Walking

Whether you're a serious hiker or just wanting to stretch your legs, the South East offers a disverse range of walks to enjoy.  With endless discoveries to make along the way, head out on foot for some fresh air and exercise and enjoy some of the 3 million acres of natural beauty in South East England.

We encouage you to continue to enjoy the countryside at every opportunity; it is so good for well being. However, whilst you are out and about remember to follow the Countryside Code.  RESPECT - PROTECT - ENJOY. This code contains advice for the public and landowners, making it easier for visitors to help respect, protect and enjoy the outdoors. 

Top Walks in South East England

• Seven Sisters, East Sussex.

Part of the South Downs Way, this stretch of coastline has featured in many TV shows and adverts. The breathtaking views make it clear why the sisters have become so recognisable.

• Thames Path National Trail, Visit Thames

A long distance walking route covering 184 miles along the UK's best known river.  This national trail stretches from the source of the River Thames in the Cotswold's to the sea, passing beautiful towns, water meadows and famous landmarks along the way.   If this is a bit long for you why not try some of the smaller sections of the route including Marlow to Henley (8.5 miles) or explore one of the 12 walks along different parts of the trail.

• Battle Walk, 1066 Country

This four and a half mile walk takes in the famous Battle Abbey and the 1066 Battlefield, the most famous conflict on English soil.

• South Downs Way, Winchester to Eastbourne

This 100 mile national trail runs from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in Sussex and has a ascent to 3,800km.  The trail runs entirely within the South Downs National Park (SDNP).  To long?  There are numerous shorter walks in and around Winchester accessing the South Downs National Park, or enjoy the coastal walk from Eastbourne to Alfriston (17.5 miles) for walkers only.

• Coastal Path, Isle of Wight

The coastal path can be spilt into 6 sections and takes you the whole way around the Isle of Wight.  Walks range from 8 - 16 miles and includes incredible scenery and views a plenty.

• Discover Brighton with the new Sussex Walk App

Showcasing 10 walks in and around Brighton and Sussex, you can experience the beautiful views from Devils Dyke or Ditchling Beacon, explore Brighton's largest park Stanmer Park, or follow in the footsteps of Winnie-the-Pooh at Ashdown Forest.  With a whole host of options from 1 mile up, its a great way to explore the beautiful Sussex countryside.

• Millennium Promenade, Portsmouth

A 3km walk along the promenade in Portsmouth starts near Clarence Pier and finishes at The Hard, linking many of the cities historic attractions and taking in the Camber, Old Portsmouth and Gunwharf Quays.  The route is indicated by a chain motif set into the surface of the pavement making it easy to follow.

• Jane Austen's Circular Walk, Hampshire

Starting at Jane Austen's house in Chawton, this 4.5 mile walk takes in the countryside that inspired many of her novels.

• Monarch's Way, Sussex

Britian's second longest signposted walking trail of 615 miles, starting in Worcester and finishing in Shoreham by Sea. Dont want to walk it all, then try a shorter section from Arundel to Shoreham by Sea.

• Coastal Culture Trail, Eastbourne to Hastings.

This 18 mile coastal trail along a stretch of the East Sussex coastline, connects three award-winning art galleries along the way, the Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne, the De La Warr Pavillion and the Hastings Contemporary.

• North Down's Way, Farnham to Dover

This 153 mile path stretches from Farnham in Surrey to Dover in Kent, and runs along a chalf ridge of the North Downs, an Area of Outstanding National Beauty (ANOB)

• The Waterfront Trail, Gosport

This 3km waterfront trail links Explosions! The Museum of Naval Firepower with the Royal Navy Submarine Museum and offers panoramic views over Portsmouth Harbour. 

• Arlington Bluebell Walk, East Sussex.

Open only in the spring at the height of Bluebell season, immerse yourself in a colourful trail of flora and fauna. There's a walk of 2.5 miles and wheelchair accessible 1100m route with mobility scooters available to hire.

• Discover Windsor

You don't always have to travel right out into the countryside to walk, there are some fantastic places to explore in our towns.  Windsor and its surrounding area benefits from some beautiful large open spaces, the River Thames and Dorney Lake Arboretum to head out and enjoy some fresh air and walks.

• The Hangers Way, East Hampshire

The 21 mile long-distance footpath starts in the beautiful village of Alton (at the railway station) and follows the steep, densely wooded East Hampshire Hangers (a series of steep sided wooded hills) to the market town of Petersfield, then onto Queen Elizabeth Country Park.  The trail can be easily divided up into bite-size sections of around two & four miles, making it ideal for a family adventure or an afternoon stroll.

• St James Way, Reading

Part of one of the world’s most famous pilgrimage routes, the Camino Ingles to Santiago de Compostela in north west Spain.  The English leg of the pilgrim route, dates back to medieval times & starts at St James’ Church in central Reading and then heads to Basingstoke, Winchester and Southampton - 66 miles.

• Discover Southampton

Walking is a great way to discover a new place, to feel part of the place you are visiting and they don't always need to be in the countryside.  Discover five walks in and around the city of Southampton, from the chance to walk the historic Southampton walls to a 45 min walk on a titantic tour.

Coastal walks and walking holidays

Click the 'map view' button or browse the list below for a selection of companies that organise self-led hikes or guided walking holidays, tours, paths and national trails, for individuals and groups, in South East England.