Connect Lewes with Slow Ways

We’re creating a network of walking routes that connect all of Britain’s towns, cities and national parks

more walks and reviews are needed to fully connect Lewes to the verified network. Can you give a hike and help?

Give a hike!

Lewes

East Sussex


Slow Ways linking Lewes and Alfriston, Burgess Hill, Hailsham, Newhaven, Peacehaven, Pyecombe, Uckfield, Woodingdean

England / East Sussex / Lewes

Lewes’s eight Slow Ways are 81% checked

Drawn: 8/8
reviewed: 8/8
verified: 5/8
and surveyed: 5/8

Help connect Lewes

Many Slow Ways have several route options. Some will be better than others, or good for different reasons.

Our goal is for each Slow Way to have at least one route that is verified and surveyed. To be verified – and get its snail badge – a route needs at least three positive reviews.

Give a hike and help get a for every one of Lewes’s Slow Ways.

Walk to Lewes from further afield

Slow Way Route To do
Burgess Hill—Lewes
Burlew one

Double check Distance 18km/11mi Ascent 295m Descent 337m
Burgess Hill—Lewes
Burlew two Enjoy me Distance 17km/11mi Ascent - Descent -
Lewes—Alfriston
Lewalf one Pioneer me Distance 15km/10mi Ascent 358m Descent 355m
Lewes—Alfriston
Lewalf two Enjoy me Distance 16km/10mi Ascent - Descent -
Lewes—Alfriston
Lewalf three Verify me Distance 19km/12mi Ascent - Descent -
Lewes—Hailsham
Lewhai one Pioneer me Distance 23km/14mi Ascent 322m Descent 297m
Lewes—Hailsham
Lewhai two

Review me Distance 25km/15mi Ascent - Descent -
Lewes—Newhaven
Lewnew one Enjoy me Distance 11km/7mi Ascent 57m Descent 59m
Lewes—Newhaven
Lewnew two Survey me Distance 12km/8mi Ascent - Descent -
Lewes—Uckfield
Lewuck one

Double check Distance 17km/11mi Ascent 114m Descent 130m
Lewes—Uckfield
Lewuck two

Review me Distance 16km/10mi Ascent - Descent -
Peacehaven—Lewes
Pealew one Pioneer me Distance 13km/8mi Ascent 163m Descent 130m
Peacehaven—Lewes
Pealew two

Verify me Distance 12km/7mi Ascent - Descent -
Peacehaven—Lewes
Pealew three Review me Distance 12km/8mi Ascent - Descent -
Pyecombe—Lewes
Pyelew one Enjoy me Distance 14km/9mi Ascent 338m Descent 233m
Pyecombe—Lewes
Pyelew two Pioneer me Distance 19km/12mi Ascent 531m Descent 425m
Pyecombe—Lewes
Pyelew three Survey me Distance 15km/9mi Ascent - Descent -
Woodingdean—Lewes
Woolew one Enjoy me Distance 8km/5mi Ascent 249m Descent 119m

Fancy stretching your legs a bit more?

If you’ve polished off all of the routes between Lewes and its neighbours, how about walking its whole web?

This includes the great ring of routes that join its neighbours to each other!

Collective progress

63% of Lewes’s eight route options are drawn, reviewed, surveyed and/or verified

18/18

drawn

14/18

reviewed

6/18

surveyed

7/18

verified

18 people have contributed to Lewes’s Slow Ways

4 people have pledged to walk and review a route

7 people have surveyed a route in Lewes

213km out of 284km have been walked and reviewed

561km of reviews have been shared in Lewes

Latest Updates

Route is mostly good path and lots of signposts making it easy to navigate....

MPHoplling

Walk this route

From there it's flat walking alongside the river ouse all the way to Lewes....

