Winter is approaching and the days are getting shorter, but there’s still time to get out amongst nature and do a spot of rambling. The city of Brighton on the south coast of England is not only a great place for shopping, cultural events and nightlife but it’s also close to many excellent footpaths and trails. From stunning sea views to visions of rural Sussex, here are my favourite places to check out. All of them are on a bus route.
Telscombe Tye
The eastern suburb of Woodingdean is easily reachable from central Brighton and borders a large area of openland called Telscombe Tye. This landscape is mostly rolling hills and arable crops spanning about 3 miles down to the coast. It’s a great place to take in some magnificent views across the English Channel, and afterwards you catch a bus back to Brighton on the coastal road.
Devil’s Dyke
One of the most beautiful spots in Sussex, the dry chalk valley of Devil’s Dyke was once described by painter John Constable as the grandest view in the world. Take bus number 77 from central Brighton and follow the route in a three-mile circuit across the South Downs. Hiker’s Rest tea rooms provide a convenient resting place for a mid-journey cuppa and Devil’s Dyke Inn is a great place to grab a pint at the end of your journey.
The Undercliff Walk
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Brighton for a while, there’s a wonderful footpath running from Brighton Marina to the seaside village of Rottingdean in the east. Popular with locals and tourists alike, this footpath follows the white cliffs along the coast with beach huts, sea views and people walking their dogs. Rottingdean was once a haven for artists and writers, and you can still visit Jungle Book author Rudyard Kipling’s secret garden. Why not stop by for a cup of tea at The Olde Cottage tea rooms, a building which dates back 400 years?
Sussex Ouse Valley Way
The Sussex Ouse Valley Way is a 42-mile footpath following the course of the River Ouse from its source in Lower Beeding to the sea at Seaford Bay. The path is too long for one sitting but a pleasant stretch lies between the picturesque village of Newick and the historic town of Lewes. This 7 mile journey offers some of Sussex’s finest scenery and the chance to see birds like kingfishers and cormorants. Lewes high street and castle are well worth exploring, still looking pretty much as they did hundreds of years ago.
Further Information
Sussex Ouse Valley Way – River Ouse official website
Brighton bus timetables – information on bus times for the Brighton area
