Autumn is a great time to explore the countryside and see the changing seasons unfold. Being situated between the South Downs National Park and the south coast and with numerous nature reserves and riverside and canal paths, the area around Bognor Regis provides superb walking opportunities. This part of the UK also receives the most hours of sunshine per year so the chances of seeing the russet leaves under blue skies are very good. Here are six of our favourite autumn walks to enjoy, all within a 35-minute drive or less of Bognor Regis.
Arundel Castle and the Arun River Walks
A great autumn walk nine miles from Bognor Regis, which includes beautiful views, history and several great pubs along the way, is the walk from Arundel Castle along the river to the Black Rabbit pub and beyond. Enjoy the sights of atmospheric Arundel and its castle before taking a stroll alongside the River Arun and enjoying a pub lunch and finally heading back towards the castle. You can find out more about Arundel here. If you want to extend the walk, continue walking close to the River Arun and the path will take you through South Stoke and North Stoke and then on towards the historic village of Amberley. Depending on how fit you’re feeling, you can continue steeply uphill to the South Downs Way, Amberley Mount and Rackham Hill for peaceful views of the surrounding countryside.
Arundel castle by Thomas Dutour
Pagham Harbour and Sidlesham Quay
This easy 1.9-mile trail, perfect for pushchairs, is located ten miles to the west of Bognor Regis and offers scenic views that make it ideal for hiking, walking and bird watching. Explore the Pagham Harbour local nature reserve and enjoy gazing across across the vast expanse of tidal salt marsh, mud flats and lagoons, which are renowned for attracting a wide range of birds such as black-tailed godwits and little egrets.
Slindon Estate and Stane Street
Slindon Estate is 3,500 acres of Sussex woodland, farmland, downland and pretty villages nine miles to the north. There are 25 miles of public footpaths and bridleways and over 900 acres of open access woodland. In places you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the sea and the South Downs. Try the substantial Stane Street Trails if you fancy a challenge. This route, formerly a straight Chichester to London Roman road, takes you through beautiful forests for delightful autumn views.
Whiteways, Houghton Forest
Whiteways Woods, approximately 10 miles to the north-east of Bognor Regis, comes with a maze of pathways to choose from as you enjoy lovely wooded areas and several hills. The children will love exploring the woods, which are perfect for making dens and spotting wildlife ranging from raptors in the sky to deer among the trees. You can also head on up to Bury Hill and take in panoramic views of the South Downs.
The World’s End and Patching Circular Walk
If you are looking for a shorter walk, follow the A27 towards Worthing and you’ll come across the 3.2-mile World’s End and Patching Circular Walk, a 15-mile drive to the north-east of Bognor Regis. This is a great route for the whole family thanks to the gentle gradient throughout. The path leads you through open meadows filled with wildflowers and woodland areas. Stop at the lovely World’s End pub or the Fox Inn in Patching for a bite to eat and one of the renowned Sussex ales.
Cissbury Ring
If you want to explore further afield, 19 miles from Bognor Regis is the fascinating National Trust Cissbury Ring, near Findon. Again, you’ll be guaranteed fine views of the South Downs and all the wildlife there is to see, including wild ponies. It’s perfect for lots of outdoor adventures with the family and walks can be as long or as short and as steep or flat as you like.
Cissbury – Findon
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