Top three dog friendly walks in Sussex
If, like me, you succumbed to the pressure of getting a lockdown puppy, then this post is for you…as well as for all other dog owners obviously. Based in Mid-Sussex, I am always on the lookout for different local walks to enjoy with our energetic pointer, Dolly ‘Parton’ White. Here are my favourite beach, National Trust and woodland dog walks in East and West Sussex.
My favourite Sussex beach dog walk
I discovered West Beach in Littlehampton, West Sussex, last summer. It is a beautiful mile long sandy beach located next to the River Arun. There is plenty of parking available but I would get there early before the crowds and grab a coffee from West Beach Café. It’s a short stroll to the beach where you will find some of the only sand dunes in Sussex. Dogs can run freely, venturing in the sea and over the sand dunes, and live their best doggy lives digging in the sand. Best of all, there are no restrictions on dogs being welcome on this beach throughout the year. Don’t confuse it with Littlehampton’s East Beach though, where dogs are not allowed.
My favourite Sussex National Trust dog walk
Sheffield Park and Garden in Uckfield, East Sussex, is the closest National Trust location to me and it is also my favourite one. There are four lakes that surround the gardens, with paths circulating the wooded areas. Dogs are always welcome in the gardens here at any time of year but they must be kept on the lead due to livestock. They can enjoy a good run around at East Park though. Walk Wood at Sheffield Park is the ideal place to take your pooch for a walk and it reopens this month following annual wildlife conservation and path preservation. If you’re not a National Trust member and decide not to go into the site itself, you can park for free and walk around the parkland that surrounds it.
My favourite Sussex woodland dog walk
Tucked away in deep woodland in the hamlet of Bedham, East of Petworth, you will find the derelict ruins of an old church and school. The building was constructed in 1880 and has been abandoned for the last 60 years or so. It’s a really thrilling place to discover as some people have reported eerie happenings in the woods. It’s described as being mysterious, untamed and enchanted. There’s plenty of woodland to walk your dog and they can safely be off lead. To find it, you drive up a single lane to the small park and walk down. Some people say it is difficult to find but I found it first time and part of the fun is discovering it for yourself, right?
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