Top Ten Walks in West Sussex

The 5 mile/8km Halnaker Windmill Trail takes in a picturesque tree tunnel or hollow way formed over thousands of years of footfall. The path, Mill Lane, follows the old Roman road between London and Chichester and eventually opens up onto Halnaker Hill.  At the top, your climb is rewarded with the 18th century windmill and glorious views which reach as far as the sea.

Refreshment Pitstops: Boxgrove Village Stores & Café, The Anglesey Pub, Tinwood Estate

Download trail here.

Kingley Vale is the finest yew forest in Europe. The most ancient gnarled yews are around 2,000 years old with girths of about seven meters. It is said that this was a sacred place of worship for druids even before the Roman invasion. Further up the hill was the site of a Viking battle in AD 859. There is also evidence of Stone Age flint mines near the top of Bow Hill. On top of the hill, four Bronze Age burial mounds, the Kings' Graves, can be seen. From here, there are magnificent views. To the south, Chichester Harbour and the Isle of Wight and to the north, the South Downs and Hampshire.

Refreshment pitstops: a coffee van often is often found in the West Stoke car park (PO18 9BP), Hare & Hounds, West Dean Stores & Tea Room, Asdean Farm Shop, Horse & Groom, Ashling Park Estate.

Download trail here.

This 11 mile/18km flat trail runs from Selsey to Chichester following a tramway which was opened in 1897. With the rise of road transport in the 20s and 30s, the railway fell into disuse and finally closed in 1935. Nowadays, this is a great path for walking or running along, there are a couple of stiles to contend with but otherwise it is clear.

As it’s a linear path, you can catch Stagecoach No 51 bus to Selsey from Chichester Bus Station (PO19 8DG). Disembark at Selsey Beach Road shops and then walk along Beach Road to East Beach car park (PO20 0SZ) where the original tramway began. Alternatively, park at Selsey Beach car park and get the bus back from Chichester at the end of the walk. The trail is marked with orange signs along its route, taking in 11 of the original stations.

Refreshment pitstops: Paddy's Plaice or East Beach Kiosk.

Download trail here or click here for an interactive map.

The 1.5 mile/2.7km walk around the Roman walls of Chichester is a delightful way to see the city. Although not complete, they are the most intact circuit of Roman defences in southern England. The layout of modern Chichester is still defined by its Roman counterpart with the four main streets: north, south, east and west surrounded by walls and gateways (Eastgate, Westgate, Southgate and Northgate).

Information panels are dotted along the length of the walk and with lovely views of the cathedral, Priory Park with its 13th century Guildhall and Chichester Castle motte, and the tranquil Bishops Palace Gardens. Being in the centre of town, there are plenty of place to stop off for a drink or a bite to eat. If you start at Eastgate, the closest car park is Cattle Market car park (PO19 1JW) but you can pick up the trail at almost any point. If you park in Northgate car park near the Chichester Festival Theatre, you can join the northern section there.

Dogs are not allowed on top of the walls nor in Priory Park, but they are permitted on short leads in Bishops Palace Gardens.

Refreshment pitstops: The Buttery,  Fenwicks Café, Cloister's Kitchen & Garden, Café on the Park

Download trail here.

What better way to blow away the cobwebs then a walk along the golden sands of West Wittering and around the sand dunes of East Head in this 4 mile/6km seaside walk with views across to the Isle of Wight. Top tip: escape the summer crowds by enjoying the walk on a sunny day in winter. Beach webcam is available here.

Parking at West Wittering Beach can be pre booked here. 

Refreshment pitshops: The Landing, West Wittering Beach Café, 

Download trail map here.

Midhurst is in the heart of the South Downs National Park and home to its Visitor Centre and shop. There are plenty of walks around Midhurst and Easebourne to choose from. Why not try the River Rother walk (3miles/5km) leaving from the main bus stop on North Street? Or, a shorter walk around the Cowdray ruins and St Anne's Hill (1.1 miles/1.7km)? If you're feeling energetic, the route taking in Easebourne and Woolbeding (10 miles/16km) is well worth the effort. 

Refreshment pitstops: The Spread Eagle, Comestibles, Fitzcane's, Garton's Coffee House, The Swan Inn, Half Moon, White Horse

Download trails here. Discover more walks around Midhurst here.

At 1.2 miles/1.9km this is a walk the whole family can enjoy with lots of ducks and geese and black swans to admire. There is free parking at the pond (GU28 0AZ). Don't miss the brief detour to see The Queen Elizabeth Oak which is said to have sheltered Queen Elizabeth I under its boughs. Benbow Pond is part of the 16,500 acre Cowdray Estate which is home the nearby golf course, polo grounds, holiday lets,  café and farm shop.

Refreshment pitstops: Cowdray Farm Shop Café, Hollist Arms, Halfway Bridge, White Horse, Langhams Brewery

Download trail here.

This figure of eight walk at 3.5 miles/5.5km has great views and wonderful woodland and is a good alternative to walking in Petworth Park. It has the added benefit of both taking in both town and country meaning that it begins in the attractive market town of Petworth before heading out into the beautiful Shimmings Valley and Byworth, before returning to Petworth. 

Refreshment Pitstops: The Angel Inn, The Black Horse Inn, Cherry's Deli

Download trail here. Leaflet courtesy of iFootpath.

Chichester boasts an impressive array of street art both past and present. Take our Street Art Tour to discover the best of it and get to know this charming city a little better.

Refreshment pitstops: Café Paradiso, Fenwicks Café, Charlie Harpers, Turner's Pies, Fat Fig

Black Down is the highest point in the South Downs National Park and has views to prove it. The big skies and clear air means you are guaranteed to feel better after a walk here. This place has attracted people since at least 6000 BC and Alfred Lord Tennyson loved and lived on Black Down; the lane that runs up to the car park is named after him and you'll find his quote inscribed on a bench affording fabulous views "You came and looked and loved the view, long known and loved by me, Green Sussex fading into blue with one grey glimpse of sea". 

The rare heathland at Black Down is managed by the National Trust. You may be lucky enough to encounter grazing Belted Galloway cattle which help preserve the environment. Hearing the call of the nightjar on early summer evenings is a magical experience. 

Refreshment pitstops: Heidi's, The Mill, Red Lion

Download trail here.

The Six Harbour Village walk is fabulous ten mile walk connecting, yes you guessed it, six harbour-side villages which perch on the shores of Chichester Harbour - a National Landscape. Beginning in the beautiful village of Itchenor, famed for its sailing, visiting Bosham, well known for its church, pubs and sailing, and moving on to Fishbourne (home of the Roman Palace), Apuldram, Dell Quay and Birdham.

You'll enjoy stunning views of the harbour and pass by abundant coastal habitats as well as crossing the harbour by ferry (fees apply).

Refreshment pitstops: The Ship, Shoreside Cafe, The Boathouse, Scuttlebutt Cafe

Download trail here.