Sussex Border Path

Walk the Sussex Border Path

The Sussex Border Path runs for around 150 miles from Thorney Island, near Emsworth, to Rye, following the inland boundary of historic Sussex through the countryside of South East England. The route stays close to the county boundary where possible, while occasionally taking more scenic paths or avoiding stretches of road.

From Thorney Island, the trail begins beside Chichester Harbour before heading inland through the countryside along the western edge of West Sussex. The route passes through and close to villages and woodland as it follows the boundary with Hampshire towards the South Downs.

Further north, the Sussex Border Path reaches the wooded and heathland landscapes around the western Weald. The route continues towards the countryside around Liphook and then through the hills and woodland close to Haslemere.

Around Blackdown, the trail reaches some of the highest ground on the route before continuing east along the northern edge of Sussex. This section crosses a varied landscape of woodland, heath, farmland and villages close to the boundary between West Sussex and Surrey.

The path continues east towards the countryside around East Grinstead before following the Sussex boundary towards the High Weald. Woodland, valleys, farmland and historic settlements characterise much of the central and eastern parts of the route.

Further east, the Sussex Border Path crosses the landscapes of the High Weald National Landscape, following the county boundary towards the Kent border. The route becomes increasingly rural as it continues through the wooded hills and valleys of eastern Sussex.

The final stages continue towards the countryside north of Rye before turning south towards the historic town. The Sussex Border Path finishes at Rye, close to the marshes, wetlands and coastal landscapes around the lower Rother and Romney Marsh.

Although the Sussex Border Path can be completed as a long-distance walk, its length and varied geography also make it well suited to shorter sections. Towns and villages around Haslemere, East Grinstead and Rye provide useful bases for exploring different parts of the route and planning walking breaks along the Sussex border.

Overview

Distance: 150 miles / 241 km
Typical duration: 10–14 walking days
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Thorney Island, West Sussex
Finish: Rye, East Sussex
Terrain: Harbour paths, field paths, woodland, heathland, rolling countryside, farm tracks, rural lanes and village paths