Best walks near Eastbourne by train
Sussex · South East England | Walks by foot
MapA day hike in the countryside is just a simple train journey away — explore the most charmingly located railway stations in South East England and plan your next day of green.
Balcombe Station Circular via Nymans (Sussex)
1h from Eastbourne, with one change.
15km. Moderate ascents. 4h30–7h30.
A rambler favourite! Fields, woods, stream valleys, grassy hillsides, estate parkland, a fine old village, and stately home. Mostly secluded. Can be muddy.
Highlights: Nymans and the Ruins of Slaugham Place.
Lunch stops in Handcross (2h–3h in): Nymans café, the Red Lion, or JO.CO cafe.
End-of-walk reward: the Victory.
Pevensey and Westham Station to Battle Station (Sussex)
9m direct from Eastbourne.
Tough: 29km. Moderate ascents. 8h–13h30.
An essential walk! Beautiful landscapes and multiple historic sights.
Highlights: Pevensey Castle, Herstmonceux Castle, Battle Abbey and Battlefield, Battle Abbey and Battlefield, Pevensey Levels, and Battle itself.
Lunch stops: Nuthatch Kitchen and Terrace (2h30–4h in), or the Ash Tree Inn (4h30–8h in).
End-of-walk rewards: the White Hart Pub, or Battle Abbey and Battlefield.
Lewes Station to Southease Station (Sussex)
15m direct from Eastbourne.
Tough: steep ascents. 16km. 4h30–8h.
An essential walk! Escarpments, three distinct downland ridges, wide open chalk paths, panoramic views, historic town streets, and gentle valleys.
Highlights: Lewes.
Lunch stops: the Trevor Arms (1h30–3h in), or the Ram Inn, Firle (2h30–4h in).
End-of-walk reward: Courtyard Café at YHA Southease Hostel.
Winchelsea Station to Hastings Station (Sussex)
30m direct from Eastbourne.
Tough: steep ascents. 18km. 4h–7h.
A rambler favourite!
Highlights: Hastings.
Lunch stops: the New Beach Club (1h30–2h30 in), or the Cove (2h–3h30 in).
End-of-walk rewards: the Jolly Fisherman, the Lord Nelson, the Royal Standard, the London Trader, the Hastings Arms, Ye Olde Pumphouse, the Cutter, or the Albion.
Hassocks Station Circular via Ditchling Beacon (Sussex)
45m from Eastbourne, with one change.
Tough: steep ascents. 17km. 5h–8h30.
Quaint village, woods, and hilly. Can be muddy.
Highlights: Ditchling.
Lunch stops in Ditchling (1h–1h30 in): the White Horse, the Nutmeg Tree, or Ditchling Village. Other lunch stop: the Jack & Jill (3h–5h in).
End-of-walk reward: the Hassocks.
Balcombe Station Circular via Ardingly Reservoir (Sussex)
1h from Eastbourne, with one change.
11km. Moderate ascents. 3h–5h30.
Highlights: Ardingley Reservoir.
Lunch stop: Ardingly Reservoir Activity Centre Café (1h30–3h in).
Berwick Station to Polegate Station (Sussex)
7m direct from Eastbourne.
Tough: steep ascents. 16km. 4h30.
Good views. Hill and moorland paths and with substantial climbs. Short stretch on a fast-traffic road with limited verge.
Documented by Railwalks — download GPX route
Bishopstone Station to Glynde Station (Sussex)
15m direct from Eastbourne.
Tough: 101km. Flat terrain. 2h30.
Coastal path with fields and with gentle gradients. Short stretch on a fast-traffic road with limited verge.
Documented by Railwalks — download GPX route
Fishersgate Station to Hassocks Station (Sussex)
45m from Eastbourne, with one change.
Tough: steep ascents. 19km. 5h30.
Hill and moorland paths and with substantial climbs. Can be very muddy or boggy; Sections can be overgrown.
Documented by Railwalks — download GPX route
Lewes Station Circular via Glynde and Southease (Sussex)
15m direct from Eastbourne.
23km.
A rambler favourite! Three distinct downland ridges, wide open chalk paths, panoramic views, historic town streets, and gentle valleys. Three steep climbs.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Glynde Station to Seaford Station (Sussex)
15m direct from Eastbourne.
23km. 7h.
A rambler favourite! South Downs ridge, chalk downland, Firle Park, river valley, ancient villages, forest, coastal cliffs, shingle beach, and esplanade. Crumbly cliff edges.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Hastings Station to Rye Station (Sussex)
30m direct from Eastbourne.
19km. 6h.
A rambler favourite! Clifftop coastal path, steep climbs, remote naturist beach, flat marshland, ancient hilltop towns, and panoramic viewpoints. Crumbly cliff edges.