If you’re fortunate enough to live in beautiful Sussex, you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to baby walks, with something to suit all ages, abilities and moods. There’s ambling countryside walks, walks through the deep dark forests and bracing coastal walks. There’s no chance of getting bored by the same old scenery.
It was so hard to whittle down, but here are our 5 favourite baby walks in Sussex…
Ardingly Reservoir
Ardingly Reservoir is a beautiful local nature reserve in Mid Sussex and there are various walking paths from the main car park, either along the eastern shore of the lake, or off towards the Grade II listed Ouse Valley Viaduct.
There are plenty of benches along the lake which are great for picnics, or as a spot to rest whilst taking in the view.
A great walk with little ones is a short scenic loop of about 2.6km, which takes you along the side of the lake and up into a field for a higher view of the lake before circling back to the lake with a beautiful view of the viaduct from afar.
Devil’s Dyke
Devil’s Dyke is a stunning spot on the South Downs with dedicated walking tails by the National Trust. From here, you can enjoy extensive views of the Sussex countryside.
We love this spot for children as you can either choose to park lower down and walk up, taking one of many paths that lead you to the top, or use the main car park right at the top for a stunning view and a little leg friendly meander on the paths from there.
Devil’s Dyke is a popular spot for paragliding, so you can spend time watching them take flight and circle around above you.
Ashdown Forest – Millbrook Circular
We’re lucky to have the Ashdown Forest – home of Winnie the Pooh – on our doorstep and are spoilt for choice when it comes to walks. The Millbrook Circular is a good one, as it’s a manageable 2.7km loop, which is accessible all year round.
The route takes in the Nutley Windmill, as well as a pond, streams and some great views of the forest. In the summer months, there are often sheep and cattle grazing on the route, which the kids love.
The Cuckoo Trail
Popular with cyclists, this picturesque 11-mile trail runs from Heathfield to Polegate and takes the route of the former Cuckoo Line railway track. It’s great for a pushchair walk, and safe for older ones to ride their bikes along. There are plenty of things to spot along the way, including bridges and sculptures, and there are a number of picnic benches where you can stop for some lunch or just to rest little legs.
Seaford promenade
The seafront in Seaford is great, as it has a wide paved path, making it perfect for a stroll with a pushchair and for older ones to ride their bikes or scooters. The beauty of the promenade is that you can make the walk as long or short as you want to. We tend to park in the Buckle car park and walk along to Seaford Head, stopping for an ice cream before walking back.
Do you have a favourite Sussex walk? Let us know.