Top 5 Coastal Walks in Sussex
By Kyle Davidson on 02 September 2025
Sussex is home to some of the most stunning coastline in the UK. From the dramatic chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters to the golden sands of Camber, every route offers something different — whether it’s breathtaking views, wildlife encounters, or family-friendly strolls. Here are five of the very best coastal walks that capture the essence of Sussex’s shoreline.
1. Seven Sisters & Seaford Head Walk
Best for: Iconic views and dramatic scenery
The Seven Sisters cliffs are among the most photographed landscapes in England. Starting from Seaford Head, the walk leads across undulating chalk cliffs towards Birling Gap. Every rise reveals another sweeping view across the English Channel, with the white cliffs glowing brilliantly in the sunlight.
Highlights: Seaford Head Nature Reserve, Cuckmere Haven, and panoramic views of the Seven Sisters.
Distance: Around 8 miles (moderate to challenging due to steep climbs).
Top Tip: Wear sturdy shoes — the chalk paths can be slippery after rain.
2. Rye to Camber Sands Coastal Path
Best for: Families, beach lovers, and sand dune explorers
Starting from the medieval streets of Rye, this walk takes you through Rye Harbour Nature Reserve before reaching the wide, sandy expanse of Camber Sands. This beach is one of the only sandy stretches in Sussex and is perfect for combining a gentle coastal walk with a beach day.
Highlights: Rye Harbour’s wildlife (especially birdwatching), Camber’s dunes, and historic Rye town.
Distance: 5 miles (easy, flat terrain).
Top Tip: Great for families — bring a kite or picnic to enjoy on the dunes.
3. Hastings to Fairlight Glen & Covehurst Bay
Best for: Secluded coves and hidden gems
This section of the Hastings Country Park coastline offers rugged beauty, steep woodland paths, and access to the wild shingle beach of Fairlight Glen. It’s a more challenging route but rewards walkers with quiet coves and dramatic cliff-top views.
Highlights: Secluded beach at Covehurst Bay, clifftop panoramas, and unspoilt coastal heathland.
Distance: 4–6 miles depending on the route (moderate to challenging).
Top Tip: The paths are steep in parts — check tide times before venturing to the beach.
4. Worthing to Shoreham-by-Sea Promenade Walk
Best for: A leisurely seaside stroll with cafés en route
For an easy, flat walk with plenty of refreshment stops, the stretch between Worthing and Shoreham-by-Sea is perfect. The promenade offers continuous sea views, with art installations, beach huts, and wide shingle beaches to explore.
Highlights: Worthing Pier, Shoreham Harbour, cafés and pubs along the seafront.
Distance: 3–4 miles (easy, accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs).
Top Tip: Ideal for sunset — stop at Shoreham Beach for spectacular evening skies.
5. Littlehampton to Climping Beach Walk
Best for: Peaceful walking away from the crowds
A gentle coastal walk beginning at Littlehampton’s East Beach and heading west towards Climping Beach. This route offers a quieter stretch of coastline, with dunes, pebbles, and a more natural, undeveloped feel compared to busier resorts.
Highlights: Littlehampton Harbour, sand dunes at Climping, birdwatching opportunities.
Distance: 4 miles (easy to moderate).
Top Tip: Perfect for dog walkers — the wide beaches here are much less crowded.
Why Walk the Sussex Coast?
Sussex’s coastline is as varied as it is beautiful. Whether you’re tackling the dramatic cliffs of the Seven Sisters, seeking family-friendly beaches at Camber, or enjoying easy promenade strolls in Worthing, each route offers a unique experience. Walking here isn’t just about the scenery — it’s a way to connect with Sussex’s natural beauty, history, and local communities.
👉 Practical Advice: Always check tide times, stick to marked paths on the cliffs, and bring water, especially in summer.
1. Seven Sisters & Seaford Head Walk
Best for: Iconic views and dramatic scenery
The Seven Sisters cliffs are among the most photographed landscapes in England. Starting from Seaford Head, the walk leads across undulating chalk cliffs towards Birling Gap. Every rise reveals another sweeping view across the English Channel, with the white cliffs glowing brilliantly in the sunlight.
Highlights: Seaford Head Nature Reserve, Cuckmere Haven, and panoramic views of the Seven Sisters.
Distance: Around 8 miles (moderate to challenging due to steep climbs).
Top Tip: Wear sturdy shoes — the chalk paths can be slippery after rain.
2. Rye to Camber Sands Coastal Path
Best for: Families, beach lovers, and sand dune explorers
Starting from the medieval streets of Rye, this walk takes you through Rye Harbour Nature Reserve before reaching the wide, sandy expanse of Camber Sands. This beach is one of the only sandy stretches in Sussex and is perfect for combining a gentle coastal walk with a beach day.
Highlights: Rye Harbour’s wildlife (especially birdwatching), Camber’s dunes, and historic Rye town.
Distance: 5 miles (easy, flat terrain).
Top Tip: Great for families — bring a kite or picnic to enjoy on the dunes.
3. Hastings to Fairlight Glen & Covehurst Bay
Best for: Secluded coves and hidden gems
This section of the Hastings Country Park coastline offers rugged beauty, steep woodland paths, and access to the wild shingle beach of Fairlight Glen. It’s a more challenging route but rewards walkers with quiet coves and dramatic cliff-top views.
Highlights: Secluded beach at Covehurst Bay, clifftop panoramas, and unspoilt coastal heathland.
Distance: 4–6 miles depending on the route (moderate to challenging).
Top Tip: The paths are steep in parts — check tide times before venturing to the beach.
4. Worthing to Shoreham-by-Sea Promenade Walk
Best for: A leisurely seaside stroll with cafés en route
For an easy, flat walk with plenty of refreshment stops, the stretch between Worthing and Shoreham-by-Sea is perfect. The promenade offers continuous sea views, with art installations, beach huts, and wide shingle beaches to explore.
Highlights: Worthing Pier, Shoreham Harbour, cafés and pubs along the seafront.
Distance: 3–4 miles (easy, accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs).
Top Tip: Ideal for sunset — stop at Shoreham Beach for spectacular evening skies.
5. Littlehampton to Climping Beach Walk
Best for: Peaceful walking away from the crowds
A gentle coastal walk beginning at Littlehampton’s East Beach and heading west towards Climping Beach. This route offers a quieter stretch of coastline, with dunes, pebbles, and a more natural, undeveloped feel compared to busier resorts.
Highlights: Littlehampton Harbour, sand dunes at Climping, birdwatching opportunities.
Distance: 4 miles (easy to moderate).
Top Tip: Perfect for dog walkers — the wide beaches here are much less crowded.
Why Walk the Sussex Coast?
Sussex’s coastline is as varied as it is beautiful. Whether you’re tackling the dramatic cliffs of the Seven Sisters, seeking family-friendly beaches at Camber, or enjoying easy promenade strolls in Worthing, each route offers a unique experience. Walking here isn’t just about the scenery — it’s a way to connect with Sussex’s natural beauty, history, and local communities.
👉 Practical Advice: Always check tide times, stick to marked paths on the cliffs, and bring water, especially in summer.