The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Poynings

Embark on the Devil's Dyke loop, an easy hike spanning 2.5 miles (4.0 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 468 feet (143 metres). You can comfortably complete this route in about 1 hour and 14 minutes. As you hike, you will experience stunning panoramic views across the Sussex countryside, including the expansive Weald, from the prominent View over Devil's Dyke. The trail winds through vibrant chalk grassland, which comes alive with wildflowers like orchids and various wildlife, especially during spring and summer.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as parking is generally available, making access to the trailhead easy. Be mindful that while the terrain consists mostly of chalk grassland and rolling hills, some sections, particularly steeper tracks, can become slippery when wet. It is always a good idea to check local conditions before you head out, especially after rain.

This area is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, featuring Britain's longest, deepest, and widest dry valley, a geological marvel formed over 10,000 years ago. The Devil's Dyke loop offers a unique opportunity to explore this ancient natural wonder and its distinct ecosystem. You will gain insight into the region's natural history while enjoying a refreshing outdoor adventure.

Hike the moderate 6.4-mile Devil's Dyke, Edburton & Poynings loop for panoramic views across the South Downs National Park.

Embark on the Fulking loop from Devil's Dyke, a moderate hiking adventure that covers 8.0 miles (13.0 km) and involves an elevation gain of 891 feet (272 metres). You can expect to spend around 3 hours and 40 minutes exploring varied terrain, from uneven chalk paths to open grasslands and field trails. As you hike, you will encounter some short, steep climbs and descents, but your efforts are rewarded with panoramic views across the South Downs and the Weald, with the iconic Devil's Dyke Trig Point offering expansive vistas.

When planning your visit, be aware that the chalk paths can become very muddy, especially during winter, so wear appropriate footwear. The route includes several stiles you will need to navigate. Many hikers find it convenient to start and finish their journey at the Shepherd & Dog pub in Fulking, which provides a welcoming spot for refreshments after your hike. This loop is best enjoyed when you have good fitness, allowing you to comfortably tackle the varied inclines.

This trail offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the South Downs National Park. You will pass by the picturesque Fulking village nestled below the hills, and on clear days, you might even spot the sea and the Isle of Wight from higher viewpoints. Keep an eye out for local wildflowers and grazing livestock as you traverse the landscape, adding to the charm of this rewarding route.

Embark on the Thundersbarrow Hill loop from Devil's Dyke, a moderate 9.1-mile (14.7 km) hike that typically takes around 4 hours and 6 minutes to complete. You will climb about 921 feet (281 metres) as you traverse a diverse landscape of rolling hills, peaceful valleys, and open downland. Expect to encounter flowing chalk paths, fields, farms, and woodlands, with the iconic Devil's Dyke offering expansive views across the Weald and Thundersbarrow Hill providing vistas stretching to the sea.

This route demands good fitness due to its challenging nature, with steep ascents and descents. Be prepared for varied surfaces, including unpaved, gravel, and natural tracks, which can become slippery when wet. While some sections are mostly accessible, sure-footedness is required to navigate the terrain effectively.

The trail is rich in history and natural wonder. Thundersbarrow Hill itself is an archaeological site featuring an Iron Age hillfort, a Bronze Age bowl barrow, and traces of a Romano-British farming village. Devil's Dyke, a significant geological formation believed to have formed over 10,000 years ago, also boasts ramparts of an Iron Age hillfort, adding layers of historical context to your journey through the South Downs National Park.