MPHoplling

Walk this route

David Sanderson took this photo on Pealew three

Walk this route

David Sanderson took this photo on Burlew two

Walk this route

The majority of this route follows the Egret's Way, presenting a choice between walking on the raised riverbank or the surfaced cycle lane for all the time you follow the Ouse....

David Sanderson

Walk this route

David Sanderson took this photo on Pealew two

Walk this route
Peacehaven—Lewes

David Sanderson added Pealew three, a new walk from Peacehaven to Lewes

Walk this route

The walk beyond through Ditchling to Burgess Hill was varied, enjoyable and mostly offroad. Stops and shops in Lewes, Ditchling and Burgess Hill and links to public transport at either end, but not much en route....

David Sanderson

Walk this route

On arrival in Lewes, the route takes you off the footpath and on to a track which leads to a locked gate at water works. Sadly a failure. I will post a corrected version as I was able to complete the walk...

David Sanderson

Walk this route

This route seems to be the same as PYELEW1 from Pyecombe to Lewes Racecourse then with a different, probably more direct approach into Lewes at the end. The route follows the South Downs Way from Pyecombe to Blackcap, then the well-used bridle path to Lewes Prison. The only down side in January is the bridle path from Lewes Racecourse to the prison which is heavily used by horses and extremely muddy....

Bostal Boy

Walk this route
Burgess Hill—Lewes

Dominic Le Garsmeur pledged to walk Burlew one

Walk this route

The stretch east of the B2112 is pleasant but again becomes difficult to follow once you leave the Sussex Border Path....

Helen Frost

Walk this route

Walking on the east bank of the river is quieter and makes it very easy getting into Newhaven and the station....

MPHoplling

Walk this route

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....

tomatron

Walk this route

Finding your way out of Hailsham is ok, the footpath from The Diplocks to Diplocks Way could be more obvious and you have to cross the dual carriageway A22, which is not ideal. The footpath out of Ripe seems to have completely disappeared, the path appears to go through someone's garden, potentially the route could stay on the road instead. On the basis that there isn't really an alternative route between Hailsham and Lewes (there are very few footpaths east of Ringmer for some reason), I think this route is just about ok....

MJRW12345

Walk this route

Bostal Boy took this photo on Lewhai two

Walk this route

The first section to Ringmer and out along the Broyle was alright, with too much walking on pavements beside the road for my preference. From the Broyle, the next section across to Laughton Place and over to Ripe is quite agricultural with some footpaths cutting diagonally across fields rather than along the edges. Shops, pubs, and refreshments are available at Ringmer, Ripe and Upper Dicker....

Bostal Boy

Walk this route

Great views along the River Ouse and South Downs Way at Firle Beacon! If you want to get more ascent, if coming from Alfriston, an option could be to turn off just after Firle Beacon towards Glynde and then join Lewalf 2 the rest of the way to Lewes....

Ingrina

Walk this route
Lewes—Alfriston

Ingrina added Lewalf three, a new walk from Lewes to Alfriston

Walk this route

Lovely, easy, scenic route from Woodindean straight to the heart of Lewes. One steepish chalky section to take care over if it's wet....

DLeggatt

Walk this route

Fantastic route that takes in some of the best of the Sussex countryside....

Joanne

Walk this route

Just after passing the windmill, there are dual rights of way inside and just outside of a wooded strip. The lane is chalky and quite slippery but easy to navigate up the steepest part of the Slow Way. Thank you to these volunteers for maintaining important rights of way in this part of the world, as without them, Slow Ways such as this would be a lot more difficult and less enjoyable....

everydayduffy

Walk this route

Fantastic varied route through the fields around Burgess Hill, past an old water tower , a stunning windmill and then and eventually up onto the downs for panoramic views over Lewes and Mount Caburn, walking down past the old race course and into Lewes, where there are lots of food and drink options and a train station with regular services to London, Brighton and Eastbourne. Ditchling is 5k in and has some quaint cafes, pubs and public toilets. Would recommend this route....

