Rolling chalk hills, open ridgelines and miles of well waymarked paths make the South Downs one of the best places in southern England to explore dog friendly walks and hikes. Whether you are after a gentle countryside wander or a longer, leg testing hike, there is plenty of variety spread across the length of the park.
Below are some of the best dog friendly walks in the area, chosen to offer a mix of distances, difficulties and scenery without clustering everything into one corner of the Downs.
1. Seven Sisters Country Park
This iconic stretch of coastline combines dramatic white cliffs with wide grassy paths that feel wonderfully open underfoot. The walk takes you through the Cuckmere Valley before climbing gently onto the clifftops, where the views across the English Channel are hard to beat on a clear day.
Dogs that are comfortable around livestock will love the space here, although leads are often required in grazing areas. The terrain is mostly well maintained, but the climbs can feel steady rather than short and sharp, especially on warmer days.
Distance: 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Off lead potential: Some
Parking: Yes, main country park car park
2. Devil’s Dyke
Devil’s Dyke is a vast natural valley cutting through the Downs, offering one of the most impressive viewpoints in the region. From the car park, several circular routes fan out across open downland, making it easy to tailor the walk to your energy levels.
The wide grassy paths are ideal for confident off lead dogs, and the elevation gives you sweeping views towards the Weald. It can be busy at weekends, so an early start is worthwhile if you prefer a quieter experience.
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Off lead potential: Lots
Parking: Yes, large car park
3. Chanctonbury Ring
This classic South Downs walk centres around the atmospheric ring of beech trees that crown Chanctonbury Hill. The route climbs steadily through open farmland before circling the hillfort, with expansive views in every direction.
It is a shorter walk, but the incline gives it a satisfying feel. Dogs will enjoy the open sections, though leads are often needed around livestock and near the ring itself due to narrow paths.
Distance: 3.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Off lead potential: Some
Parking: Yes, roadside parking nearby
4. Harting Down
Harting Down offers a quieter, more traditional downland feel, with long grassy slopes and fewer crowds than some of the more famous viewpoints. The walk follows the ridge with uninterrupted views towards the Hampshire countryside and the South Downs Way.
The open nature of the landscape makes it a pleasant place for dogs that like to roam, although there are grazing animals at certain times of year. The climb is noticeable but gradual and well worth the effort.
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Off lead potential: Some
Parking: Yes, National Trust car park
5. Butser Hill
As the highest point in the South Downs, Butser Hill delivers wide ranging views and a real sense of space. The chalk grassland paths are well surfaced and the ascent is steady rather than technical.
This is a great option if you want a longer walk without tricky navigation. Dogs will enjoy the open ridges, but leads are often required due to grazing and the exposed nature of the hill.
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Off lead potential: Some
Parking: Yes, dedicated car park
6. Cissbury Ring
Cissbury Ring is one of the largest hillforts in England and sits high above the surrounding countryside. The circular route around the fort is relatively gentle, with plenty of grassy space and far reaching coastal views on clear days.
It is a popular spot with local dog walkers thanks to the short distance and open terrain. Expect livestock at times, but there are usually sections where dogs can stretch their legs.
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Off lead potential: Some
Parking: Yes, National Trust car park
7. Ditchling Beacon
Ditchling Beacon is one of the most recognisable viewpoints in the eastern Downs. The route climbs up onto the ridge before following sections of the South Downs Way, offering long views across Sussex farmland.
The climb is short but steep in places, which gives this walk a harder feel than the mileage suggests. Dogs that are fit and confident will love the open paths, though leads are recommended near the road and viewpoint.
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Off lead potential: Some
Parking: Yes, car park at the beacon
8. Arun Valley Path
For something a little different, the Arun Valley Path offers a flatter, riverside option away from the chalk hills. The route follows the River Arun through meadows and wetlands, providing a peaceful contrast to the exposed ridges elsewhere.
This is a good choice for older dogs or recovery days, with minimal climbing and softer ground. Wildlife is abundant, so recall is important if you plan to let your dog off the lead.
Distance: 5.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Off lead potential: Some
Parking: Yes, various access points
9. Lewes to Southease
This linear walk follows the River Ouse from the historic town of Lewes out into open countryside. It mixes riverside paths with gentle farmland sections and offers plenty of variety without major climbs.
It works well as a relaxed half day walk, especially if you are happy to use public transport or retrace your steps. Dogs will enjoy the quieter sections, but leads are advisable near livestock and along narrower paths.
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Off lead potential: Some
Parking: Yes, at Lewes or Southease
Walking the South Downs With Your Dog: What to Know
The South Downs may look gentle, but conditions can change quickly.
- Pack plenty of water for both you and your dog, especially on exposed ridges where there is little shade.
- Pack essential gear for your dog, including a basic first aid kit, poo bags and a towel.
- A lead is essential, as livestock grazing is common throughout the park.
- Footpaths are generally well marked, but a map or offline GPS is still a good idea if you are heading onto longer routes.
- In summer, chalk paths can be hard underfoot, so consider your dog’s paw comfort and take breaks where needed.
- Inspect your dog for ticks after walks, particularly in the Spring and Summer months.
Map of Dog Friendly Walks in the South Downs
Explore these dog friendly walks across the South Downs National Park using our handy map below. Simply click the pins to get more information on the walk and directions to the nearest car park.
This linear walk follows the River Ouse out of Lewes and into quieter countryside. The route mixes riverside paths with gentle farmland sections, offering variety without the climbs typical of the South Downs ridges.
