Newhaven Health Walk

Description

Discover the beauty and tranquility of the South Downs National Park within easy reach of Newhaven. The walk passes through the Ouse Estuary Nature Reserve and visits Seaford Beach en-route to the historic settlement of Tide Mills. Great views to Seaford Head and over Seaford Bay can be enjoyed plus the opportunity to see some rare flora and fauna.

The Ouse estuary was formed thousands of years ago by the meandering of the River Ouse between the chalk downs near Newhaven and Seaford. The land is shingle and mud and was drained for farming in medieval times and supports a rich variety of wildlife today including more than a hundred types of bird that have been recorded.

Discover Tide Mills which has had many different incarnations including a village, a Hospital, a stable and a base during the war, including a sea plane base! It now features vegetated shingle habitat which is rare in Sussex. Plant species include Kale and Yellow Horned Poppy whilst Ringed Plovers breed on the shingle too.

Route Detail

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)

Allow: Up to 90mins walking

Route: Footpaths and some pavements.

Gradient: Flat with some very small undulations.

Surface: Mainly surfaced / bound gravel with some uneven and unbound paths.

Take the Lead

For a safe and fun visit with your dog please remember to keep them on a lead around liverstock and wildlife. Please keep your dog on a lead between March and August to avoid disturbing the many ground nesting birds found in the area. Always bag and bin your dog poo - any bin will do!

Getting Here:

By Bus: Bus route 12 Brighton-Eastbourne 'Coaster' and route 14 Brighton-Newhaven offers a regular service to Newhaven Town centre. Visit travelinesoutheast.org.uk/se or call 08457 484960 for details.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Newhaven.The Lewes to Seaford line operates a train every 30 mins at weekends and every 15 mins on weekdays. Visit nationalrail.com/uk

Contact

South Downs National Park Authority: 01730 814810