Vanguard Way

Wooded ridges, quiet farmland, and a journey from London's edge to the Sussex coast.

The Vanguard Way is a long-distance route running from Croydon in Greater London to Newhaven on the Sussex coast. Crossing the landscapes of Surrey and East Sussex, the trail links farmland, woodland, heathland, river valleys, and historic settlements through a continuous journey from the edge of the capital to the English Channel.

As a self-guided journey, the route connects places such as Croydon, Oxted, Forest Row, Lewes, and Newhaven while passing through the Surrey Hills National Landscape and the High Weald National Landscape. Woodland tracks, open countryside, quiet villages, and rolling ridges create a route defined by gradual transitions between landscape, settlement, and coast.

With manageable distances, well-established paths, and a range of places to stay along the route, the Vanguard Way offers an accessible long-distance walking journey through southern England. The trail combines countryside, heritage, and changing scenery, creating a natural progression from urban fringe to open shoreline.

Overview

Distance 66 miles / 106 km

Duration 5–6 days

Difficulty Moderate

Start Croydon, Greater London

Finish Newhaven, East Sussex

Terrain Farmland tracks, woodland paths, heathland, low ridges, village lanes, and coastal approaches