It works well as a relaxed half-day walk, particularly if you plan to return by train or retrace your steps. Dogs will enjoy the calmer sections, but leads are recommended near livestock and narrower paths.
Distance: 6 miles | 9.7 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Off lead potential: Some
Parking: Yes
This walk offers a gentler alternative to the chalk hills, following the River Arun through meadows and wetlands. Starting from Arundel, the route is largely flat and provides a peaceful, nature-rich experience away from exposed ridgelines.
It is well suited to older dogs or recovery days, though wildlife and livestock mean good recall is important. After heavy rain, some sections can be muddy underfoot.
Distance: 5.5 miles | 8.9 km
Difficulty: Easy
Off lead potential: Some
Parking: Yes
Ditchling Beacon is one of the most recognisable viewpoints in the eastern South Downs. The walk climbs quickly from the car park to the ridge, where sections of the South Downs Way open up long views across Sussex countryside.
Although relatively short, the ascent can feel challenging, especially in warm weather. Dogs that enjoy open ridges will love this route, but leads are advisable near roads and grazing areas.
Distance: 4 miles | 6.4 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Off lead potential: Some
Parking: Yes
Cissbury Ring is one of the largest hill forts in England and offers a short but rewarding circular walk. From the car park, paths lead steadily uphill before circling the fort, with uninterrupted views across farmland and towards the coast on clear days.
This is a popular local dog walking spot thanks to its manageable distance and open terrain. Dogs can enjoy plenty of freedom here, though care is needed near steeper slopes and grazing animals.
Distance: 2.5 miles | 4 km
Difficulty: Easy
Off lead potential: Some
Parking: Yes
As the highest point in the South Downs, Butser Hill offers expansive views and a real sense of elevation. Starting from the upper car park, the route explores open chalk downland with well-defined paths that make navigation straightforward.
The climb is steady rather than steep, making it manageable for most walkers and dogs with reasonable fitness. Due to grazing and exposed edges, dogs should be kept under control throughout the walk.
Distance: 5 miles | 8 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Off lead potential: Some
Parking: Yes
Harting Down feels quieter and more remote than many of the better-known South Downs viewpoints. From the National Trust car park, paths follow the ridge line across open chalk grassland, offering wide views towards Hampshire and the western Downs.
This is a rewarding walk for dogs that enjoy space and calmer surroundings. Grazing livestock are common, so leads may be required at times, but the terrain is generally forgiving and well suited to steady walking.
Distance: 4 miles | 6.4 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Off lead potential: Some
Parking: Yes
This classic South Downs walk climbs gently from farmland up to the atmospheric ring of beech trees that crown Chanctonbury Hill. The summit marks the site of an ancient hill fort and offers panoramic views across the Weald and surrounding downland.
Although not long in distance, the steady ascent gives this walk a satisfying feel. Dogs will enjoy the open slopes, though leads are advised near livestock and along narrower sections around the ring itself.
Distance: 3.5 miles | 5.6 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Off lead potential: Some
Parking: Yes
Devil’s Dyke cuts a huge natural valley through the South Downs and offers one of the most impressive viewpoints in the park. From the car park, a network of paths descends into the valley before looping back along open ridgelines with far-reaching views across Sussex.
The wide grassy tracks make this a favourite with dog walkers, particularly outside peak weekend hours. While there is plenty of space, grazing animals are common, so reliable recall or a lead is essential in certain sections.
Distance: 3 miles | 4.8 km
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Off lead potential: Lots
Parking: Yes
This iconic coastal walk showcases the South Downs at their most dramatic, with rolling chalk grassland giving way to sweeping views over the famous white cliffs. Starting from the Exceat car park, the route leads through the Cuckmere Valley before climbing steadily towards the clifftops, where the scenery feels vast and open.
Dogs will enjoy the space and variety, but this is a working landscape with grazing livestock throughout the year. Leads are recommended near sheep and close to cliff edges, particularly on busy days when visibility and space can feel more limited.
Distance: 4.5 miles | 7.2 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Off lead potential: Some
Parking: Yes
Take your adventures further afield and find even more dog friendly points of interest across the UK with our Wildpack Map, including walks, campsites, beaches and much more.
What’s Nearby?
Dog Friendly Walks in Kent
Chalk ridges, quiet valleys and well marked trails sit just east of the South Downs, making it easy to link longer downland walks across county boundaries.
Dog Friendly Beaches in Kent
Dog friendly beaches along the Kent coast are ideal for pairing inland walking with coastal routes, especially outside peak summer months.
Dog Friendly Walks in New Forest
Ancient woodland, open heathland and free roaming ponies provide a very different walking experience within easy reach of the western Downs.
Surrey Hills
Woodland heavy routes, steeper climbs and panoramic viewpoints offer a natural contrast to the open ridgelines of the South Downs.
Dog Friendly Campsites and Van Stops
The South Downs are surrounded by well placed campsites and small stopovers, making it easy to turn a single walk into a longer outdoor break.
Dog Friendly Walks in Sussex and Hampshire
Rolling countryside, river valleys and woodland routes extend well beyond the park boundary and work well for weekend itineraries.
Final Thoughts
The South Downs offer some of the most accessible and varied dog friendly walking in southern England. With a mix of coastal drama, rolling hills and peaceful river valleys, there is something here for every dog and owner combination.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend or exploring your local patch, these walks are a great starting point. Take your time, respect the landscape and enjoy the freedom that the Downs do so well.