Walk 1: Saltdean to Telscombe Loop

Walk from Saltdean to Telscombe to enjoy spectacular views. Find details about the walk and directions from the nearest bus stop.

About this walk

This walk takes in Telscombe Tye, an ancient, protected expanse of common downland in Sussex. Situated within the South Downs National Park, it uniquely stretches all the way to the seafront between Saltdean and Telscombe Cliffs.

Enjoy spectacular views of the sea from Brighton to Newhaven on a clear day. 

The land features ancient Bronze Age burial mounds.  A historical restricted byway (the ‘funeral track’) runs down the middle, once famously used by funeral processions and notorious smugglers.

Telscombe village and church are also on this route. This is an ancient village tucked away in the Downs. It is only accessible by a narrow meandering downland road. Because of this, it is quiet and retains a lot of character. The church is 11th and 12th century sitting in the rural idyll of this village.  

Image credit to The Living Coast
People walking a cycling in the countryside.

Map of Saltdean to Telscombe Loop route

There are 2  maps you can use to navigate this route.

You can download and:

Directions

Bus number 27 Coaster, Grand Ocean stop

  1. From the bus stop at the junction with Wicklands Avenue, walk up Longridge Avenue. Pass the bridleway gate and walk up the track until you come to a junction.
  2. Turn right and follow the bridleway past the house, go through the gate and cross Telscombe Tye. Walk past the dew pond to the next junction with the old byway.
  3. Turn left and walk down the road into Telscombe village and turn right up the bridleway immediately after the church. Walk to the top, through the gate and turn right onto the track.
  4. Turn right along Telscombe Road and take the bridleway track heading off the road on the bend. Follow the bridleway past two cattle grids to the bend, where you can either walk across the Tye or you can continue along the track back to the old byway and retrace your steps back towards the house.
  5. Continue back along the bridleway and down Longridge Avenue to the bus stop.

Useful information about this walk

Distance

4.8 miles

Estimated time

2 hours

Bus service

Number 27 Coaster 

Bus stop

Grand Ocean Stop

Accessibility - surfacing and obstacles

Farm tracks (rutted in places), grass paths, short tarmac sections. Bridleway gates.

More information about our walks

Working landscapes

Many of these walks take you on paths across working farms.

To enjoy it respectfully and responsibly:

  • keep your dog on a lead or under close control
  • bin your litter and dog poo
  • do not disturb livestock and wildlife
  • keep to footpaths, bridleways, byways and access land (as directed)

South Downs National Park

Many of these walks are based on routes that were published by the South Downs Conservation Board, now the South Downs National Park. 

Go to their website for inspiration on walking routes in the Downs.