The best walks and hikes around Chichester

Experience the essence of the South Downs

Many of the best hiking trails around Chichester explore the South Downs National Park. Spanning 995 square miles (1,600 km), this is a land of hazy hills rolling into the distance, rich cultural heritage and vibrant wildlife.

Experience the ancient history that is written into the landscape. Evidence of Neolithic activity awaits discovery, such as hill forts and burial grounds, whilst vestiges of World War Two can be found in abundance. You can get close to nature in the wetlands and chalk grasslands that are home to an important variety of plants and creatures – the brilliant blue of the Adonis butterfly is particularly representative of the region.

Kingley Vale is a local highlight. A nature reserve commanding supreme views down the spine of the Downs, across to Chichester with its prominent cathedral spire and even across to the Isle of Wight, it makes for a stunning objective. Here you can explore Britain’s only yew forest, containing twisted yew trees that are amongst the oldest living things in the UK.

A dynamic and wild coastline

There are some magnificent hikes around Chichester’s coast. Chichester harbour boasts 56 miles (90 km) of footpaths that take you along the shoreline, across rural farmland and through idyllic harbour villages. The popular boating waters are a great place to explore. Experience beautiful sunsets along the marina before heading to one of the cosy local pubs for refreshment.

For the adventurous, the peninsulas of East Head and Thorney Island and the wetlands and coast of Pagham Harbour, offer wilder excursions. East Head is a sand dune spit close to the village of West Wittering. It is connected to the mainland by the Hinge, a narrow strip of land with sea on either side. Your reward is one of the finest sandy beaches in Sussex.

Dazzling wildlife awaits

Walks around Chichester harbour take you into a sanctuary of nature. The lack of farming development on these remote peninsulas mean that they are havens for wildlife, particularly birdlife. In winter, migrants flock to these shores, attracted by the tidal mudflats and saltmarshes. Ospreys stop here on their long journey to Africa. Meanwhile, the sight of seals is not uncommon in the surrounding waters.