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.  Keeping everyone safe during this time remains our priority, so before heading out please check both the tier level you are in, and the one in the area you are visiting, they may be different.  Please follow the restricitons in place. With endless discoveries to make along the way, head out of foot for some fresh air and exercise and enjoy the natural beauty of 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 long 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 

• 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.

• Undercliff Walk, Brighton

This 5 kilometre path, runs from behind Asda in Brighton Marina to the Brighton & Hove City boundary at Saltdean marked by the last rock groyne. Both pedestrians and cyclists can use the Undercliff Walk, it has a hidden past and some secrets to tell.

• 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 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.

• Warnham Nature Reserve

The 92 acre site was designated a Local Nature Reserve in 1988. It includes a 17 acre (6.9 ha) millpond, marshes, grassland, reedbeds, hedges and woodlands.

• 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.

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.