English region
Walking in South East England
Chalk downs, heathland, ancient forest and white cliffs, with two national parks close to London.
Dated walks
Upcoming walks in South East England
23 dates coming up. Check each listing for the meeting point and how to join.
Walk any day
Walking routes in South East England
A few of the 56 routes shared in South East England, each with a map, distance and time estimate.
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Blackwater Tall Trees Trail
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Bewl Water full reservoir circuit
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South Downs Way: Winchester to Exton via Beacon Hill
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Box Hill Hike: Mickleham and Headley Heath full circuit
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Cuckoo Trail: Heathfield to Polegate Station
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Worth Way: East Grinstead to Three Bridges Station
More routes by county: Berkshire Buckinghamshire East Sussex Hampshire Isle of Wight Kent Oxfordshire Surrey West Sussex
Community
Walkers in South East England
78 walkers based in South East England have public profiles. Say hello, or find someone to walk with.
Phil
@hikerp
Steyning
Kate
@fkc
Shoreham-by-Sea
Sally
@sally
Upchurch
Yssy
@belleybelle
Esher
Rob
@rob
Kingston near Lewes
Matt
@matt8417
Worthing
Louise
@LouLou
Egham Hythe
Martin
@naturewalker
Milton Keynes
Andrea
@Breeze63
Worthing
Carole
@fareham
Fareham
Allen
@Bluesea
Portsmouth
Region guide
About walking in South East England
The South East has two national parks. The South Downs stretch from Winchester to Eastbourne, ending at the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head, and the New Forest mixes heath, ancient woodland and free-roaming ponies. The North Downs, the Surrey Hills, the Kent Downs and the High Weald add more chalk and sandstone country.
To the north, the Chilterns and the Thames Valley offer beech woods, chalk streams and riverside walking, the Ridgeway follows an ancient route across the downs, and the Isle of Wight has a coastal path around the whole island. Frequent trains from London make linear walks easy.
Hill and upland guides: South Downs North Downs Chilterns
Landscapes and trails in South East England
South Downs National Park
Rolling chalk hills, flint villages and big views, ending at the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head.
Explore South Downs National ParkNew Forest National Park
Heathland, ancient woodland and free-roaming ponies, cattle and deer.
South Downs Way
100 miles along the chalk ridge from Winchester to Eastbourne.
North Downs Way
From Farnham to Dover along the North Downs, through the Surrey Hills and the Kent Downs.
Explore North Downs WayThe Ridgeway
An ancient route over the downs and along the Chilterns, finishing at Ivinghoe Beacon.
Explore The RidgewayIsle of Wight
A coastal path around the whole island, chalk downs and the Needles.
Go local
Counties in South East England
Each page has its own routes, dated walks, towns and local walkers.
Good to know
Questions about walking in South East England
Are there group walks in South East England?
Yes. Walkmates currently lists 23 upcoming dated walks in South East England. Each listing shows where to meet and how to join, and you can browse them without an account.
What are the best coastal walks in the South East?
The Seven Sisters and Beachy Head in East Sussex, the White Cliffs of Dover, and Tennyson Down to the Needles on the Isle of Wight are the classics. Keep well back from the cliff edges, which can crumble without warning.
Can I walk the South Downs by train from London?
Yes. Stations such as Lewes, Amberley, Seaford and Winchester are close to the downs, so you can plan a linear walk from one station to another.
Conditions, access and opening arrangements change. Check the route, the forecast and any organiser's instructions before you set off, and see our walking safety guide.
Find someone to walk with in South East England
Join Walkmates free to save routes, join dated walks and meet walkers near you.
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