Ricky Coleman

Walk this route

Ricky Coleman took this photo on Burlew two

Walk this route

I walked this route from Lewes to Newhaven. It's a great route without any major issues or obstacles. The stretch along Newhaven Road is safe - there's a short stretch of pavement followed by enough of a verge that you're out of the way of speeding cars - but it's not the most comfortable!...

mtormey

Walk this route

I've done most of this as it's mostly the South Downs Way except at the Lewes end....

JohnMyerson

Walk this route

MJRW12345 surveyed Lewnew one

Walk this route

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!...

MJRW12345

Walk this route

In Alfriston some locals told us that this route used the old ways that people used to complete this journey....

danravenellison

Walk this route

danravenellison took this photo on Lewalf two

Walk this route

There are some woods when you approach Black Cap which make for a great shaded picnic spot....

Saira

Walk this route

There are a couple of pop up cafés along the way, one on Mill lane near Windmills then the pink pitstop after Ditchling Beacon....

Bennybish2

Walk this route

The route out of Lewes is fairly quiet and then you're rewarded with great views of the South Downs when you get to Black Cap and Ditchling Beacon. If it's hot you can even get a little treat from the ice cream van at the top. Great time out if you want a walk with good views and a decent distance....

Ingrina

Walk this route

The section from Firle to Alfriston is along farm tracks which are surfaced with chalk and stones and completely free of obstacles. The lane between Firle and Alfriston is traffic-free, but is used by horses, cyclists and the occasional motorbike scrambler....

Bostal Boy

Walk this route
Lewes—Newhaven

Bostal Boy added Lewnew two, a new walk from Lewes to Newhaven

Walk this route

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....

Bostal Boy

Walk this route

Bostal Boy took this photo on Lewnew one

Walk this route

It passes through the attractive villages of Southease, Rodmell and Iford. There is a drinking water tap by Southease church and a pub (the Abergavenny Arms) on the main road at Rodmell....

Bostal Boy

Walk this route

Bostal Boy took this photo on Lewnew two

Walk this route

The upper path along the levee bank is more overgrown. A new cycle path called the Egrets Way has been laid below the levee bank for part of the route....

Bostal Boy

Walk this route

I walked this route on 24-05-2022, and I would agree with the previous reviewer's comments though I found my way with no difficulties. However this is a lovely, scenic route along the banks of the rivers Uck and Ouse and also uses the route of the old railway line....

Bostal Boy

Walk this route

Bostal Boy took this photo on Lewuck two

Walk this route

A series of straight lines from point to point. Use LEWUCK Two...

Bostal Boy

Walk this route

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. 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. The bridge and road to Southease is also the route of the South Downs Way. 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....

Charlie K

Walk this route

Bostal Boy surveyed Pyelew one

Walk this route

It then starts its descent past the old Lewes racecourse and Landport Bottom into Lewes. Looking down into Lewes from above the slope of Landport Bottom you can visualise the events of the Battle of Lewes in 1264 when Simon de Montfort defeated Henry III....

Bostal Boy

Walk this route

Bostal Boy took this photo on Pyelew one

Walk this route

Bostal Boy surveyed Woolew one

Walk this route

In doing so one is taking the path people have followed between Brighton (previously Brighthelmstone) and Lewes for centuries....

Bostal Boy

Walk this route

Bostal Boy surveyed Burlew two

Walk this route

A newly resurfaced path alongside the railway line from Burgess Hill station quickly leaves the town behind, and leads to the fields at Batchelor's Farm. For me this route trumps BURLEW One because it leaves Burgess Hill by the most direct route, avoiding the need to trudge through interminable estates of new housing around Folders Lane...

Bostal Boy

Walk this route

Route follows the river Ouse for the majority and then follows a tarmacked bridleway over the hill into Peacehaven....

MJRW12345

Walk this route

MJRW12345 surveyed Lewalf two

Walk this route

Expect to find all kinds of livestock on the route, I had to walk through fields with Cows, Sheep and Horses2...

