Your Ultimate Strolling Companion
Explore a collection of completed walks by GX Strollers, designed to inspire and assist you in planning your own walking adventures.
Hassocks to Lewes
A scenic journey along the South Downs Way. Starting with an uphill trek to the iconic Jack and Jill Windmills, the route then eases into a more relaxed path. Enjoy breathtaking views of the North Downs and the stunning coastline along the way.
Refreshments: Halfway through, you'll find an ice cream van, perfect for a sweet treat. A little further down, a pink drinks van offers refreshments and a portable loo for your convenience.
Once you reach Lewes, there are plenty of dining options available. We chose to eat at The Brewers Arms, which was a lovely experience.
Hassocks to Portslade via Devil's Dyke
Embark on a picturesque hike along the South Downs Way, where you'll traverse hilly terrain leading up to the iconic Devil's Dyke. As you stroll through the charming village of Pyecombe, be sure to visit its quaint church. From Devil's Dyke, follow the Brighton and Dyke Railway Trail, which offers a gentle descent towards the coast. Along the way, take in breathtaking views of Brighton and the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Refreshments:
Pyecombe church offers restroom facilities and hot/cold refreshments.
After crossing the A23, you'll ascend before descending to The Wildflower Café at Saddlescombe Farm. The trek continues uphill to Devil's Dyke, where you can relax at the pub or indulge in a treat from the ice cream van, all while taking in stunning vistas that stretch for miles.
For a delightful dining experience there is The Railway Inn, conveniently located opposite Portslade station. We had a sumptuous Roast Dinner including a Vegan option.
Barnham to Arundel
Set out on the Sussex Hospices Trail, an easy walk perfect for all ages. Davy, from retail joined us with his 10 year old son and their dog, Alaska. The path is primarily flat, guiding you through paved streets, across open fields, and into peaceful woodlands. Be sure to follow the trail map available on the Sussex Hospices website, as it’s easy to stray off course at intersections.
As you journey along, you'll pass through the delightful village of Walberton, where thatched cottages and charming stone houses enhance the scenic allure of your adventure.
Refreshments: The Holly Tree Pub in Walberton makes for a welcoming stop about halfway through your walk. Once you reach Arundel, you'll discover a variety of dining options; we particularly enjoyed The Red Lion, celebrated for its generous portion sizes.
Balcombe to Horsham
Embark on walk No. 21 of the Sussex Hospices Trail, a journey not for the faint of heart. Prepare for some steep climbs through picturesque woodlands and open fields. It's easy to stray off the path, so be sure to bring the complimentary trail guide available on the Sussex Hospices website. Note that this trail may be challenging after heavy rainfall. This delightful countryside walk allows you to explore the periphery of the National Trust's Nymans. The trail concludes at Horsham Railway Station. There is a small, slightly overgrown section where a pair of secateurs might come in handy, however, the rest of the route is bramble free.
Approximately two-thirds of the way through, you'll encounter a flurry of pheasants, their dust trails resembling something out of a cartoon as they scatter from anyone passing by. A very tranquil stroll, after Handcross, we came across no other strollers on this trail.
Refreshments: Options for refreshments are limited along this route. You can stop at Nymans, but be aware that there is an entrance fee to access their café. If you walk for another 10 minutes, you'll reach Handcross, which is just over a third of the way through the trail. We enjoyed a refreshing drink at the charming Red Lion pub in Handcross. For a meal, we chose The Bedford, conveniently located right by Horsham Station, offering a good variety of food and friendly service.
Seven Sisters Cliff Walk
Embarking on this breathtaking walk, it's easy to see why it's considered iconic and attracts countless tourists. We opted to take the route in reverse, which turned out to be a fantastic choice. Not only did this allow us to walk the opposite way to the crowds, but it also made the hike easier on our legs, as the steepest inclines turned into gentle descents.
With Brighton FC playing at home, we caught the 13x Coaster bus from Brighton train station to Beachy Head and made our way back via Belle Tout Lighthouse and Birling Gap, heading towards Seaford. Fortunately, the tide was out at Cuckmere Haven, so we didn’t need to divert inland to Exceat, which would have added an extra mile to our journey just to cross. Instead, we continued walking all the way to Seaford Station.
Completing this walk brings a profound sense of achievement. The time and distance seem to fly by, thanks to the stunning scenery that surrounds you. We were even treated to our own airshow, with a light aircraft performing loops, rolls, spins, and tumbling maneuvers overhead. This route is suitable for all ages and is a great opportunity to enjoy the company of four-legged friends as well.
Refreshments:
We began our day with delightful refreshments at The Beachy Head Pub, where glorious views complemented our experience. Along the way, we found ice cream stops at Belle Tout and Birling Gap, which also featured convenient restroom facilities at the Gap.
For dinner, we chose the Wellington Hotel in Seaford, a charming establishment. Even the light bite of scampi and chips was more than satisfying, while the larger main portions were equally enjoyed. The staff was attentive, offering to refill our water bottles as soon as they learned we had been out walking, a lovely touch.
Normans Bay to Eastbourne
The journey from Normans Bay to Eastbourne offers a coastal route, although some sections are pebbly. If you prefer, there are alternative footpaths set back from the beach. We opted to venture inland at Pevensey Bay, making a detour to explore Pevensey Castle. This route is particularly convenient if you plan to conclude your journey at Pevensey and Westham railway station.
As we made our way back to the coast, we enjoyed the sights of Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne's delightful Marina. From here we picked up the flat paved path, following the coastline directly into Eastbourne. This pleasant stroll is an excellent way to escape the crowds on a warm, sunny day.
Refreshments:
Enjoy a delightful view at The Royal Oak & Castle, conveniently situated opposite Pevensey Castle. For those who wish to take in the sights of luxury yachts at Eastbourne Marina, Harvester Sovereign Harbour is an excellent choice. The centre of Eastbourne offers a variety of dining options. We opted for the budget-friendly atmosphere of The London & Country Wetherspoons, which is conveniently located to Eastbourne train station for our return journey.