From hiking trips taking in the South Downs to seafront walks, Worthing and its surrounding countryside is filled with some wonderful routes for rambling.
Whether you’re a visitor or a local, you can discover dramatic vistas, woodland glades and historic gems when you pop on your hiking boots and set off on a stroll.
To help you whittle down your options, we’ve rounded up some of the most captivating Worthing walks. Take a look at some of these ideas and see where you want to go on your next adventure.
Woodland walks
There are plenty of woodland walks near Worthing. In Worthing itself, there’s Whitebeam Woods, filled with elm trees, oaks and a picturesque pond. If you’re planning a tour of the woodland in Worthing, leave Whitebeam Woods behind and head to Goring Wood and neighbouring Titnore Wood. Together, they form one of the last areas of ancient woodland on the West Sussex coast. Wander down to the lake on the southern side of Titnore Wood, which is often referred to as Castle Goring Lake – so-named because this area was originally part of the Grade I listed Castle Goring estate.
As well as the beautiful woods in and around the town, there are plenty of circular woodland walks near Worthing for those who are happy to head out and explore the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a majestic meander along the Halnaker circular route, a family-friendly 6.4km loop near Chichester. Walk through an enchanting tree tunnel and stop at Halnaker Windmill, where you can discover its wartime past and ancient foundations.
Hiking trails
Hiking fans are spoilt for choice in this corner of West Sussex. The South Downs has walks near Worthing and out into other parts of this beautiful county, giving both seasoned walkers and novices a range of routes to try.
Close to Worthing is Devil’s Dyke. There are several walking trails here, such as the three-mile Chasm Explorer, where you can follow the legend and discover the Devil’s burial spot and visit an ancient farmstead. For strolls through the flora and fauna, the nature walk around Wolstonbury Hill offers some slightly challenging inclines and pretty flower-lined paths.
For a walking holiday, Worthing is well-placed for seasoned trekkers who want to try the South Downs Way. This 100-mile route begins in the cathedral city of Winchester and ends in Eastbourne, with Worthing close to Amberley, which is one of the main points that can be picked up on this trail. You can try part or all of the route, and on average it takes around eight days to complete it.
Beachside strolls
During your stay in Worthing, seafront walks are a must. This is the perfect way to see the coastal town at its best. Take your time as you wander the five miles of promenade, lined on either side by palm trees. There are plenty of things to do along the way , from visiting the pier to paddling in the water at East Beach.
Should you want to head further out, you can walk to nearby Lancing Beach in around 45 minutes or keep going until you reach Shoreham-by-Sea. This quaint port town is around 90 minutes from Worthing, but there are sea views for lots of the journey, making it the perfect choice for blowing the cobwebs away.
Something different
If you enjoy a theme when you have plans to go for a wander, Worthing has walks that are sure to capture the imagination. History buffs will enjoy the Heritage Trails that take in the town's Victorian past, the parks and gardens, or the seafront that came before what we see today. Simply download the details of the route to your phone and follow the instructions for walks of between 90 minutes and two hours.
Should you love literature, try the West Sussex Literary Trail. This is a 55-mile route that stretches from Horsham to Chichester and runs through Amberley, which is around 13 miles from Worthing. Here, you can explore the region’s ties with Keats, Blake and Shelley while indulging in a scenic trail.
Getting to your Worthing walks
There are plenty of hikes and strolls to try while you’re visiting West Sussex. This county on the south coast is home to challenging trails and gentle inclines that are sure to suit walkers of a range of fitness levels. Whether you want to try some Worthing walks or you’re using the town as a base, you can get here by booking a train to this seaside town. From there, you can take your time to plan your walking trip.