East Sussex - A Dog Walker's Guidebook

by: David and Hilary Staines
There are few counties in England that can match the variety of scenery and history of East Sussex. From the rolling hills of the High Weald to the stunning coastline where the South Downs meet the English Channel, the county offers many opportunities for safe walking with a dog. It is always difficult, when leaving familiar routes, to know what you and your dog will encounter. Will there be a field of sheep or a busy road to negotiate?

With this book there is no need to worry. The 20 tried and tested walks give plenty of chances for dogs to roam freely off the lead. The routes vary in length from 2.5 miles to 6 miles and provide a great introduction for dogs and their owners to some of the most interesting spots in East Sussex. For instance, there is Bewl Water and the streams and tributaries that flow into the River Ouse near Barcombe Mill; the Seven Sisters Country Park and Cuckmere Haven; pretty villages such as East Dean, Forest Row and Alfriston; and several castles such as Pevensey, Herstmonceux, Camber and Bodiam.

All the walks include details of dog factors such as livestock and stiles, recommended dog friendly pubs and cafes and contact details for the nearest vets. Other practical information includes distance, terrain, where to park, how to get there and nearest refreshments. The route finding instructions are in clear numbered paragraphs supported by a coloured sketch map with corresponding location numbers.

The walk locations are:
Brighton's Chattri Memorial and South Downs - 2.5 miles
Forest Row - 3 miles
Barcombe Mills - 2.5 miles
Isfield and the River Ouse - 2.5 miles
Seven Sisters Country Park and Cuckmere Haven - 3 miles
Alfriston and the Cuckmere River - 6 miles
East Dean, Birling Gap and Belle Tout - 5 miles
Jevington - 3.5 miles
Eastbourne and Beachy Head - 2.5 miles
Ashdown Forest - 2 miles or 4 miles
Spa Valley Steam Railway and Groombridge - 3 miles
The Cuckoo Trail and Heathfield - 5 miles
Pevensey Castle - 2 miles
Herstmonceux Castle - 2 miles
Bewl Water - 2.5 miles
Bateman's - 2.5 miles
Hastings Country Park and Fairlight Glen - 4.5 miles
Bodiam Castle and the River Rother - 1.5 miles
Winchelsea and the Royal Military Canal - 4 miles
Rye and Camber Castle - 5 miles

ISBN 9781846743375 Pages 96 (2016 reprinted 2020) 148mm x 210mm