The best walks and hikes around Crawley
4.6
(1092)
9,851
hikers
436
hikes
Hikes around Crawley provide access to the High Weald National Landscape, an area of wooded, rolling hills and ancient woodlands. The region's terrain is characterized by a mix of parkland paths, such as those in Tilgate Park and Buchan Country Park, and routes along former railway lines. This variety offers a network of trails through a landscape of small fields, sandstone outcrops, and tranquil lakes.
Best hiking trails around Crawley
- The most popular hiking route is Crawley Pond – Brockley…
Last updated: May 6, 2026
4.8
(4)
18
hikers
11.5km
03:04
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.0
(2)
20
hikers
4.67km
01:14
40m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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15
hikers
8.90km
02:23
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
12
hikers
12.9km
03:30
180m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
16
hikers
21.0km
05:43
300m
300m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Unless you are good at trials riding, what is shown in the photo is not for a bike. However it is a fair destination to entertain young children mid ride. The surrounding woods have plenty of bike trails if you look for them, they are just not signposted.
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When it's Bluebell as season it's a sea of blue here. Photos don't do it justice.
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Come here in mid to late April and you'll find one of the best bluebell woods near Winchester.
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Great section of bridleway/track to ride to get to Winchester
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Fantastic viewpoint from which to admire the big skies and open landscapes of the surrounding Downs.
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Set within a rolling landscape of downland and woodland, the summit of Farley Mount is one of the highest points in the county of Hampshire. The monument was erected in honour of a horse, named "Beware Chalk Pit", which carried its owner to a racing victory in 1734, a year after having fallen into a chalk pit whilst out fox-hunting. The hill is It is locally famous for being the subject of a folk song, 'On Farley Mount'.
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A sheltered bus stop ornated with a mosaic with an animals and nature theme. The 16 tiles are each have a different style, often resembling a child's drawing, and subject, and yet are all connected by coloured "ribbons" that give the mosaic a feel of continuity.
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"The oldest parts of the Church of England parish church of Saint Stephen in Sparsholt are also 12th-century. Early in the 13th century it was enlarged by adding a south aisle and arcade to the nave. The chancel was rebuilt in the 14th century. The chancel arch, west tower and some of the windows are 15th-century. The south doorway was added in 1631. The organ screen and lectern are also 17th-century. The church was restored in 1883 under the direction of the architect William Butterfield. It is a Grade II* listed building. The west tower has a ring of six bells. Until the 20th century it had only four bells: a treble, third and tenor cast in 1742 by Robert Catlin of Holborn and a second cast by Thomas II Mears of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 1829. Mears and Stainbank of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry recast the three Catlin bells in 1905. In 1951 the same founders cast a new tenor, increasing the ring to five. In 1995 the Whitechapel Bell Foundry cast a new treble bell, increasing the ring to six." Cit. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sparsholt,_Hampshire
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many family-friendly walks near Crawley?
Yes, the area is great for families.
Tilgate Park is a popular choice, offering easy walks around lakes, through woodlands, and past a nature centre. Many paths are suitable for pushchairs.
Buchan Country Park is another excellent option, with a network of surfaced paths that make for easy walking in most weather conditions, plus plenty of space for kids to explore.
Can I take my dog on the trails?
Most trails in and around Crawley are dog-friendly. Parks like Tilgate Park and Buchan Country Park welcome dogs, though there are often designated areas where they must be kept on a lead, especially near wildlife habitats and picnic areas. Always look for local signage for the most current rules.
Are there many circular walks available?
Absolutely. The landscape of parks and interconnected footpaths is ideal for loop hikes, meaning you can end your walk where you started. Many trails within the country parks are designed as loops. For a longer countryside circuit, the View of the Countryside Path loop from Sparsholt offers a rewarding moderate hike through the fields and woods.
How can I get to the hiking trails using public transport?
Many trailheads are accessible via public transport. Buchan Country Park is served by local bus routes from Crawley town centre. For routes along the Worth Way, the trail starts near Three Bridges railway station, which has excellent connections. Always check the latest bus and train schedules before you travel.
What kind of terrain should I expect on hikes around Crawley?
The terrain is quite varied. You'll find gentle, well-maintained paths in the main parks like Tilgate and Buchan. Further afield in the High Weald, expect rolling hills, ancient woodland tracks that can be muddy after rain, and paths through open farmland. The Worth Way is a notable exception, being a mostly flat and surfaced former railway line.
Are there any good pub walks in the area?
Yes, combining a good walk with a pub stop is a popular local pastime. The countryside is dotted with traditional pubs that are often used as start or end points for hikes. The White Hart Pub – Stockbridge High Street loop from Stockbridge is a perfect example, offering a satisfying moderate walk through open countryside.
Where can I find quieter, lesser-known trails?
To escape the crowds of the main parks, explore the wider network of public footpaths in the High Weald National Landscape. Worth Forest offers a more secluded woodland experience. A route like the Ham Green loop from Sparsholt takes you through a mix of quiet woods and fields away from the main hubs.
What are the parking options at the main country parks?
Both Tilgate Park and Buchan Country Park have large, dedicated car parks available for visitors. Be aware that these are popular spots, especially on sunny weekends, and parking is usually pay-and-display. It's best to arrive early or consider visiting during off-peak hours.
Is this guide for Crawley in Hampshire or West Sussex?
This guide focuses on Crawley in West Sussex, a town situated on the edge of the High Weald National Landscape. It is not about the village of Crawley near Winchester in Hampshire.
Are there any easy walks suitable for beginners?
Yes, there are plenty of options. Besides the gentle paths in the main parks, you can try a shorter countryside route. The Flowerdown Disk Barrow loop from Littleton and Harestock is a great choice, offering a pleasant walk through open fields that takes just over an hour to complete.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Crawley?
The region is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the beautiful woodlands, the well-maintained park trails, and the variety of walks available, from easy lakeside strolls to more challenging hikes in the rolling hills of the High Weald.
Where can I find detailed trail maps for the country parks?
For more detailed maps of the parks, you can often find guides on their official websites. West Sussex County Council provides a trail guide for Buchan Country Park, and Crawley Borough Council offers a map for the Tilgate Park Tree Trail.
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