Winter Walks in West Sussex

It’s so easy to hunker down and stay indoors this season but with so many beautiful areas to explore in West Sussex, we think winter is one of the best times of the year to head out and discover new places. So grab your boots, wrap up warm and try out some of these wintry walks!

If you enjoy a stroll where you can stop off for a coffee or a pub lunch, the East Head and Ellanore circular walk is for you. This four-mile trail offers coastal paths, beautiful views of Chichester Harbour and a trip to West Wittering. The latter is a beautiful village lined with independent coffee shops, stores and pubs, and also boasts a beautiful, sandy beach with a dog-friendly café.

If you’re feeling a little sluggish but are still itching to get your sea-fix, this circular walk around West Wittering beach is ideal. At just under 5km, it takes an hour, on average, to walk the route and four-legged friends are also allowed on the beach during the winter months. There are a couple of places along the way to grab a hot drink and something warm to eat, should the day be particularly bracing.

For those looking to stretch their legs and head a little further, try the Chichester Harbour loop. At six miles long, it starts off in the sailing village of Itchenor and takes you into West Wittering village and onto the Salterns Way. This walk is completely flat, so all members of the family can enjoy it.

Whilst East Wittering beach can sometimes be overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, it’s the perfect place for a walk on a winter’s day. You can head along the pebbles to breathe in the sea air and at low tide, you’ll be treated to a complete transformation as the sandy stretch of coast is revealed. The beach is also dog friendly from October to May.

Amberley is a beautiful chocolate box village situated at the foot of the vast South Downs National Park. There are two circular walks on offer and if you’re feeling adventurous, one of them includes a hike up Amberley Mount for fantastic views of the Arun Valley.

For those who want to explore the historic village of Bramber, there’s a walking route that’s just over two miles long and perfect for those with impaired mobility, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs. It follows an accessible path along the River Adur and during winter, you can often see flocks of Canada geese flying in formation.

Next door to Bramber is Steyning, a town known as one of the most picturesque in West Sussex, and a seven-mile circular walk will take you from Steyning up to Washington. On the way you’ll be able to stop and admire the views of Cissbury Ring, which is one of the largest Middle Iron Age hill forts in Europe. If you’re into your history, this walk is for you!

There’s nothing more satisfying than a hearty, warm meal after you’ve worked up an appetite during a wintry walk. The Trundle Loop from Lavant, just outside of Chichester, begins and ends at the Earl of March pub, so you can head outdoors for a couple of hours, before warming up in front of the pub’s open fireplace while your meal is being cooked.

And if all of that isn’t enough, the South Downs National Park covers more than 16,00km² of outstanding English landscapes. Whether you want to walk by the coast, in the heart of the countryside or take in the towns and villages, there are walks that will appeal to all ages and those with different levels of mobility and fitness. Head to the Miles Without Stiles section of the South Downs National Park website to find out more.

A cold winter’s day can be one of the best times to get outdoors to take in the fresh air and glorious surroundings. Before you decide to head out, read these tips on how to stay warm on your walks – and have fun discovering new places in West Sussex!