15 Short Walks in the South Downs: Brighton, Eastbourne and Arundel

Discover the best of Brighton, Eastbourne and Arundel with this collection of 15 carefully chosen short walks, featuring highlights such as Bramber Castle, Devil’s Dyke, the Long Man of Wilmington, Litlington White Horse, Seven Sisters and Beachy Head.

Each route is between 4 and 13km and designed to be completed in under three hours, making this Cicerone guidebook the perfect companion for families, casual walkers, and anyone eager to explore the scenic beauty and rich history of the South Downs National Park.

• Each of the 15 South Downs walks includes clear numbered points that link step-by-step route descriptions to easy-to-follow maps, covering iconic locations such as Devil’s Dyke, Bramber Castle, Beachy Head and the Long Man of Wilmington, for stress-free navigation.
• Practical information is provided for every walk, including parking, public transport options from Brighton, Eastbourne and Arundel, details of public toilets and refreshments in villages like Alfriston and Bramber, and a handy Route Summary Table to help you choose your adventure.
• Discover the region’s most memorable sites: stroll the white cliffs of Seven Sisters and Seaford Head, explore the ramparts of Cissbury Ring and Chanctonbury Ring, or visit the historic streets and grand castle of Arundel.
• Routes start from historic towns and picturesque villages, including Arundel, Bramber, Alfriston, Seaford, and Eastbourne, with guidance on train and bus links from London and nearby coastal towns, making your visit easy to plan.
• Experience the best of South Downs hospitality, with recommendations for welcoming pubs and cafés along the way, perfect for a well-earned break in villages such as Fulking, Litlington and Waddington.

Part of Cicerone’s trusted Short Walks series, this South Downs guidebook brings together everything you need for a memorable day out on the rolling chalk downlands between Arundel and Eastbourne. Whether you’re a local, a day-tripper from London, or planning a longer stay, this guide is your key to discovering the best walks, views and villages of the eastern South Downs at an easy and enjoyable pace.

Seasons

The short walks in this book can be enjoyed all year round. The wildflowers bring colour to the meadows in the spring. Summer and autumn are also perfect for short walks. The coast can be windy and some paths can get muddy in the autumn and winter.

Centres

Brighton, Eastbourne, Seaford, Arundel, Worthling, Steyning, Ferring, Alfriston, Lewes

Difficulty

From easy riverside strolls to walks to Iron Age hillforts, there is a short walk for everyone who wants to explore the beautiful South Downs. Most walks can be shortened (or lengthened) to meet walkers’ abilities, and there is nearly always an option to take a break in a cosy local pub.

Must See

Seven Sisters, Beachy Head, Arundel Castle, Bramber Castle, Iron Age hillforts, South Downs National Park, Cuckmere River, River Arun, River Adur, South Downs Way, Devil’s Dyke, Long Man of Wilmington, Litlington White Horse

Map key

Overview map

Using this guide

Route summary table

Introduction

Walking in the South Downs

Things to see

Travel

Where to stay

The walks

1. Arundel and the River Arun

2. Chanctonbury Ring

3. Highdown Hill

4. Cissbury Ring

5. Bramber Castle and the River Adur

6. Fulking Escarpment

7. Devil’s Dyke

8. Castle Hill

9. Mount Caburn

10. Alfriston and Bo Peep Hill

11. The Long Man of Wilmington

12. Litlington White Horse

13. Seaford Head

14. Seven Sisters

15. Beachy Head

Useful information