Walking, Cycling and Riding
West Sussex has some of the most beautiful countryside in England. One of the most wooded counties in the country, 80% of the county is rural and over 50% of it is designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Walking, cycling and and riding lovers return year after year to explore the hundreds of miles of footpaths, cyclepaths and bridleways. The most well known routes are the South Downs Way, the Downs Link, and the High Weald Landscape Trail, allowing you to get away from the roads and enjoy the peaceful countryside.
South Downs Way
Downs Link National Trail
High Weald Landscape Trail
West Sussex County Council offers a wealth of information on walking, cycling and horse riding routes.
Useful Link : West Sussex County Council walking, cycling, horse riding pages.
Walking in the Horsham District
Horsham District Council offers over 200 free guided walks across the District throughout the year, from long trails to local guided walks.
A new website was launched in 2011 which provided information on those walks, countryside and green spaces which are accessible to those using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs and buggies covering the South West and South East Regions. www.accessiblecountryside.org.uk
Cycling in the Horsham District
Horsham District Council offers a selection of 44 suggested cycle routes around the District. We also offer health and safety advice and links to local cycling shops and cycling clubs. Visit our dedicated cycling page for more details.
Horse Riding
On scenic roads you'll find yourself winding through country lanes with canopies of trees, following the edges of the South Downs Hills or meandering through quaint villages. You can walk, ride or cycle alongside rivers and canals, through ancient woodland, high on the South Downs or in the gently rolling Weald. Details of the extensive network of British bridlepaths can be found from the British Horse Society or visiting their Ride-UK website, including a list of West Sussex Bridleways.
Whichever route you choose you're sure to come across a nice teashop or pub for refreshment or a secluded place to have a picnic. For more details of what's on offer in our great Sussex countryside including links to specific walks and countryside websites see our Visitor Information pages.