MJRW12345

Walk this route

MJRW12345 surveyed Lewuck two

Walk this route

A very pleasant, almost completely off road walk that follows the River Uck and the River Ouse....

MJRW12345

Walk this route

MJRW12345 surveyed Woolew one

Walk this route

This is a pleasant, direct and easy to follow route from the edge of Brighton into the centre of Lewes. Quite muddy when wet though!...

MJRW12345

Walk this route

Really loved this walk - combined it with the Brighton to Woodingdean route with a small amend to that one to pick up the Drove Road earlier on Warren Road. Great views and no real challenges, though the chalk path downhill section from Castle Hill can need a little bit of care depending on the weather....

funky

Walk this route
Peacehaven—Lewes

MJRW12345 added Pealew two, a new walk from Peacehaven to Lewes

Walk this route
Burgess Hill—Lewes

MJRW12345 added Burlew two, a new walk from Burgess Hill to Lewes

Walk this route
Lewes—Alfriston

MJRW12345 added Lewalf two, a new walk from Lewes to Alfriston

Walk this route
Pyecombe—Lewes

MJRW12345 added Pyelew three, a new walk from Pyecombe to Lewes

Walk this route
Lewes—Hailsham

MJRW12345 added Lewhai two, a new walk from Lewes to Hailsham

Walk this route
Lewes—Uckfield

MJRW12345 added Lewuck two, a new walk from Lewes to Uckfield

Walk this route
Lewes

MJRW12345 surveyed Lewes

View facilities

I think this route needs a complete rethink between Barcombe Mills and Uckfield - probably best to join it up with Buguck. Will try and walk it myself and provide a .gpx at some point soon....

MJRW12345

Walk this route
Lewes

Semibreve surveyed Lewes

View facilities
Lewes

danravenellison surveyed Lewes

View facilities
Burgess Hill—Lewes

johnadler added Burlew one, a new walk from Burgess Hill to Lewes

Walk this route
Lewes—Alfriston

Slow Ways added Lewalf one, a new walk from Lewes to Alfriston

Walk this route
Lewes—Hailsham

Slow Ways added Lewhai one, a new walk from Lewes to Hailsham

Walk this route
Lewes—Newhaven

Slow Ways added Lewnew one, a new walk from Lewes to Newhaven

Walk this route
Lewes—Uckfield

Slow Ways added Lewuck one, a new walk from Lewes to Uckfield

Walk this route
Peacehaven—Lewes

Slow Ways added Pealew one, a new walk from Peacehaven to Lewes

Walk this route
Pyecombe—Lewes

Slow Ways added Pyelew one, a new walk from Pyecombe to Lewes

Walk this route
Pyecombe—Lewes

Slow Ways added Pyelew two, a new walk from Pyecombe to Lewes

Walk this route
Woodingdean—Lewes

Slow Ways added Woolew one, a new walk from Woodingdean to Lewes

Walk this route
1

Lewes, Sat 27 April

13°

Light rain

Lewes’s Slow Ways starting point

Grid ref

TQ4161409815

Lat / Lon

50.87049° / 0.01125°

Easting / Northing

541,614E / 109,815N

Fancy stretching your legs a bit more?

If you’ve polished off all of the routes between Lewes and its neighbours, how about walking its whole web?

This includes the great ring of routes that join its neighbours to each other!

Facilities

Users have reported that the following facilities can be found within 1km of Lewes's meeting point

Public toilet

Wheelchair accessible toilet

Supermarket or convenience shop

Restaurant, cafe or pub

Accommodation

Accommodation for under £50 a night

Campsite

Bothy

Free wifi

Mobility scooter hire

Off-road wheelchair hire

Disabled Parking

Train station

Bus stop

Ferry

Official ‘Walkers are Welcome’ town

Help us improve this information by signing up or logging in and carrying out a quick survey of Lewes