Discover the best walks & trails in and around Rottingdean
There’s something quietly magical about setting off on foot with the sea at your side and the sky above. In Rottingdean, you’ll find a walker’s paradise where chalk cliff paths, rolling downland and characterful village streets all meet in one remarkable setting.
Just east of Brighton, this historic coastal village offers more than just postcard views. It’s a launchpad for adventures, a home to hidden stories, and a gateway to some of the most captivating walking routes on the South Coast.
From breezy beach walks to countryside loops and dog-friendly rambles, Rottingdean walks offer something for every stride. And the White Horses will be waiting to welcome you back with a warm meal, a sea-view soak or a perfectly poured pint.
Let’s take a walk.
Rottingdean walks: where coast, downs and village meet
Rottingdean walks offer a rich blend of scenery, from windswept cliff paths and rolling downland to the historic charm of the village itself. This is where the South Downs dip their toes in the sea, where chalk trails lead into wide blue skies, and where every route reveals something new.
Whether you're tracing the shoreline, climbing for panoramic views or weaving through heritage streets, the variety of walks around Rottingdean makes it a favourite for locals and visitors alike.
Along the way, you might spot Rottingdean’s windmill turning in the breeze, glimpse Brighton’s silhouette in the distance, or follow in the footsteps of Rudyard Kipling.
The White Horses stands at the meeting point of these routes. It’s your base for a walking escape, a restful stop mid-ramble or the perfect place to end the day. From sea-view suites and roll-top baths to comforting plates and local pints, it’s all here when you’re ready to take the weight off your feet.
The Undercliff Walk (Brighton Marina to Saltdean, via Rottingdean)
This iconic seaside route runs along the base of the chalk cliffs, offering a flat, paved path that stretches between Brighton Marina and Saltdean. Hugging the coastline, the Undercliff Walk is a true sensory experience. Look out for the dramatic rock pools at low tide, seabirds swooping overhead and the shifting tones of the sea as the light changes.
- Distance: 3.2 miles one way
- Time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes at a relaxed pace
- Difficulty: Easy
- Start point: Brighton Marina
- End point: Saltdean Lido (with Rottingdean roughly halfway)
- Accessibility: Fully paved and mostly flat, suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs
Whether you're walking the full route or enjoying a shorter section, this beach walk is ideal for families, casual strollers and anyone keen to soak up the Sussex coastline. When the trail ends and comfort calls, The White Horses is just steps away.
Brighton Marina to Rottingdean walk
This section of the Undercliff route is one of the most popular Rottingdean walks for good reason.
Starting from the bustling Brighton Marina, the path soon gives way to peaceful sea views and the rhythmic sound of waves against chalk. With the cliffs towering above and the open Channel to your right, it’s a refreshing escape just minutes from the city. Keep an eye out for wildflowers in the spring, seabirds soaring overhead and occasional fossil hunters exploring the rocks at low tide.
- Distance: 2.2 miles one way
- Time: Around 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Start point: Brighton Marina
- End point: Rottingdean seafront
- Accessibility: Flat and paved throughout, suitable for wheelchairs and bikes
As you approach Rottingdean, the landscape softens and opens out. Keep an eye out for wildflowers in the spring, seabirds soaring overhead and occasional fossil hunters exploring the rocks at low tide.
Perfect for a morning stretch or a post-lunch amble, this is a beach walk that rewards you with both scenery and stillness (and it finishes right outside The White Horses).
Rottingdean circular walks via Beacon Hill and the windmill
If you're looking for a walk that captures the character of Rottingdean in a single loop, this circular route takes you from the heart of the village to the wide open slopes of Beacon Hill and back again.
It’s a favourite for its blend of coast, countryside and heritage, not to mention the famous black windmill standing tall above the downs.
- Distance: Around 2.5 miles
- Time: 1 to 1.5 hours depending on pace
- Difficulty: Moderate, with some gentle inclines
- Start and end point: Rottingdean village green
- Accessibility: Uneven paths in parts, best suited to sturdy footwear
This route offers a quieter alternative to the beach walk. It’s a great option for those who want to feel the grass underfoot and take in sweeping views of the Channel. It’s also a great choice for dog walking around Rottingdean, with open space to roam and plenty of places to pause.
Rottingdean and Saltdean circular route
This gentle loop links two neighbouring coastal villages, giving walkers a mix of beach views, cliff-top paths and village charm. The Rottingdean and Saltdean circular is a favourite among walkers looking for a beach route with variety, offering a relaxed route with plenty to see and spots to stop along the way.
