Our Tour recommendations are based on thousands of activities completed by other people on komoot.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of South East England sprawls the South Downs National Park, a haven of rolling hills, vibrant wildlife and rich cultural heritage. Walks in the South Downs explore majestic white sea cliffs, serene ancient woodland, charming market towns and glorious lowland heaths.
Covering 995 square miles (1600 km), there are near endless possibilities for hikes in the South Downs. Adventure awaits amongst natural splendour. The grassy downlands contain a remarkable array of plants and creatures. Peregrines hunt on the dramatic coastline, whilst the brilliant blue of the Adonis butterfly epitomises the region.
Here is the sort of rural magnificence that inspired the works of author Jane Austen and artist John Constable. Find your own inspiration as you ramble amongst this quintessentially English scenery. The short, soft, springy chalk grassland, so unique to the Downs, is a pleasure to tread. Discover intriguing historic sites and experience breathtaking panoramas along the verdant spine of this wonderful countryside.
Difficult | 05:59 13.4 mi | |
Intermediate | 04:45 10.8 mi | |
Intermediate | 03:42 8.41 mi | |
Intermediate | 04:22 10.1 mi | |
Intermediate | 02:31 5.58 mi | |
Intermediate | 03:34 7.81 mi | |
Intermediate | 04:42 10.9 mi | |
Easy | 01:47 3.91 mi | |
Intermediate | 02:11 5.10 mi | |
Difficult | 05:15 11.5 mi | |
Difficult | 06:02 13.2 mi | |
Intermediate | 02:25 5.44 mi | |
Intermediate | 02:59 6.83 mi | |
Intermediate | 04:09 9.27 mi | |
Intermediate | 03:19 7.54 mi | |
Difficult | 05:08 11.1 mi | |
Intermediate | 03:40 8.57 mi | |
Intermediate | 02:53 6.44 mi | |
Intermediate | 02:26 5.28 mi | |
Intermediate | 02:06 4.60 mi |
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Some of the best hiking trails in the South Downs place you amongst the stunning white cliffs of the Seven Sisters. Dover might have the more famous cliffs, but these are certainly the most beautiful. Nearby Beachy Head is the tallest at 531 feet (162 m) and makes for a superb objective.
There are numerous vantage points from which to appreciate these undulating chalk walls. With the sea breeze in your hair and the waves crashing below, walking along the cliff top is an unforgettable experience. It is important to note that you should always stay at least five metres from the edge, as chalk is brittle and landslides are not uncommon.
Hikes in the South Downs can last a few hours or even days. The South Downs Way traverses the high escarpment for 100 miles (160 km) from historic Winchester in the west to the coast at Eastbourne, visiting many highlights along the way. However, you may want the freedom to experience this sumptuous region on your own terms. However you choose to explore the national park, there is a wide variety of landscapes at your fingertips.
An adventure on the high spine of the Downs rewards you with sweeping views to the English Channel and the Isle of Wight. The elevated chalk grassland drains and dries quickly, making it an attractive proposition all year round. Meanwhile, ancient yew forests, containing some of the oldest living trees in Britain, offer an equally invigorating experience.
The diversity of the landscape means there are many unique habitats. All of Britain’s native snake species are found here, whilst badgers, weasels, stoats and deer can be spotted by the eagle-eyed hiker.
Explore more of West Sussex: Browse the best Hikes in other regions.