Sussex

Hibernation? Don&#8217;t even think about it! Instead, switch up your routine and make the most of the changing seasons with these stunning local strolls. You can crunch through fallen leaves, forest bathe amid mellow hues, or try your hand at foraging. Best of all, each ends one with the ultimate walker&#8217;s reward: a pub. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-woolbeding-and-easebourne-circular-midhurst">Woolbeding and Easebourne Circular, Midhurst </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Cowdray-ghost-stories.jpg" alt="Cowdray ruins" class="wp-image-81039" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Cowdray-ghost-stories.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Cowdray-ghost-stories-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Cowdray-ghost-stories-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/10/Cowdray-ghost-stories-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Good for: History buffs and farm-shop fiends, as well as anyone looking to seriously up their step count. 



Distance and difficulty: This <a href="https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/walks/woolbeding-and-easebourne-circular/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">circular walk</a> is 16km but if that sounds daunting, fear not! We&#8217;re starting with the longest on our list. It&#8217;s classed as &#8216;moderate&#8217; by the experts at the South Downs National Park and we&#8217;re inclined to agree. 



Why we love it: It&#8217;s a walk steeped in history, from the medieval Wooldeding Bridge that you cross near the start to the iconic Elizabethan Cowdray ruins that you pass towards the end. It also happens to pass the award-winning (Muddy gave it one, in fact!) Cowdray Farm Shop, where you&#8217;ll find all manner of very well-earned comestibles. 



Nearby pub: We can do one better than that. Yes, it passes the Half Moon but you&#8217;ll barely have hit your stride by then. Stick with it and reward yourself instead with a drink &#8211; a bite, too, why not? &#8211; at <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/cowdray-estate-midhurst/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Griffin Bar and Grill</a> in the clubhouse (it&#8217;s open to all) at Cowdray Golf Club. Look out for the Sunday Carvery, which is well worth the walk. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rye-nature-reserve-rye">Rye Nature Reserve, Rye</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-9.jpg" alt="Rye Nature Reserve" class="wp-image-66177" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-9.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-9-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-9-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-9-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Good for: Bird lovers, beachcombers, kid-friendly activities.



Distance and difficulty: Various lengths. Flat and coastal, incorporating saltmarsh, lagoons and reed beds.



Why we love it:&nbsp;<a href="https://rye.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rye Nature Reserve</a> is managed by the Sussex Wildlife Trust and circular walks here should include plentiful birdlife. For a bit of extra insight, keep an eye out for mini safaris and beachcombing events run by the Trust, as well as family-friendly guided birding tours run by RSPB volunteers. View Sussex Wildlife Trust&#8217;s walks <a href="https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/rye-harbour" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



Nearby pub:&nbsp;Afterwards, hop in the car and head inland to the cobbled streets of historic Rye and a well-earned drink at <a href="https://www.thestandardinnrye.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Standard Inn</a>, or the ultra-authentic <a href="https://www.mermaidinn.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mermaid Inn</a>, which has been wetting the whistles of walkers and the odd smuggler or two for 600 years.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arundel-castle-and-the-monarch-s-way-arundel">Arundel Castle and the Monarch&#8217;s Way, Arundel </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/09/Untitled-design-161-1000x667.jpg" alt="Arundel Castle" class="wp-image-78001" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/09/Untitled-design-161-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/09/Untitled-design-161-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/09/Untitled-design-161-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/09/Untitled-design-161.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Good for: Folk to like to wend their way in a leisurely manner, with pitstops aplenty. Stellar views of Amberley Mount, too. 



Distance and difficulty: At around 13.5km, it&#8217;s one of our longer picks, but it starts and finishes at a car park, with a riverside cafe very close by. There are some steps, stiles and inclines but it&#8217;s more trail than a hike. 



Why we love it: Stay at <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/beachcroft-hotel-beach-hut-suites-felpham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beachcroft Hotel</a> (its Beach Hut Suites are worth checking out year-round) and you&#8217;ll receive a booklet of local walks, including <a href="https://beachcroft-hotel.co.uk/content/uploads/2024/04/Walking-Guide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this</a>, combining history, woodland, and riverside meandering. Pubs, too! Speaking of which&#8230; 



Nearby pub: Plenty of them, including the riverside, dog-friendly <a href="https://www.theblackrabbitarundel.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Black Rabbit</a>, and cosy <a href="https://www.stmarysgate.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Mary&#8217;s Gate Inn</a>, which celebrated its 500th birthday this year with a glow-up. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ashdown-forest-high-weald">Ashdown Forest, High Weald</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-1-1.jpg" alt="ashdown forest winnie the pooh" class="wp-image-66178" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-1-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-1-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-1-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-1-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-1-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Good for: Children and the nostalgic. Moderate fitness.



Distance and difficulty: Various options, some child-friendly. Pooh Walks from Gills Lap are a dinky 1-3.25km, ideal for small legs. Forest and heathland. Mainly flat.



