Lewnew one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Once you leavee the industrial part of newhaven, jumped over the train tracks and connected up to the river this is a really simple, peaceful walk up the river. Once you cross the bridge at southease you join the Egrets way which is slowly being fully paved for easy access.

Really straightforward route from Lewes to Newhaven with 90+% on the path next to the river so very easy to follow, once you've found the footpath at either end! At the Lewes end the footpath sign has gone missing and at the Newhaven end there is one there but it's been absorbed by a hedge.

The path is mostly grass, with some sections of gravel and tarmac. There are a couple of stiles and a railway level crossing at the Newhaven end.

Potential issue with the river coming over the path in the winter, but the bank is pretty high so would have to be an exceptionally high tide to clear it.

I walked from Newhaven to Lewes at on 29th May 2022. This route along the banks of the River Ouse is beautiful and peaceful any time of year. Loads of birds to see along the way.

The first section following the A26 heads through the Newhaven industrial area. There is only pavement on one side of the road at any one time so I ended up crossing the road a couple of times as I walked along.

The footpath entrance towards the railway crossing is down a little lane on the left and a little bit concealed as mentioned by the previous reviewer, I have added a photo. The other side of the railway line, the path skirts the waste-to-energy plant. I know it is controversial, but I really like the design of it.

From here follow the river bank all the way into Lewes, crossing from the East bank to the West bank at the Southease swingbridge. The East bank of the river is quieter and less well walked, so the path is through long grass. At the Lewes end, the lower path beside the river is easier to walk on, but can flood in the combination of heavy rain and high tides, which leaves it wet and muddy. The upper path along the top of the levee bank can get a bit overgrown.

No pubs, shops or facilities along the way. There is a drinking water tap by Southease Church which is a slight diversion off the route but worth the visit.

The first mile or so of the walk is along the busy A26 followed by a short walk through an industrial estate leading to a level crossing across the railway to get to the east bank of the River Ouse. This is the tricky part as the vehicular access is padlocked. The pedestrian access (helpfully pointed out by a friendly postman, otherwise I would have missed it) is a few yards back and hidden by undergrowth and parked cars so easy to miss. The footpath to the level crossing is directly opposite A. Wilkins garage. Take care on the level crossing, then you are immediately on river bank and a glorious walk following the meander of the river Ouse though fields, flood plains and past any number of sea birds. You pass pretty Piddinghoe on the west bank. When you come to a bridge at Southease cross over to the west side of the river. It’s worth walking into the village to see the church though it was closed when I was there. The bridge and road to Southease is also the route of the South Downs Way. Shortly, after Southease, staying on the road would take you to Rodmell and Monks House, the home of Virginia Wolf. I didn’t do this but it looks like there is a footpath next to the road.
Just before you get to Lewes the route takes you under the A27. After this, the footpath takes you one or two ways. The route shown here takes you left past the Lewes recycling centre. However, if you turn right the route follows the Ouse and you walk across a field and then through a park, coming out at Cliffe High Street. This route is that suggested by the South Ouse Valley Way which continues up to Lower Beeding for those feeling more adventurous!
The route is easy to walk as it’s very flat. I measured it at about 8 miles. You can get to Newhaven easily from Lewes or Brighton by bus or train. There are no toilets or benches on the route except for some benches in Southease church yard. There are plenty of facilities at the start in Newhaven and at the end in Lewes.

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