Sussex Trail Running Routes

A varied loop featuring rolling hills, sweeping downland views and bottom sections with ancient chalk escarpments. Great mid-length run that balances climbs with runnable flats.

Distance: 19.5 km
Elevation: 400 m

Start Point: Cliffe High St, Lewes

A route with punchy climbs and sharp descents, passing high viewpoints and historic landmarks. Excellent if you want more elevation and scenic panoramas.

Distance: 18 km
Elevation: 520 m

Start Point: Devils Dyke Car Park

Forest lushness meets open ridge running with this one. Good mix of wooded trails and exposed hilltops — ideal for elevation training and changing terrain.

Distance: 19.5 km
Elevation: 563 m

Start Point: High & Over Car Park

Extensive distances with classic downland heritage, hill forts, and ridge line sections. Perfect for those wanting a longer, steady challenge with interesting features.

Distance: 21.5 km
Elevation: 450 m

Start Point: Lancing Ring Car Park

Highest climb in this list — expect coastal cliffs, dramatic drops and rugged terrain. Big views, big reward; suited to more experienced trail runners or those wanting to test themselves.

Distance: 21.5 km
Elevation: 750 m

Start Point: Birling Gap Car Park

Woodland trails interspersed with gentle climbs and open heathland. Great for enjoying forest cover, mixed surfaces, and a more tranquil trail running experience.

Distance: 20km
Elevation: 520m

Start Point: Lower Road Car Park, Forest Row

Shorter option with sharp points of interest: steep-up climbs, wooded bottoms, and panoramic vistas. A compact route that’s punchy without being too long.

Distance: 15.5 km
Elevation: 320 m

Start Point: Cliffe High St, Lewes

A classic South Downs ridge run linking three iconic high points. Expect big climbs, sweeping panoramas, and a mix of fast ridgelines with tough ascents.

Distance: 21km
Elevation: 650m

Start Point: Ditchling Beacon Car Park

A challenging downland loop with steady climbs, ridge-line running and far-reaching views. A great long run for building endurance with plenty of elevation variety.

Distance: 23km
Elevation: 675m

Start Point: The Dene Car Park, Alfriston

A coastal loop combining riverside paths, chalk downland and dramatic cliff-top running. Steady climbs with rewarding sea views make this a versatile mid-distance route.

Distance: 20km
Elevation: 330m

Start Point: Southease Train Station

A classic downland route linking Lewes with two iconic summits. Steady climbs lead through Firle Park to Mount Caburn and Firle Beacon, where sweeping ridge-line views stretch across the South Downs and out to the coast.

Distance: 21km
Elevation: 650m

Start Point: Cliffe High St, Lewes

A flowing route that blends coastal paths with quiet downland valleys. Gentle climbs and runnable sections make it ideal for a steady long run with sweeping views of the Seven Sisters.

Distance: 23km
Elevation: 350m

Start Point: Seaford Martello Tower

A downland loop linking two historic villages, with castle views, riverside paths along the Arun, and open ridgelines. A varied run that blends heritage, scenery and flowing trails.

Distance: 20km
Elevation: 440m

Starting Point: Arundel Museum

A scenic downland loop linking ancient churches and the Long Man hill figure. Gentle climbs and flowing trails make it a rewarding cultural and landscape run.

Distance: 18km
Elevation: 350m

Start Point: Berwick Train Station

A point-to-point adventure following the Saxon Shore Way and 1066 Country Path. Rolling coastal hills lead past Winchelsea and Camber Castle, finishing with wide coastal views into Rye.

Distance: 22km
Elevation: 550m

Start Point: Rock-a-Nore Car Park, Hastings