bewl Water’s beauty was breathtaking, and this was a gorgeous walk … although perhaps one to do in the summer months!
Octagon Way 29 km
The Octagon Way in West Sussex is roughly a 29 km circular walk and we did it over two days. It takes you via eight historic churches, namely in the villages of Racton, Stoughton, East Marden, North Marden, Up Marden, Compton, Forestside and to the chapel at Stansted Park. Having walked it in winter, we’re planning on doing it again in the summer months to see how it compares, but it is a gorgeous walk that really gets you off the beaten track and takes in so many wonderful historic buildings to boot.
The Fuller Folly Trail 7.5 km
What is not to love about a folly or six! We first started this trail back in 2021, but didn’t have time to walk the full way, so revisited it in 2025. The follies are thoroughly photogenic, even if you cannot get up close to all of them, and there is just something wonderfully charismatic about the whole walk.
Petworth Park 7 km
We know that you love trees as much as we do, and Petworth Park has a really interesting tree trail. Of course, it’s not just trees that you enjoy at Petworth Park, as there are also herds of deer, lots of birds, the lakes and sculpture, a folly and, of course, Petworth House itself. This walk is one you’ll revisit, time and again.
Pevensey Levels 10 km and 21 km
Having driven past the willowy grasses of the Levels so many times, this year, we made time to stop and explore. The Levels are quietly extraordinary and you have to remind yourself that much of what you’re walking on was once under water. The highlights include being able to see where water once ended and land began (at the edge of a modest field) and, of course, Herstmonceux Castle!
Selsey Tram Way 18 km
Another favourite walk of the year, this trail starts in Chichester and ends in Selsey, taking you via the canal and the route of a former tram. You can gradually smell the sea as you get nearer, and the route feels nicely off the beaten track.
An alternative to the Selsey Tram Way, the new Selsey to Chichester Pilgrim Trail shares much of the same route, just in reverse order.
Amberley to Arundel 6.5 km
One of Lucy’s all-time favourites, she walked this in the summer on a boiling hot day! In places, it feels undiscovered and positively jungle-like, not least when you cross the Gurkha Bridge.
Bloomsbury Walks 13 and 15 km
Epic! That is how these walks felt on a hot summer’s day and as you follow in the footsteps of creative giants. From quiet valleys to lofty views and lots of interesting places along the way, these walks have many highlights!
Pevensey Bay 6km or less
We weren’t sure what to expect from this walk, but as it turned out, we had a glorious, if slightly windy day with Pevensey Bay looking wonderfully exotic. You don’t have to walk the full distance and can turn back as soon as you feel like it, but it is fun spotting the Martello towers.
Robertsbridge 5 km
This was a wonderful early spring walk with the woods just drying out and the first signs of life on the woodland floor. It takes you close to Sussex hop fields and to the ruins of the old abbey (sadly not visible and on private property).
Cuckmere Pilgrim Path 18 km
This is an absolutely stunning walk via seven ancient churches, past the Long Man at Wilmington and along the edge of Arlington Reservoir. Every step feels epic, the views and countryside are amazing, and there is wildlife in abundance. Doable in a day and well worth a meal in Alfriston at the end.
Thorney Island, 12 km
Having been shut for a couple of years, we were delighted when the Thorney Island coastal path re-opened and we headed straight there. Our walk wasn’t without controversy, as on the day, the MoD had locked the gates onto the island. Unperturbed, we did eventually get through and enjoyed a wonderful walk with stunning views out to sea.
Brede High Wood 6 km
Ancient woodland at its finest. As you might expect, this woodland area has quite a lot of history, although it is a shame you cannot walk waterside. Nonetheless, it is a lovely walk and is particularly good for autumn colour!
Cowdray Forest 5 km
This was one of our unexpected finds of the year, having driven past it hundreds of times and never stopped. In the autumn, the colours are particularly striking and it’s a wood that feels just a little bit wild, in a good way!
Friston Forest 13 and 5 km
Our walk at Friston Forest was a return visit, having last visited in 2023. It’s a beautiful walk that combines tranquillity, history and the occasional ghost, but the highlight has to be, once you’ve climbed the many steps from Westdean and emerge at the top to enjoy views over Cuckmere Haven.
Wey and Arun Canal 5 km
You don’t have to walk the circular route that we did and you can convert this to an out-and-back walk. By doing so, you avoid the worst of the mud. It’s a nice, easy winter walk canalside with wildlife and water!
Eridge 9 km
A walk of two halves! Time this walk so that you can see or hear the Spa Valley steam train chugging its way in the valley below. Harrison’s Rocks are remarkable in their own right, and we detoured to the top so we could spot the train!
Isfield 3.5 km and 5.5 km
Back in the summer, we loved exploring the walks around Isfield that take you along the river through meadows full of buttercups and flowers. There are a couple of great pubs, the local Lavender Line and some interesting history too.
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