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Best dog friendly hiking trails in West Sussex
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Best dog friendly hiking trails in West Sussex

Every dog deserves a day out, right? Grab the leash and hit these dog-friendly trails where your pup can sniff, wag, and explore to their heart’s content alongside you.

Here are some great trails to explore in West Sussex.

Most popular trails

1

Easy

East Head and Ellanore Circular Walk

West Sussex, England · star 0.0 (0) · 7.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 26 min

2

Easy

Horsham Park and Warnham Park Loop

West Sussex, England · star 4.0 (4) · 11.7 km · Est. 2 hrs 29 min

3

Easy

Up Marden Walk

West Sussex, England · star 0.0 (0) · 2.7 km · Est. 37 min

4

Medium

Devil's Dyke Chasm Explorer

West Sussex, England · star 5.0 (2) · 4.8 km · Est. 1 hrs 15 min

5

Easy

Henfield and Woodmancote Loop

West Sussex, England · star 0.0 (0) · 7.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 34 min

6

Easy

River Arun Loop - Horsham

West Sussex, England · star 5.0 (2) · 4.2 km · Est. 55 min

7

Easy

Arundel Castle and Wetland Centre Loop Walk

West Sussex, England · star 5.0 (1) · 7.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 40 min

8

Easy

Compton to Compton Down

West Sussex, England · star 4.0 (1) · 5.2 km · Est. 1 hrs 14 min

9

Easy

Northpark Wood and Parham Airfield Loop

West Sussex, England · star 5.0 (2) · 7.8 km · Est. 1 hrs 45 min

10

Easy

Black Down and Fish Pond Loop - Lye Wood

West Sussex, England · star 5.0 (4) · 6.2 km · Est. 1 hrs 31 min

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Reviews for dog friendly hiking trails in West Sussex

No reviews available for East Head and Ellanore Circular Walk.

Darnell Kassulke avatar

Horsham Park and Warnham Park Loop

HorizonTrailguardian77 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

No reviews available for Up Marden Walk.

Tom Aykroyd avatar

Devil's Dyke Chasm Explorer

Tom A · reviewed over 2 years ago

star star star star star

A beautiful short walk around and through a delightful dry valley. Varied scenery with woodland, hill-top and farmland sections. Spectacular views from the top.

No reviews available for Henfield and Woodmancote Loop.

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in West Sussex

What is the climate like for hiking in England?

In England, hiking in the spring (March to May) sees milder temperatures and flourishing wildlife, however trails may be muddy due to showers. Summer (June to August) offers the most stable weather with longer daylight hours but trails can be crowded, especially in national parks. Autumn (September to November) can be wetter but displays vibrant fall colours.

Winter hiking (December to February) is more challenging due to short days and colder, often unpredictable weather. Snowfall can make some trails inaccessible. Always check the weather forecast and equip accordingly. Experienced hikers may enjoy the tranquility and stark beauty of the winter landscape. 

Ultimately, the best time to hike in England depends on personal preferences and preparedness. England's official tourist site (https://www.visitengland.com/) provides in-depth information about various hiking trails and their seasonal characteristics. Be sure to research specific areas as climate can vary across the country.

Do I need a permit to hike in England?

In England, the "Right to Roam" allows hikers access to certain public lands without a permit. Some areas like national parks or Sites of Special Scientific Interest may have specific rules. Before hiking, check with the landowner, National Trust, or local council. Information on access rights can be found on the Natural England website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-access-land-management-rights-and-responsibilities).

Is wild camping allowed in England?

Wild camping in England is generally not allowed without landowner permission, except in some parts of Dartmoor National Park. Breaching this can result in fines. It's advised to use official campsites or seek landowner consent for a more immersive experience. For more, visit the Dartmoor National Park's website (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/camping).

Are there mountain rescue services in England?

In emergencies while hiking in England, dial 999 and ask for the police, then request Mountain Rescue. The Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is a volunteer-run organization that provides assistance in upland and lowland areas. More information can be found on their website (https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/).

Are there dangerous plants in England?

England's diverse hiking trails present a range of flora. Expect bluebells in ancient woodlands, gorse on coastal paths, and heather on moorlands. In protected areas, refrain from picking or damaging plants. The Woodland Trust provides more details on the UK's native species (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in England?

While hiking in England, you may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species. Beware of ticks in tall grass and midges in damp, shaded areas. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (https://www.rspb.org.uk/) offers useful information on encountering wildlife responsibly.

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