- Distance: Around 3 miles
- Time: About 1.5 hours at a steady pace
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Start and end point: Rottingdean seafront
- Accessibility: Mix of paved paths and grass tracks, some gentle climbs
This route is popular for dog walking in Rottingdean thanks to its open spaces and easy access to both the beach and the downs. Back at The White Horses, you’ll find water bowls, dog treats and a warm welcome waiting. And for you, perhaps a plate of something delicious, or a quiet corner to rest tired feet.
Kipling, Roedean and Rottingdean circular
This route weaves together literary heritage, coastal beauty and downland calm in one memorable loop. It’s a quieter alternative to the beach walk, offering a chance to step off the seafront and into the layered landscapes that make Rottingdean walks so special.
- Distance: Approximately 4 miles
- Time: Around 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate with some inclines
- Start and end point: Rottingdean village
- Accessibility: Grassy tracks and footpaths, uneven in places
An ideal trail if you’re looking for something a little longer, away from the buzz of the seafront.
Lewes to Rottingdean Downs walk
For those craving a longer countryside route with rewarding sea views at the finish, the walk from Lewes to Rottingdean brings together South Downs splendour with a satisfying coastal descent. It’s one of the more adventurous Rottingdean walks and a firm favourite with seasoned hikers and weekend wanderers alike.
- Distance: Around 8 miles
- Time: 3.5 to 4 hours depending on pace
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Start point: Lewes town centre
- End point: Rottingdean seafront
- Accessibility: Undulating terrain with some steeper sections, not suitable for wheelchairs
Back in Rottingdean, The White Horses stands ready with coastal suites, fresh seasonal dishes and a drink with your name on it. Whether you stay the night or simply pause to reflect on the journey, this is a walk that lingers in memory.
Ovingdean, Woodingdean and Roedean circular walk
This varied circular trail takes you inland and back again, linking the quiet beauty of the South Downs with the drama of the coast. It is one of the lesser-known Rottingdean walks, ideal for those looking to explore peaceful paths and wide open views just moments from the sea.
- Distance: About 5.5 miles
- Time: Around 2.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Start and end point: Ovingdean or Rottingdean
- Accessibility: Mixed terrain with grassy tracks and some steeper climbs
This walk is ideal for anyone wanting a balance of countryside and sea, with enough variety to keep things interesting throughout. It also offers one of the best dog walking routes in Rottingdean, with space to roam and plenty of fresh air.
Dog friendly walks in Rottingdean
With cliff-top trails, open downland and miles of beach to explore, Rottingdean is a favourite for four-legged visitors. The area is rich with space to sniff, splash and stride, making it perfect for dog walking year round.
Many of the Rottingdean walks we’ve shared are well suited to dogs. The Undercliff Walk offers a flat, scenic stretch beside the sea, ideal for a breezy morning stroll.
The circular routes through Beacon Hill and along to Saltdean give more room to roam, with grassy slopes and fresh air in abundance. Kipling’s trail and the Downs walks are also firm favourites, especially if your pup prefers quieter paths and countryside scents.
Keep in mind that some sections, particularly along cliff edges and farmland, may require leads for safety and livestock protection. Beach access may also vary by season, so it’s worth checking local signage before heading down to the shore.
Back at The White Horses, you’ll find a warm welcome for dogs and their humans alike. We offer soft blankets, water bowls and a few treats to help tails keep wagging. Whether you’re popping in after a brisk coastal walk or staying overnight, we make sure every guest – furry or otherwise – feels right at home.
Walk, rest and refuel at The White Horses
Every great walk deserves an equally great ending. Following a stretch along the coast or a ramble through the Downs, The White Horses is just the place to rest your legs and take it all in.
Our hotel is set just a few paces from the sea, with walking routes stretching out in every direction. Explore our rooms to find light-filled suites that look out across the water and roll top baths made for soaking tired legs.
Refuel in our restaurant and bar, where you can enjoy seasonal menus full of local flavour. Whether it’s a warming lunch after a blustery loop or a sunset drink at the Discovery Bar, we’ve got everything you need to round off your day in comfort.
And if your boots are calling you back tomorrow, stay a little longer and book your walking break. With dog friendly hospitality, coastal trails in every direction and a warm welcome waiting, we’re ready whenever you return.