Ouse Valley Walk

Route Description for Ouse Valley Walk

The Ouse Valley Walk is a beautiful stroll along the countryside; however, there are multiple kissing gates, stiles, gates and fences that you will need to navigate in order to stay on the path. This area can also be quite muddy in the wetter months, so ensure that you have a great pair of walking boots. This path is great to travel on throughout the year; however, the best months to reduce muddy areas and blocked passageways would be to try this walk in the late spring and summer months.

This walk showcases the traditional English countryside and has incredible scenery throughout. Travelling through the Ouse Valley, Southease and Rodmell Village, you will come across many ancient churches that are the fabric of this area's history. Some of them date back as far as the 12th century. Wandering along the English countryside you will see sheep, cattle and maybe even a roaming pony grazing in the meadows.

This path begins in Southease at the railway station and as you walk you will cross the bridge that hangs over the River Ouse. You will come to a gate which you will pass through and continue to walk along the riverbank for about 1.6 km. After you cross the second kissing gate, you will turn and walk down the hill of the embankment.

Follow the bridleway track that will take you across The Brooks. After you pass this, you will come across Rodmell Village, where you can stop and admire the beautiful churches. Monk’s House pub will be on your left and this is a great spot to take a break and enjoy a pint and a bite to eat. When you are finished, continue to the road marked Barley Field and turn right. Look for Place Bungalow and turn left down the footpath. When you reach a junction, turn right and head across a large field.

Turn right onto the road that appears and follow the grassy path until you reach Northease Manor, turn left up the concrete track and climb up the downs. At the top, you will find South Downs Way, follow this path where you will cross Mill Hill and go left through the gate. Continue along South Downs Way and make your way downhill where you will navigate through a gate.

You will find yourself at another gate, go through and follow South Downs Way on the farm track. You will arrive at a fenced paddock, turn right here and then turn right up the road. Go straight until you reach Southease Village, where you will see another church that you can explore. When you are done, follow the main road back to where you began.

Insider Hints for Ouse Valley Walk

• Take a break at the Monk House or the Abergavenny Arms for a bite to eat or a pint
• If you want to extend your holiday, book a night or two at the Brooks’s Lodge in Newhaven
• Visit the Seaford beach for a swim on a hot summer's day after taking your walk through Ouse Valley
• The Newhaven fort is a site to see nearby that has been there since 1548
• If you are looking for adventure, take a trip to another country on the DFDS Seaways Ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe, France