Why we love it: In AA Milne&#8217;s home village of Hartfield, you can visit <a href="https://www.poohcorner.co.uk/things-to-do/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pooh Corner</a> gift shop and tea rooms and pick up a route map to nearby Ashdown Forest, along with a ‘passport’ to tick off various places mentioned in the stories, like Roo’s Sandy Pit and the Pooh Sticks Bridge. Ashdown Forest’s own recommended <a href="https://www.ashdownforest.org/enjoy/walking/docs/Walk1_PoohWalksFromGillsLap.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pooh Walks from Gills Lap&nbsp;</a>is another option.



Nearby pub: Enjoy top notch organically-reared meat from the Buckhurst Estate at<a href="https://www.dorset-arms.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;The Dorset Arms</a>&nbsp;just up the road in Withyham. The pub and estate are owned by the current Lord de la Warr whose father used to play with the real life Christopher Robin and his toy bear in what became known as Hundred Acre Wood. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-south-downs-way-at-firle-beacon">South Downs Way at Firle Beacon </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-2-1.jpg" alt="South Downs Way at Firle Beacon walk" class="wp-image-66179" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-2-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-2-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-2-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-2-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-2-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Good for:&nbsp;Impressive views. Ticking off part of the South Downs Way.



Distance and difficulty: About 11km for a circular walk. Moderate fitness required to make the circuit, with a steep hill at the start or end. 



Why we love it:&nbsp;The South Downs Way, running from Winchester to Eastbourne, bisects a large swathe of Sussex. With proper prep you can tackle the lot over a week or two, but it’s more fun moseying along a chunk over the course of an autumn afternoon. To make a <a href="https://friendsofthesouthdowns.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/OA-Map-7-Firle-2014.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">circuit starting and ending in Firle</a>, park in the village, or at the car park at the top of the hill nearest Firle Beacon (you’ll walk up the hill at &nbsp;the beginning or end depending on which you choose). Once on the ridge of the South Downs, you can see for miles on a clear day, with Charleston Farmhouse below and sometimes paragliders in the distance. After a while you head down a chalky path and back to the village via the public right of way, across the grounds of Firle Place. See more South Downs walks <a href="https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/enjoy/walking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



Nearby pub: <a href="https://raminn.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ram Inn</a> in Firle is a characterful 500-year-old low-ceilinged affair with good food and cosy fires. Alternatively, extend your stroll by 15 minutes or so, crossing the A27 into Glynde, another picturesque village whose own pub, <a href="https://www.thetrevor.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Trevor Arms</a>, has newly reopened with a menu that&#8217;s everything you want after some serious strollin&#8217;: hearty yet stylish and bursting with local flavour. Stunning views are on the house. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alfriston-and-river-cuckmere-south-downs-way">Alfriston and River Cuckmere, South Downs Way</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-3-1.jpg" alt="seven sisters walk" class="wp-image-66180" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-3-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-3-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-3-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-3-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/Untitled-design-3-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Good for: Windy days when you don&#8217;t fancy the Seven Sisters cliff walk. Ideal for slightly older families and dogs. 



Distance and difficulty: The entire circular walk is just over 10km and takes around four-and-a-half hours, but you can always stop half way and turn back. There&#8217;s some slight incline which may require a bit of puff but nothing too strenuous. 



Why we love it: Parking is easy at the Seven Sisters country park, plus there are loos and a coffee pitstop before you set off. Considering it&#8217;s right on the coast, you get the best of both worlds. As you walk inland, along the South Downs Way, you can enjoy a little bit of a workout thanks to an incline, and this is enjoyable even in the colder months &#8211; just wear the right boots as it can get quite boggy. There are pitstops to be made at Alfriston, Litlington and Exceat. Follow the route <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/east-sussex/alfriston-and-the-river-cuckmere" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. 



Nearby pub:&nbsp;At the beautiful village of Alfriston is Olga &amp; Alex Polizzi’s Tudor boutique hotel, <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-star-alfriston/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Star</a>. Quirks include a ‘secret’ door leading out of the library. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-south-harting">South Harting</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/1-4.jpg" alt="autumn walks sussex " class="wp-image-66182" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/1-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/1-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/1-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/1-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/1-4-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Good for: Fab photos for your socials and it&#8217;s right on the border with Hampshire, in case you fancy making an expedition of it. 



Distance and difficulty: Start and finish in South Harting for this easy, 9km circular walk (route <a href="https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Walks-in-Rogate-and-Harting-LR-final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>) that joins the Serpent Trail, a route covering some of the most spectacular heathland of the South Downs. 



Why we love it: In autumn it’s a riot of colour, and you can stare up at the imposing Harting Down, one of Muddy’s favourite hills &#8211; or down if you’ve got the puff. You can also check out the National Trust treasure&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark-house-and-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uppark</a> en route.



Nearby pub: Refresh yourselves at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.the-whitehart.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">White Hart</a>&nbsp;a great foodie pub. It&#8217;s a cosy country inn tucked away in the heart of one of Sussex’s prettiest South Downs villages. 



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